Ben Hartley

Ben has been playing drum kit and percussion since 1992. He graduated with honours from The Guildhall School of Music and Drama in 2006 and has since worked as a freelance drummer and percussionist in bands, musicals, operas and orchestras throughout the UK and Europe.
Theatre work has included performing in Dracula the musical at the Soho theatre, pantomimes with evolution productions at multiple venues across England, plus dance projects at Sadler’s Wells with Hofesh Shechter. He has also been involved with various shows, operas and musicals in theatres in London, Berkshire, Hampshire, Surrey, Hertfordshire and across Scotland.
Ben has extensive experience teaching at all levels and in diverse educational settings. He has taught for music services, private schools, musical charities and individual private lessons, both online and in person. He has also ran workshops and is currently running an after school music club for primary school pupils.
Ben played drum kit in the backing band for both seasons of Daphne sounds expensive, a comedy sketch show for radio 4, recorded in the BBC radio theatre and Maida Vale studios. He is a member of the progressive rock band ‘I am the manic whale’, who have released four studio albums and one live album. In 2023 they completed a UK tour to promote the newest album, Bumper book of mystery stories.
Ben has also played many orchestral and choral concerts around the country and has an extensive knowledge of the classical music reportoire. He was the drummer for the function band Something borrowed who played for parties, weddings and corporate functions around the UK for over 10 years.

If you have a keen eye you can see Ben as a marching drummer in the first Captain America film. He was also involved in the London 2012 Olympics, recording percussion for one of the mascot short films and playing drums for the opening ceremony.
Ben has toured India with Anglo Indian music productions, Europe with Sir Colin Davis and the UK with Opera Della Luna.