Hover over a teacher’s name to reveal their role
Having started playing at 3 years old, Oli found his passion for drumming at a very young age. Largely self- taught, his first public performance was whilst he was in Primary School, and since then he has added guitar, bass, piano and voice to his growing list of instruments.
Oli began teaching music privately at 16 years old whilst working in a local music shop in Stoke which after a short time closed down. This gave Oli the nudge he needed to branch out on his own and start ODM. Oli soon acquired a private client base of over 50 students and even more through his peripatetic teaching in schools which he’s now done for over 15 years. Music has always been an enormous part of his life, and ODM is an extension of himself in sharing his love of music with people of all ages.
Specialising in funk as a style, Oli is an experienced performer and has played in all manner of bands for all kinds of purposes: jazz bands, funk bands, cover bands, function bands, weddings, corporate events, and also playing for gigs overseas. Oli’s major inspiration comes from The Killers and their drummer, Ronnie Vannucci Jr and enjoys inspiring his students with the same love and passion that Ronnie performs with.
ODM encompasses everything that Oli loves about music: excellent performance, accessibility for everyone, and growing a passion for music of all genres.
Steve has been a keen guitar player from a young age. He found a fascination in the instrument through an upbringing of Rock & Metal music. Once he got to grips with the basics, it was a case of taking his new found skills to the next level. Having played in various local bands for a number of years, it wasn’t until 2013 that he found solace in metal outfit ‘I Am Pariah’ who he presently plays and composes for.
After years of being self taught, Steve realised that developing his musicality would require guidance and knowledge from tutors that understood his future vision. He quickly acquired his Rockschool grades and achieved Grade 8 within the current syllabus. Alongside the Rockschool grades, he believed that learning ABRSM music theory would be beneficial to his playing, as well as being able to understand the language of music in a better context; and so, also completed his music theory up to grade 5. Taking these grades has helped round him, not only a guitar player, but a musician in general.
Steve is currently teaching in several high schools in and around Stoke-on-Trent, as well as privately for ODM, with students ranging from school age to retirement, Steve’s ethos is that anyone can play guitar if they put their mind to it. You are never too old to start, no matter what genre you are into, so don’t be afraid to give it a try – focus on your goals!
Joe started to learn the drums at Primary School when he was 8 years old and was immediately hooked. He learnt from two of the most renowned Staffordshire drummers at the time, Paul Murfin and Ken Adams. Both of whom had huge experience as working drummers and they both had huge influence on him. He was taught in all styles, various technical and motion concepts and how to read notation.
Using the skills he had gained from both teachers, Joe gained an unconditional offer to study Professional Musicianship BA (Hons) at the British Institute of Modern Music in Manchester, without any grades, after impressing at his audition. Here he studied hard under the great tutelage of many teachers – most fondly, Luke Flowers in his Jazz Module (The Cinematic Orchestra, Bill Laurence and Corrine Bailey Rae).
Joe has varying musical influences, but he takes most inspiration from the multi faceted language of Jazz drummers. He adores the greats such as Tony Williams and Elvin Jones. Even more so, he listens to modern players who blend jazz improvisation with other musical language such as Chris Dave, Mark Colenburg, Henry Cole and Richard Spaven.
Throughout his study and since graduating, Joe has performed in varying scenarios. His highlights include working in house band onboard a cruise ship, recording in a television studio at Media City in Salford, performing across the UK in various festivals (Edinburgh/Manchester/Congleton Jazz Fest, Solfest and Equinox Festival), and also got a four page feature in Prog Magazine with original project Trojan Horse. He continues to work in several original and function projects as often as he can to hone his craft and cannot wait to share what knowledge he has with ODM students.
Jay began classical guitar lessons at the age of 10 and went on to do ABRSM grades, which culminated in achieving a degree in Music and Philosophy at Keele Unversity. Notwithstanding the classical education Jay’s passion was always for rock and pop music. On leaving University Jay gigged and recorded in a number of gothic, doom and death metal bands.
