British Music Experience presents The Practice Room, a series of mentoring sessions that allow musicians to learn from professional players and songwriters.

Session 1: Monday 17 September 2012 7pm - 9pm

Launching the sessions was Ian Paice, legendary drummer with hugely influential rock titans Deep Purple. Having served behind the kit since 1968, he is the only continuous member of the band. As such, he is also the only member to have played on every single record they have released. Not only has he worked relentlessly throughout his career with Deep Purple, he has also collaborated with a wide variety of other musicians and bands, playing with Whitesnake, Gary Moore, George Harrison and Paul McCartney amongst many others.

Deep Purple are considered one of the hardest working bands in the world, and combined with his other many and varied collaborations, Ian has toured extensively, wowing audiences the world over. During this busy tour schedule Ian has also found time to run drum clinics, making him a pro at both playing and communicating how to play. Making this session a unique platform and opportunity for those whose chosen instrument is the drums.

Sunday 23 September (moved from Sunday 5 August) 2012 - 2pm

Tony’s career as a professional songwriter, performer and musician spans more than three decades.  Aside from writing Christmas Number 1’s, playing keyboards in the Cutting Crew and producing with Marie Claire D’ubaldo he has also been a key figure in the development of artists on the London music scene.

Running venues such as the Kashmir Klub and The Bedford, Tony has been at the forefront of promoting and nurturing new talent as well as providing performance platforms, working with the likes of Damien Rice, KT Tunstall and Imogen Heap to name a few. This intimate session allowed visitors the chance to bring their own work, in order to gain feedback and encouragement, and learn from their peers.