Dan Paton is a freelance musician, songwriter, composer, teacher and journalist. Dan trained in jazz in workshops with legendary British jazz musicians Ian Carr and Tim Whitehead before undertaking the Masters programme in jazz at the prestigious Guildhall School of Music and Drama, from which he graduated in 2011. He has studied drums with Trevor Tomkins and Jon Scott. 

Dan’s open-minded approach to music can be seen in the wide range of contexts in which he works. He currently plays drums in the Andrew Linham Quartet (with Andrew Linham - compositions, alto saxophone, Rob Brockway - piano, Darren McCarthy - bass), the Edward Randell Quartet - (Edward Randell - vocals, compositions, arrangements, Chris Eldred - piano, Darren McCarthy - bass) and with the acoustic soul act Adrian Roye & The Exiles.

Dan has also worked with a number of big bands, including the GSMD Big Band, the Cambridge University ‘Fitz’ Swing Band and the London Fusion Orchestra. He is also experienced in performing in theatre bands for musicals and pantomimes.

Dan has performed with a number of the country’s finest musicians including Ian Carr, Michael Garrick, Tim Whitehead, Scott Stroman, Dill Katz, Gerry Hunt, Tom Millar and Cai Marle-Garcia.

Dan currently teaches a number of workshops at WAC Performing Arts and Media College in North London, as well as teaching with Camden Music Service and Harrow Music Service. He is available for private drum tuition, focusing on fundamental musical skills and developing approaches and language for improvisation.