Meet Our Instructors

Our instructors are more than just musicians. They are Educators, Mentors and Motivators. Each one of our Instructors are highly trained, certified and experienced with a shared goal of helping every student achieve their personal musical dreams.

Joshua Agilan

LRSL

Founder of Drumstruck Studios

Joshua Agilan is a distinguished luminary in Singapore's drumming scene, boasting a two-decade career in both performance and pedagogy. He began his journey as a Drum Kit Specialist at Yamaha Music Asia, where he served as a Drum Tech for notable artists such as Tommy Aldridge, Kozo Suganuma, Akira Jimbo and many more. Joshua Agilan’s distinguished reputation is further underscored by his recurring role as a judge at Singapore’s prestigious "Asian Beat" band competition in 2006, 2008, and 2010. His expertise has also been sought at major regional music events, including Rock Fest 2018 in Kuala Lumpur and the highly regarded Drum-Off Singapore in 2017 and 2018, as well as the international Drum-Off Global in 2019. Most recently, he was invited to serve on the panel of judges for the Asian Supreme Drum Competition 2025.

In 2010 and 2011, Joshua honed his skills in master classes with esteemed drummers like Thomas Lang, Jojo Mayer, Peter Erskine, Dave Weckl, and more. He later conducted workshops for various institutions, from Yamaha Music Asia to recording studios, schools, churches, and music schools. Joshua holds distinctions in internationally recognized exams and certifications, including Pop Music Theory, Grade 8 Drum Kit, and Licentiate Diplomas from the London College of Music and Rockschool UK. Joshua is also a certified Trainer for the Rockschool Teaching Diploma Course from the UK. Additionally, Joshua served as a Trainer at the Academy of Rock across Singapore, the Philippines, and Myanmar. He led the drum department, provided coaching, and helped develop innovative curricula. He founded Drumstruck Studios in 2006, which has since evolved into a contemporary music school. He authored 'Drumming for Children' for Drumstruck Studios and created syllabi for the Academy of Rock as well.

In 2015, Joshua Agilan undertook the pioneering initiative of founding 'Dhoom Super Band,' marking Singapore's first-ever Tamil Live Band Competition. This monumental event was featured on Vasantham's 'Thaalam, Indian Beat' program and resonated as a resounding success, thereby creating myriad opportunities for indigenous Indian musicians. His core aspiration in establishing 'Dhoom Super Band' was to galvanize the participation of Indian youths in live music performance. Joshua's dynamic involvement extends to his role as the founding member of the live band 'Veritas,' alongside his current session work with a diverse array of artists on Vasantham. Besides performing at various gigs for the Esplanade and different clubs in Singapore, Joshua made his mark on the Tamil Live Music scene as the drummer for Shabir. His breakthrough came after recording the drums for the title track of the popular Tamil drama series 'Vettai 2.0' in 2012. Following this, he made his debut in the Tamil Live music scene at the Vasantham Live! Mediacorp’s 50th Anniversary concert held at the Gallery Theatre, National Museum.

From that point forward, Joshua went on to perform at the first-ever 'Anirudh Live in Singapore Concert' in 2014, sharing the stage with artistes like Lady Kash, Arjun UK, and Anirudh. He also had the opportunity to perform live with the legendary playback singer K.S Chitra at the 'Yaar Antha Star' program on Vasantham. Joshua has been featured in numerous interviews on Vasantham channel, discussing his drumming career on shows such as 'Friends,' 'Thaalam – Indian Beat,' 'Vaazhkai,' 'Vizhigal,' and even on 'Not the 5 Show' on Channel 5, hosted by Chua Enlai, where his students were showcased for their outstanding live performance of 'Titanium' by David Guetta ft. Sia.

Notably, from a pedagogical standpoint, Joshua Agilan’s impact is reflected in the achievements of his students. They have earned accolades in various competitions, including Safra’s Lil’ Stars 2013, the Best Drummer award at the Asian Beat Band Competition 2016, Cristofori’s Got Talent 2024 and Gold Awards at the Asian Supreme Drum Competition in 2022, 2023 and 2024. Additionally, two of Joshua’s students were successfully admitted into the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston after passing their drum auditions held at the School of the Arts (SOTA), Singapore and have since graduated from the institution’s degree program. Additionally, Joshua has showcased his talents beyond drumming by producing and directing several music videos for his band Veritas, all available on YouTube. Currently, he leads the Training & Development of Instructors at Drumstruck Studios and conducts drumming workshops for Institutions and schools.

