Darren first became interested in Drumming at the age of 10 and went on to study drums with such artists as Bob Armstrong, Dave Hassel, Neal Wilkinson, Steve Smith & Dom Famularo.  When darren reached 16 he began playing drums with the NYJO (National Youth Jazz Orchestra) and by 1991 he had joined Andy Ross's Band of 'Come Dancing' fame, playing strict tempo and London society function gigs. 

Darren has drummed with many bands including a whole host of London function bands and cabaret artists that included Roy Castle with whom he played right up until Roy's untimely death in 1994. He then joined the Drifters and toured extensively throughout the world and later became their musical director. In 2006 he mixed/produced and appeared in the DVD release ‘The Drifters Live’ and the CD ‘The Drifters – The Legacy Continues’.

In 1999 Darren became the House drummer for a live music night at the 10 room, a club in the heart of London’s west end. This involved backing artists for record company showcases many of whom went on to become familiar names in todays pop arena. Playing funk, R&B and pop music at this jam night exposed Darren to London audiences playing with artists such as The Backstreet Boys, Westlife, Will Young, Phats and Small, Sean Paul, Will Smith, Joss Stone, Lucie Silvas, Lionel Richie, Chaka Khan, Shola Ama, Black Eyed Peas, Gwen Guthrie, Romina Johnson, Beverley Knight, Angie Stone, Roachford, Angie Stone, Kelly LeRoc, Omar & Roy Ayers.

For more information visit www.darrenashford.com or www.drumlessons.uk.com