Meet our team of music education specialists.
Dragon of the North employs only high-quality professional musicians who regularly perform both in the UK and internationally, and who have an in-depth understanding of music making and the music business. All Dragon of the North teachers have an absolute commitment to music in education and to musical opportunities for all pupils. We are the specialists in whole class music teaching.
Dan Mitchell, Director
Daniel is a bassist, composer and educator. He grew up in Hertfordshire and benefited from the Counties music service playing in a variety of music and jazz ensembles.
He studied music at Salford University majoring in composition and performance. After graduating, Daniel co-founded the community arts organisation "Umbrella" before founding Dragon Of The North in 2003.
Daniel has worked extensively in music education with organisations such as Man Met University (teacher training), Sure Start, IOU theatre company, Bolton Youth service, Stockport youth service, Salford Youth Service and Unity.
Will Street
Will has been teaching assorted primary school classes for 15 years, helping youngsters with violin, composition, drumming and singing. He conducted youth orchestras for Kingston Music and Arts Service for 7 years, coached violin and chamber music at Middlesex University, tutors music theory, and has extensive experience as a violin teacher. He is fluent in computer software programs Pro Tools, Melodyne and Finale, and relishes the opportunity to pass on knowledge both technical and musical to a new generation.
Will is also a sought-after violinist and a keen songwriter. Musicians he has performed with include Shirley Horn, Steven Tyler, and Michael Brecker at Carnegie Hall. He holds degrees from Berklee College of Music, where he was a scholarship student, and Cambridge University.
Marc Rapson
Marc is a multi-instrumentalist, producer and educator from Hertfordshire with over 10 years experience teaching Foundation Stage to Further Education Level 3.
In 2016 he completed his Professional Certificate in Education (PCE) achieving the Merit Award for Outstanding Achievement. During his tenure at Hertfordshire College of Music (HCM) Marc became Curriculum Manager for the Production pathway, overseeing curriculum design and delivery across 3 campuses.
Marc has performed on Later with Jools Holland on BBC2, and toured around the world with Kim Wilde and Ben Westbeech. He is a signed artist and producer, working with Defected, Futuristica and Friday Fox and has remixed for Marvin Gaye and Sarah Vaughan, both of which were played on BBC Radio 1 and Radio 2.
Carley Broom
After studying for an HND in Performing Arts at North Herts College, Carley toured with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra under Bill Ashton OBE, performing at Ronnie Scott's and the Jazz Cafe. In 2003 she joined the cast of the West End production of ABBA Mania, with which she toured all over the world. Other stage roles include the narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Peter Pan in Peter Pan-Cardiff, and Marion in Hood the Musical.
A sought-after session vocalist, Carley has also performed extensively on international TV and radio. Appearances include Good Morning Australia, RTHK Radio 3 Hong Kong, Radio Venezuela, and Good Morning America. Carley has many years of teaching experience working with children and adults alike. She plays multiple instruments, and enjoys being able to pass on a wide range of life-enhancing skills to children in her role with Dragon Of The North.
Jessica Hodge
Jessica trained at Bodywork Company in Cambridge, completing a three-year course in Performing Arts. Since then she has spent many years working as a vocalist with various bands and has been lucky enough to travel the world, gaining invaluable musical experience.
Music has always been a huge part of her life, which recently she has sought to inspire in others through teaching. Jessica joined the Dragon of the North team in September 2016, after previously working as a vocal coach and music teacher for various schools and colleges in and around Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire, working with students of all ages.
Gavin Skeggs
Gavin is an experienced professional vocalist who regularly performs, records and writes music alongside his work in education. At 18, he co-wrote and performed a prize-winning song entry for the Daily Telegraph's Young Jazz Composer competition. He studied music at Liverpool University, majoring in voice and composition.
With a rich, strong and versatile voice, Gavin sings a wide range of music, and in his career to date has worked with numerous bands and producers. He performs regularly at Ronnie Scotts Jazz Club, has supported Pink, Limp Bizkit and Status Quo, and has appeared on BBC and ITV.
As an educator, he was a lecturer in pop music in several Further Education colleges, before joining the Dragon of the North team four years ago. Whether teaching classes or directing live practical workshop sessions, Gavin has always encouraged the idea that music can help nurture positive social and academic development in all.