Alastair McGrath-Kerr

Drummer/percussionist Alastair McGrath-Kerr is a highly experienced teacher and performer, teaching in the jazz program at Monash University, and in a number of schools. He holds a PhD from the University of Melbourne (VCA), and is an active performer in Melbourne's jazz and Brazilian music scenes. Alastair has extensive experience in helping drummers achieve their goals. He has worked with VCE students (Solo Performance, and Investigation), exam students (AMEB, SCSM), as well as helping students successfully prepare for tertiary auditions. He is experienced in teaching students from beginner to advanced levels, in a wide range of styles. As an educator, Alastair is sought out for his excellent pedagogical knowledge. His students benefit from his extensive research, and from his own experiences as a student with a number of world-class drummers and percussionists, including John Riley, Scott Kettner and Ari Hoenig (US), Roberta Valente, Jorge Alabe, Celso de Almeida and Edu Ribeiro (Brazil), and Australian drummers including Simon Barker, David Jones and Hamish Stuart. Alastair is recognized as one of Australia’s leading Brazilian percussionists and drummers, and is in demand as a performer of jazz and Brazilian music as well as freelancing in a variety of styles. Alastair also specializes in teaching pandeiro and other Brazilian percussion. Credit and debit cards accepted.