In 2008 Jay began teaching guitar privately and went on a mission to further diversify her musical abilities, branching into jazz, improvisation, bass guitar, ukulele and drums. This lead to her achieving 3 Grade 8’s, in classical guitar (ABRSM), improvising electric guitar (LCM) and bass guitar (LCM).
Jay started teaching at ODM in 2019 and plays guitar, bass and occasionally drums in a variety of professional and semi-professional bands.
An internationally acclaimed opera singer, Oleg Loza combines 13 years of experience as a teacher with 19 years of classical music training.
Oleg started his musical journey as a pianist at Moscow Muradeli Music School, then graduated from Gnesin College as a choir conductor and received a Master’s Degree in opera singing and voice teaching from Moscow State Tchaikovsky Conservatoire.
Oleg made his professional debut on the stage of the Vienna Chamber Opera which was followed by principal roles at Zurich Opera House, Het Compagnie theater in Amsterdam, Trieste Opera, Nancy Opera and others.
Oleg has a strong media presence in his home country. In 2018 he was the finalist in “Success”, a voice competition on the main TV channel. He was also on the judges panel in the Russian adaptation of “All Together Now!”
Oleg’s teaching expertise is recognised internationally. In 2015-2016 he gave masterclasses at Richard Wagner Conservatoire in Vienna, Austria. In 2019 Oleg was the head of the jury at the International Voice and Choir Competition “The City of Stars” in Moscow, Russia.
Oleg’s students have performed on major operatic and concert stages. His educational methods are based on simple explanations, a flexible approach to each individual and inspirational performance.
Kristina believes that learning piano should be an adventure; one filled with creativity, curiosity, and joy. With 30 years of teaching experience, she tailors every lesson to match each student’s personality, learning style, and interests.
Her approach blends rigorous foundational training, rooted in a specialist Russian music education, with plenty of playfulness and exploration. Whether students are learning their first notes or preparing for solo performance, Kristina focuses on nurturing confidence, creativity, and a genuine love for music.
Her goal is straightforward: to make every lesson inspiring and enjoyable. After all, when music feels magical, learning never feels like work.
Ethan began his musical journey at the age of 12, initially teaching himself for two years. Once he had mastered the basics, he was eager to take his playing to the next level through formal lessons. As his skills developed, Ethan began performing in school shows and was even the lead guitarist for his school’s carol concert at Victoria Hall.
With strong roots in rock and metal, Ethan grew up learning songs by Metallica and Black Sabbath. His passion for heavier genres led him to release two singles in this style. After receiving an unconditional offer from BIMM Institute in Birmingham, Ethan began teaching privately, helping others discover the power of music and all that it can offer.
With favourite bands including Trivium, Black Label Society, Bullet for My Valentine, and Avenged Sevenfold, it’s no surprise Ethan is a true metal machine. That said, he’s a versatile player who can comfortably perform across a wide range of genres, from blues and reggae to acoustic country ballads.
Ethan is now offering lessons at ODM Academy every Sunday.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to refine your skills, come and learn from one of our most passionate and dynamic new guitar teachers!
Lewis McWilliam Smith is a versatile musician and passionate educator with over 15 years of experience in the music industry. Specialising in drums, guitar, piano, and ukulele, he combines technical skill with a creative, student-led approach that inspires confidence and a love for music.
He has taught in a wide range of settings across Liverpool and Manchester, working with students aged 4 to 80 and adapting lessons to suit individual needs and goals. His inclusive, supportive style helps learners progress at their own pace.
An experienced live performer, Lewis has played in bands such as Three From Above and Those Naughty Lumps, appearing at major festivals including Rebellion Festival, Sound City, and Tramlines, and sharing stages with artists like Art Brut, The Lovely Eggs, and The Membranes. He holds a BA (Hons) in Popular Music Studies from Liverpool John Moores University, using his academic knowledge to connect practical skills with the wider world of music.
Lewis is committed to helping every student find their musical voice, encouraging creativity, self-expression, and lifelong enjoyment of music.
Having started playing at 3 years old, Oli found his passion for drumming at a very young age. Largely self- taught, his first public performance was whilst he was in Primary School, and since then he has added guitar, bass, piano and voice to his growing list of instruments.
