our tutors

jonny Ball

Jonny | Founder & Director of Music

GUITAR/BASS/UKULELE

Since LIPA, Jonny has toured the UK and Europe with acts like The Libertines and Feeder. With recording credits alongside producers for Coldplay and Blossoms, he brings major‑label experience to teaching. For 10 years, he’s designed our learning pathways and mentored students of all ages.

Black-and-white photo of a man with glasses and curly hair playing an electric bass guitar.

PETE RIGBY

Pete | Founder & Director of Music

GUITAR/BASS/UKULELE

Pete has worked on stage, in the workshop, and in the classroom. After graduating from Sheffield University, he spent twenty years performing styles from rockabilly to pop while running school music departments. As a pro luthier and experienced teacher, he started Rigby Music to give students both practical instrument skills and strong musical teaching.

A woman wearing headphones and overalls, singing into a microphone in a recording studio.

Katie B

Katie | Keyboard & Singing

University of Manchester music graduate Katie blends classical and operatic training with jazz, folk and pop. A Manchester scene regular, she balances Rigby Music work with a busy freelance career, touring the UK and playing festivals like Green Man and Victorious. Experienced in 1:1 and group teaching, she tailors lessons to each student, focusing on technique and creative performance to share the benefits of music-making.

A man playing an acoustic guitar in a black-and-white photograph.

paul o

Paul O | Guitar, Bass & Ukulele

Paul has 40+ years’ experience on the European and Irish touring circuits. A former college lecturer, his bass and guitar work has supported artists like Michael McGoldrick (Mark Knopfler Band) and Sean Regan. Skilled in walking jazz, slap bass, acoustic songwriting and advanced lead, Paul pairs deep technical knowledge with decades of teaching—mentoring beginners to advanced players across genres.

Black and white portrait of a woman with shoulder-length curly hair, smiling, wearing earrings and a light-colored top, standing in front of a plain background.

louise d

Louise | Percussion & Ukulele

Louise is a seasoned Manchester percussionist, credited on BBC Radio Manchester. She leads high-energy drum workshops and school programs, bringing professional, infectious rhythm. Her work with the NHS and TOG Mind adds empathy; she specialises in teaching all ages and students with additional learning needs, making music accessible and empowering.

A man playing drums in a room with dark curtains background, wearing a white long sleeve shirt.

tom F

Tom | Drums, Guitar & Ukulele

First Class Honours in Popular Music Performance, Tom blends academic rigour with a lively session career — from jazz fusion to UK tours — and is well known around Manchester venues. His teaching: get students playing music they love from day one, using methods inspired by Gary Chaffee to build strong foundations for all ages. Fun fact: he introduced The Who at the Royal Albert Hall.

A young man playing an electric guitar in black and white, focused on his performance.

Max h

Max | Guitar, Drums, Ukulele & Keyboard

University of Hull Creative Music Technology graduate Max is a multi-instrumentalist and electronic producer with 15+ years’ experience. He’s played major UK festivals and supported Her’s on tour. Now a fixture in the Manchester scene, Max produces ambient music and teaches across Greater Manchester, blending traditional instruments with modern, tech-driven sound.

Black and white photo of a man with shoulder-length curly hair and a beard, wearing a patterned sweater, against a plain background.

Dan p

Dan | Drums, Guitar, Keyboard, Ukulele

Dan is a session drummer who performs and records across multiple styles. He teaches advanced drums plus guitar, keyboard and ukulele, and runs school ensembles for all ages. He also leads music workshops for young people with special educational needs, delivers health and wellbeing music projects for adults, and has experience as a youth worker facilitating music sessions.

A man with messy hair singing into a microphone while playing an electric guitar.

TOM M

Tom M | Guitar, Drums & Bass

A versatile multi-instrumentalist, Tom pairs industry knowledge with a knack for teaching. His wide-ranging career informs a broad skillset he shares with students. Tom tailors lessons to individual goals, helping players reach their potential while keeping music fun and rewarding.

INterested in joining the team?

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