MIKE DOLBEAR
Mike has been a professional drummer for over 40 years having studied with some of the greatest teachers including Kenny Clare, Max Abrams and Bob Armstrong. He has worked in a variety of musical settings, including studio, TV, musical theatre and backing cabaret cover bands and continues to contribute to the global drumming community.
After ending a 10 year residence at The Talk Of London, Mike set up his own teaching studio in North London, helping many professional students and teachers including Cherisse Osei (Mika), Kapil Trivedi (Mystery Jets), Steve Forrest (Placebo), Mark Richardson (Skunk), Emily Dolan Davies (Bryan Ferry/ Tricky) to name but a few. In 2000, his book “Rhythm and Fills” was published and sold globally, coinciding with the launch of Mikedolbear.com - now one of the biggest drum media outlets in the world - and the launch of the Young Drummer of the Year.
In 2012, Mike was responsible for coordinating and teaching 1000 drummers for the London Olympics opening ceremony with Danny Boyle and Rick Smith. His involvement in other mass drumming events include the 2013 Champions league final at Wembley, Guinness World Record for over 1800 drummers and a 2021 Ladbrokes TV commercial featuring 180 drummers.
Mike continues to consult for several major record labels and management companies, along with various TV stations, coordinating drum features for the BBC, CBBC and ITV.