Oli began teaching music privately at 16 years old whilst working in a local music shop in Stoke which after a short time closed down. This gave Oli the nudge he needed to branch out on his own and start ODM. Oli soon acquired a private client base of over 50 students and even more through his peripatetic teaching in schools which he’s now done for over 15 years. Music has always been an enormous part of his life, and ODM is an extension of himself in sharing his love of music with people of all ages.
Specialising in funk as a style, Oli is an experienced performer and has played in all manner of bands for all kinds of purposes: jazz bands, funk bands, cover bands, function bands, weddings, corporate events, and also playing for gigs overseas. Oli’s major inspiration comes from The Killers and their drummer, Ronnie Vannucci Jr and enjoys inspiring his students with the same love and passion that Ronnie performs with.
ODM encompasses everything that Oli loves about music: excellent performance, accessibility for everyone, and growing a passion for music of all genres.
Steve has been a keen guitar player from a young age. He found a fascination in the instrument through an upbringing of Rock & Metal music. Once he got to grips with the basics, it was a case of taking his new found skills to the next level. Having played in various local bands for a number of years, it wasn’t until 2013 that he found solace in metal outfit ‘I Am Pariah’ who he presently plays and composes for.
After years of being self taught, Steve realised that developing his musicality would require guidance and knowledge from tutors that understood his future vision. He quickly acquired his Rockschool grades and achieved Grade 8 within the current syllabus. Alongside the Rockschool grades, he believed that learning ABRSM music theory would be beneficial to his playing, as well as being able to understand the language of music in a better context; and so, also completed his music theory up to grade 5. Taking these grades has helped round him, not only a guitar player, but a musician in general.
Steve is currently teaching in several high schools in and around Stoke-on-Trent, as well as privately for ODM, with students ranging from school age to retirement, Steve’s ethos is that anyone can play guitar if they put their mind to it. You are never too old to start, no matter what genre you are into, so don’t be afraid to give it a try – focus on your goals!
Joe started to learn the drums at Primary School when he was 8 years old and was immediately hooked. He learnt from two of the most renowned Staffordshire drummers at the time, Paul Murfin and Ken Adams. Both of whom had huge experience as working drummers and they both had huge influence on him. He was taught in all styles, various technical and motion concepts and how to read notation.
Using the skills he had gained from both teachers, Joe gained an unconditional offer to study Professional Musicianship BA (Hons) at the British Institute of Modern Music in Manchester, without any grades, after impressing at his audition. Here he studied hard under the great tutelage of many teachers – most fondly, Luke Flowers in his Jazz Module (The Cinematic Orchestra, Bill Laurence and Corrine Bailey Rae).
Joe has varying musical influences, but he takes most inspiration from the multi faceted language of Jazz drummers. He adores the greats such as Tony Williams and Elvin Jones. Even more so, he listens to modern players who blend jazz improvisation with other musical language such as Chris Dave, Mark Colenburg, Henry Cole and Richard Spaven.
Throughout his study and since graduating, Joe has performed in varying scenarios. His highlights include working in house band onboard a cruise ship, recording in a television studio at Media City in Salford, performing across the UK in various festivals (Edinburgh/Manchester/Congleton Jazz Fest, Solfest and Equinox Festival), and also got a four page feature in Prog Magazine with original project Trojan Horse. He continues to work in several original and function projects as often as he can to hone his craft and cannot wait to share what knowledge he has with ODM students.
Jay began classical guitar lessons at the age of 10 and went on to do ABRSM grades, which culminated in achieving a degree in Music and Philosophy at Keele Unversity. Notwithstanding the classical education Jay’s passion was always for rock and pop music. On leaving University Jay gigged and recorded in a number of gothic, doom and death metal bands.
In 2008 Jay began teaching guitar privately and went on a mission to further diversify her musical abilities, branching into jazz, improvisation, bass guitar, ukulele and drums. This lead to her achieving 3 Grade 8’s, in classical guitar (ABRSM), improvising electric guitar (LCM) and bass guitar (LCM).
