Darryn started playing drums early thanks to his father, who gave him his first drumkit at age 5. At six years old, Darryn began lessons and started playing the drums. He also enjoyed listening to songs by Neil Diamond, Tom Jones, Credence Clearwater Revival, and Elvis Presley. By the time he was twelve, he had begun to play live gigs. Darryn discovered a passion for jazz at the age of 14. He studied at the Victorian College of the Arts with his long-time teachers Frank Corniola, Virgil Donati and then went on to private study in the U.S. under Marvin ‘Smitty ‘Smith and Joe Morello. Darryn also took lessons from Steve Smith, Zach Danziger and Dave Weckl. He was also taught by Frank Malabe, Jeff Barnes, Adam Nussbaum, Zach Danziger, Tom Brechtlein, Steve Smith and Zach Danziger. Darryn Farrugia’s credits include nine years as a drummer for the TV series “Hey, Hey it’s Saturday”, recording sessions for soundtracks and jingles, plus gigs and tours. He has played with many artists, including Tom Jones, Bob Berg and Mike Stern, Tina Arena. Trisha Yearwood. Zakir Hussein. Ruby Turner. Larry Adler. Joe Cocker. Michael Feinstein. Ray Davies (the Kinks), Ernie Watts. King, Bonnie Raitt. Marcia Hines. Chubby Checker. Margaret Urlich. Dame Edna Everidge. Jon English. Jeff ‘Skunk.’ Baxter. Ray Davies (the Kinks). Ernie Watts. Darryn had the privilege of working with the following musical directors live in the recording studio as well as on T.V. Graeme Lyall and Paul Grabowski, Bruce Smeaton and Bruce Rowland. Tommy Tycho, Tommy Tycho. Ross Burton, Ross Burton, Daryl McKenzie. Geoff Harvey, John Foreman, Burkhard Dalwitz. His first publication, ‘Groove Perspectives’, was published in 2003. It examines different groove styles within the funk/fusion genre. Darryn spent five years in London as the Academic Head for Drums at London’s Drumtech. He also wrote a column for Rhythm magazine. During that time, he also gigged regularly at London’s 606 Club and The Octave Bar, as well as gigs at Ronnie Scott’s and Pizza Express, and jazz clubs in Germany, France, and Germany. From www.drumtek.com.au