Shanth Jay

Shanth is a dedicated and passionate music educator with over a decade of experience specializing in Drumkit and Percussion. His journey as a musician began more than 10 years ago, and since then, he has built a rich and diverse career that encompasses both performance and education. Holding a Grade 8 Distinction in Drumkit, Shanth demonstrates technical mastery, musical sensitivity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence in his craft.

 As a registered instructor with Singapore’s Ministry of Education (MOE), Shanth has mentored students across various age groups and skill levels, including primary and secondary school learners, youth ensembles, and adult musicians. His teaching approach is highly adaptive, blending structure with creativity to ensure that every student remains engaged, motivated, and supported. Whether guiding a beginner or refining the skills of an advanced drummer, he focuses on building a strong foundation in rhythm, technique, musicality, and ensemble collaboration.

 Beyond the classroom, Shanth is an experienced performer who has taken the stage in a wide range of musical contexts—from contemporary bands and live gigs to percussion ensembles and studio sessions. His versatility across genres such as rock, jazz, funk, Latin, pop, and fusion allows him to bring a rich perspective into his teaching, offering students not just lessons but real-world musical insight.

 Shanth is deeply committed to continuous learning and professional growth. He believes that music is more than just a technical pursuit; it is a powerful form of self-expression, communication, and community-building. His ultimate goal as an educator is to inspire every student to discover their own voice through rhythm and to grow as confident, expressive, and empowered individuals both on and off the instrument.

Jarir Matin

Jarir Martin is a passionate and dedicated drum teacher with years of hands-on experience behind the kit and in front of students. With a strong foundation in both practical drumming and music theory, he brings energy, patience, and a student-focused approach to every lesson. His teaching style combines technical precision with creativity, making lessons fun, engaging, and tailored to each student’s goals—whether they’re just starting out or looking to refine their skills.

 Jarir’s drumming journey began in his early teens, and since then, he has honed his craft through formal training, live performances, and studio sessions. Drawing inspiration from a wide range of genres including rock, funk, jazz, and pop, he emphasizes versatility and musicality in his lessons. He also integrates structured material from programs like Rockschool and other syllabus-based curriculums, ensuring students progress with clear milestones and confidence.

 Beyond technique, Jarir focuses on helping students build a strong internal sense of rhythm, stage presence, and musical expression. His goal is not just to teach drumming, but to inspire a lifelong love for music and self-expression. Whether you’re picking up sticks for the first time or aiming to level up your playing, Jarir offers a supportive and motivating space to grow as a drummer.

Nathanael Nilesh

Nathanael Nilesh is a distinguished figure in Singapore's contemporary music scene, boasting over a decade of experience as a performer, educator, and music director. As a versatile musician proficient in keyboards, drums, and bass guitar, Nilesh brings a dynamic and genre-spanning approach to his work, encompassing pop, fusion, traditional Indian music, and modern rock.

 Nilesh's commitment to music education began in 2016 at Drumstruck Studios, where he teaches a range of subjects including drums, bass guitar, electric guitar, music production, and song composition to students aged 5 to 50. Beyond imparting technical skills and musical knowledge, Nilesh emphasizes the value of music as a meaningful and fulfilling pursuit, enriching his students' learning experience.

 He has conducted music programs and workshops at prominent institutions such as SINDA and ITE College Central. As an AMIS instructor, Nilesh collaborates with various primary and secondary schools, fostering young talents through engaging and accessible instruction.

 In addition to his teaching career, Nilesh has served as Music Director for high-profile performances at the Esplanade, including the Outdoor Theatre and Recital Studio, and coordinated music direction for national broadcasts on MediaCorp Vasantham. He has worked with local bands and performed at flagship events including Baybeats Asia and the Pongal and Deepavali concerts at the Indian Heritage Centre.

 Nilesh values community and collaboration, remaining committed to creating inclusive spaces for musicians to learn, grow, and perform. Currently, he continues to mentor aspiring musicians at Drumstruck Studios while actively contributing to Singapore's live performance landscape.

Shawn Suryaraj

Shawn's passion for drumming was ignited at the age of 12 when his mother gifted him drum lessons at Drumstruck Studios as a birthday surprise. This simple gesture blossomed into a deep-rooted passion, and today, Shawn is proud to teach at the very same studio where his love for drumming first began.