Jay started teaching at ODM in 2019 and plays guitar, bass and occasionally drums in a variety of professional and semi-professional bands.
An internationally acclaimed opera singer, Oleg Loza combines 13 years of experience as a teacher with 19 years of classical music training.
Oleg started his musical journey as a pianist at Moscow Muradeli Music School, then graduated from Gnesin College as a choir conductor and received a Master’s Degree in opera singing and voice teaching from Moscow State Tchaikovsky Conservatoire.
Oleg made his professional debut on the stage of the Vienna Chamber Opera which was followed by principal roles at Zurich Opera House, Het Compagnie theater in Amsterdam, Trieste Opera, Nancy Opera and others.
Oleg has a strong media presence in his home country. In 2018 he was the finalist in “Success”, a voice competition on the main TV channel. He was also on the judges panel in the Russian adaptation of “All Together Now!”
Oleg’s teaching expertise is recognised internationally. In 2015-2016 he gave masterclasses at Richard Wagner Conservatoire in Vienna, Austria. In 2019 Oleg was the head of the jury at the International Voice and Choir Competition “The City of Stars” in Moscow, Russia.
Oleg’s students have performed on major operatic and concert stages. His educational methods are based on simple explanations, a flexible approach to each individual and inspirational performance.
Kristina believes that learning piano should be an adventure; one filled with creativity, curiosity, and joy. With 30 years of teaching experience, she tailors every lesson to match each student’s personality, learning style, and interests.
Her approach blends rigorous foundational training, rooted in a specialist Russian music education, with plenty of playfulness and exploration. Whether students are learning their first notes or preparing for solo performance, Kristina focuses on nurturing confidence, creativity, and a genuine love for music.
Her goal is straightforward: to make every lesson inspiring and enjoyable. After all, when music feels magical, learning never feels like work.
Ethan began his musical journey at the age of 12, initially teaching himself for two years. Once he had mastered the basics, he was eager to take his playing to the next level through formal lessons. As his skills developed, Ethan began performing in school shows and was even the lead guitarist for his school’s carol concert at Victoria Hall.
With strong roots in rock and metal, Ethan grew up learning songs by Metallica and Black Sabbath. His passion for heavier genres led him to release two singles in this style. After receiving an unconditional offer from BIMM Institute in Birmingham, Ethan began teaching privately, helping others discover the power of music and all that it can offer.
With favourite bands including Trivium, Black Label Society, Bullet for My Valentine, and Avenged Sevenfold, it’s no surprise Ethan is a true metal machine. That said, he’s a versatile player who can comfortably perform across a wide range of genres, from blues and reggae to acoustic country ballads.
Ethan is now offering lessons at ODM Academy every Sunday.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to refine your skills, come and learn from one of our most passionate and dynamic new guitar teachers!
Lewis McWilliam Smith is a versatile musician and passionate educator with over 15 years of experience in the music industry. Specialising in drums, guitar, piano, and ukulele, he combines technical skill with a creative, student-led approach that inspires confidence and a love for music.
He has taught in a wide range of settings across Liverpool and Manchester, working with students aged 4 to 80 and adapting lessons to suit individual needs and goals. His inclusive, supportive style helps learners progress at their own pace.
An experienced live performer, Lewis has played in bands such as Three From Above and Those Naughty Lumps, appearing at major festivals including Rebellion Festival, Sound City, and Tramlines, and sharing stages with artists like Art Brut, The Lovely Eggs, and The Membranes. He holds a BA (Hons) in Popular Music Studies from Liverpool John Moores University, using his academic knowledge to connect practical skills with the wider world of music.
Lewis is committed to helping every student find their musical voice, encouraging creativity, self-expression, and lifelong enjoyment of music.
Email us at office@odmhq.co.uk
Call us on 01782 903261
4-6 Hill Street, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST4 1NL
Email us at
office@odmhq.co.uk
Call us on
01782 903261
4-6 Hill Street,
Stoke-on-Trent,
Staffordshire,
ST4 1NL
