Jonno

About Jonno

Jonno Smyth – Drummer · Educator · Content Creator

With over 15 years of live & touring experience, I am a seasoned rock drummer based on the South-Coast of England whose journey has taken me across the UK and Europe. Professionally performing with the high-energy rock anthem show Nothing But A Good Time, I’ve rocked venues in the UK, Ireland, Northern Ireland and continental Europe, and delivered powerful performances with full drum-cam footage and multi-angle content for my growing online audience.

Earlier in my career I co-founded original bands including Voodoo Vegas and Black Tree Vultures, working with Grammy-nominated producers and sharing stages with industry legends. A proud former endorsee of Natal Drums, I’ve maintained a strong relationship with the brand I trust and still play today. My primary kit – a Natal Ash Series in Swirl White (2013) – has backed hundreds of shows and driven my touring rig for more than a decade.

As a tutor, I bring this experience into every lesson. My teaching philosophy places feel over theory, focusing on groove, confidence, and individual student growth. I offer one-to-one and group lessons across Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch and wider Dorset, covering beginners to seasoned players. With flexible scheduling, tailored content and an emphasis on fun and musicality, my lessons empower students to develop both technique and creative voice.

Separate from lessons, I produce drum-cam videos, live show highlights and digital drum-content under my brand Sticks & Stories. These videos give followers an inside look at touring life, behind-the-kit views and professional performance workflow, reinforcing my role not only as a performer but as a creator and educator in the modern music landscape.

Career highlights:

Touring the UK & Europe with Nothing But A Good Time (headlining rock-anthem venues and festivals)

Original band development: Co-founder of Black Tree Vultures (signed with producers including Romesh Dodagoda, Will Maya & John Mitchell)

Featured in live footage and educational content, with full drum-cam releases for major classic-rock covers and originals

Long-term use of high-end gear such as Natal Drums and Meinl Cymbals, demonstrating professional equipment integration and stage reliability

Drum tutor with 50+ private students to date, combining gig-level experience with accessible teaching methods

Teaching services include:

One-hour, 30-minute and 20-minute sessions

Home-visits and remote lesson options

All ages and skill-levels welcome

Tailored lessons emphasising groove, performance readiness, and musical fun

Driven by the belief that music is freedom and rhythm is the heartbeat of life, I continue to tour, teach, create and connect. Whether on stage or in the lesson studio, I’m here to make sound, memories and good times.