With a Grade 8 Distinction in drums, Shawn has a natural gift for connecting with young learners. He is known for being fun, engaging, and incredibly supportive, especially with kids. His classes are more than just lessons — they’re a safe, encouraging space where students can open up, express themselves, and feel truly seen.

Shawn's teaching philosophy goes beyond just nurturing drumming skills. He believes in building confidence and creativity, with a goal of inspiring his students to aspire as musicians in the future. Influenced by a mix of rock, funk, pop, and nu-metal, Shawn brings both energy and versatility to his teaching.

Shawn's dedication and impact as an educator have earned him recognition, including being named Employee of the Term. His performance highlights include playing at the Esplanade with the band Veritas, participating in Game Music 2015, and forming his own band to perform at a SINDA youth event. Whether in the studio or on stage, Shawn brings passion, purpose, and a whole lot of heart to every beat he plays.

Ashwin

Ashwin is a skilled and passionate drum educator with over eight years of experience behind the kit. Known for his versatility and creative approach, he brings a dynamic mix of technical skill, musicality, and adaptability to both his teaching and performing. Whether working with beginners or advanced players, Ashwin tailors his lessons to each student’s goals, making learning engaging, focused, and fun.

Having started at a young age, his drumming journey has taken him through a wide range of genres including funk, R&B, Afro-Cuban, and improvised music. Inspired by drummers like Karriem Riggins, Mark Guiliana, and Chris Dave, his style blends groove-driven rhythms with a strong sense of experimentation and expression. He draws from his diverse performance experience - from underground gigs to symphonic band concerts - to help students understand how to connect with different musical settings and audiences.

In lessons, Ashwin emphasizes both the foundations and the freedom of drumming. He encourages students to develop solid technique, a strong internal pulse, and the confidence to explore their own musical voice. Whether you're just starting out or looking to deepen your drumming knowledge, Ashwin creates a supportive environment where any student can grow, learn to express themselves, and discover their own love for music.

James Fernando

ames has been a dedicated music educator as well as a performing guitarist for well over ten years. He has performed with, and still continues to perform both for commercial ventures, events, as well as arts groups in Singapore, both on acoustic as well as electric guitar, in genres ranging from ethnic music, to blues, to Broadway musical numbers. He has also worked as a music arranger for small ensembles and has a background in music production and engineering. His music playing style lists influences like John Mayer, John Petrucci, Michael Landau, as well as a keen interest in orchestration and classical music.

Using his combined performing, recording, and arranging experience, James teaches both acoustic and electric guitar, with a strong emphasis on hearing, groove, and a good understanding and application of music theory to live performance, with a side of encouragement for students to be able to find their own musical voice. Lessons are often adapted to take into account the unique preferences and styles of learning that each individual student may have, as well as some structure that may come from consistent guidance and practice.

Above all, James teaches with the ultimate aim that a student will eventually be able to create and perform music on their own terms with enjoyment, and with a good grasp of the concept that "if it sounds good, it is good".

Ruuben

Ruthra Ruuben is a passionate and energetic drum educator who has been behind the kit for over 12 years. Starting his drumming journey at just six years old, Ruuben has grown from a young enthusiast into a skilled performer and dedicated teacher. By the age of 16, he had already begun sharing his knowledge with others, developing a teaching style that is patient, engaging, and especially effective with younger learners.

Holding a Grade 8 certification in Drumkit, Ruuben combines strong technical foundations with a love for musical creativity. His performance experience spans from playing in bands and school ensembles to taking the stage at live gigs and music competitions—earning podium finishes along the way. Whether it’s rocking out at an event or locking in the groove for a group performance, he brings the same enthusiasm and precision that define his playing.

In lessons, Ruuben creates a supportive and motivating environment where students can develop solid technique, rhythm, and musical confidence. He understands the importance of making learning both structured and fun, particularly for kids, and adapts his approach to suit each student’s personality and goals. His ultimate aim is to inspire every drummer he teaches to not just play the instrument, but to truly express themselves through it.

Hear Their Jam

AKUDAMA - Alpha Wolf
Cover by: Lester

Escape This Madness - Nilesh
An Original Composition

Wax Simulacra- The Mars Volta
Cover by: Joon Lei

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