Colin Woolway was due to lead a clinic on practice pad exercises at this year’s show. Sadly, Colin passed away earlier this year, and he’s very much missed by everyone who knew him.

We couldn’t imagine simply removing his slot, so we’ve kept it in his honour. This session is a chance to come together and celebrate the teaching and philosophy Colin spent a lifetime sharing with drummers of every level.

It’ll be led by his good friend Gabor Dornyei, who’ll cover the fundamentals Colin cared about most.

About Colin

Colin was a veteran session drummer who played and taught professionally from 1976. His career took in theatre pits, jazz residencies, cabaret and variety shows, eight years with Suzi Quatro, and stadium tours in front of 30,000 people, as well as plenty of scout huts and muddy gardens along the way.
He founded the Drumsense teaching programme, wrote the Drumsense books and DVDs, and contributed a monthly column to Rhythm magazine for over 20 years. He taught at studios in Twickenham, The Brit School and East London Arts & Music, and presented clinics, masterclasses and lectures right up until the end.

When asked what inspired him, Colin’s answer was simple: listening to other musicians, playing and talking, and always learning something new from the music and the wisdom around it. His advice to the next generation came down to three words: Listen. Concentrate. Persevere. LCP.

About Gabor Dornyei

Gabor and Colin were friends for almost 20 years. When Gabor relocated to London, Colin was the first person to give him an opportunity, and that gave him hope at a time when it meant everything.
They shared countless drum shows and events over the years, and Colin was there for the moments that mattered: supporting Gabor at the opening of his Harrow Drum School in 2018, and, most recently, joining him in the dressing room of their mutual hero Billy Cobham at Ronnie Scott’s.

Gabor is one of the most in-demand session drummers, soloists and clinicians of his generation, having performed around the world, played on over 100 albums and shared the stage with the likes of Steve Gadd and Gavin Harrison. He’s also a passionate educator, serving as Head of Drums at DIME-ONLINE, drum faculty at ICMP London and Visiting Professor at the Swiss Drum Academy.

Join us

Come along to celebrate Colin’s life, his work and everything he achieved. Bring your sticks and your full attention, and join us in paying tribute to a drummer and teacher who gave so much to so many.

Colin Woolway, 1959 – 2026