London Based
Freelance Drummer | Educator | Playback
About Connor
Connor Hopkins is a London-based freelance drummer and educator, recently completing his BA in Music Industry specialising in drums, achieving a First Class Honours. During his time at the Academy of Contemporary Music, he was mentored by notable tutors, including Brian Henry (The Jacksons, Soul2Soul, Chaka Khan), Paul Geary (Nik Kershaw, Lisa Stansfield, George Michael), and Tim Hawes (The Spice Girls, Five, Sugababes). Currently, Connor is collaborating with esteemed Musical Directors such as Ashton Miranda (Ed Sheeran, James Arthur, Mabel, Anne-Marie) and Sandy Beales (One Direction, Caity Baser, JP Cooper).
For the last 4 years, Connor has been working professionally in various industry settings. Highlights include:
Supporting Ed Sheeran on his Mathematics UK/US Stadium Tour, with Dylan.
Supporting Ed Sheeran, at the Royal Albert Hall, with Dylan.
Performing at the 2023 BAFTAs.
Playing at the EURO’s 2024 Opening Festival (Fan Fest).
Supporting Louis Tomlinson at his “Away From Home” Festival.
Multiple Global Headline Tours with Dylan.
Playing Findings Festival with Caity Baser.
Supporting Tate Mcrae on her European Tour, with Dylan.
Supporting Bastille on their UK Arena Tour, with Dylan.
Supporting Maisie Peters on her Australian Tour.
Playing Reading and Leeds Festival with Dylan, LDevine and Playback for Arthur Hill.
Featuring on BBC Radio 1’s Future Pop, Maida Vale Session, hosted by Mollie King.
Featuring on BBC Radio 1’s Future Artist, Maida Vale Session, hosted by Jack Saunders.
Personally requested to perform, with Chaos in the Tea House at the “YouthStrike4Climate”, the biggest global Climate Strike, by Noga Levy-Rapport.
Connor has years of experience using Hybrid Kit combinations, incorporating electronics such as the Roland SPD-SX PRO and Playback via Ableton to replicate the record in a live setting. Connor has substantial studio experience, having recorded multiple times at renowned studios such as Metropolis Studios, BBC Maida Vale and Artistic Palace Studios for various Live Radio/TV sessions released on all major streaming services.
Videos
Testimonials
“Connor is a very skilled and musical drummer, with strong awareness towards a diverse range of styles. His level of dedication and attention he pays towards his craft is unquestionable, yet, perhaps what distinguishes Connor amongst other fellow musicians, is that he is a wonderful person with a great sense of humour. He’s a strong team-player and a consummate professional - one that always assures great results. I honestly believe in great things for his future in musical practice”.
— Joe Yoshida (Eurovision, Joel Compass, Molly Smitten)
“I’ve taught Connor Hopkins on the Diploma and Degree programme at The Academy of Contemporary Music, and have observed over the years a consistent, motivated, skilled and dedicated student. During Connor’s studies, he accepts all challenges, whether inside his ‘comfort zone’ or not. He excels at every task, whilst maintaining a positive and light attitude, and has fun enjoying the process of learning and developing. Connor is always prepared and delivers a high level of technical ability during each diverse performance - whether formal or informal. Connor’s determination, professionalism, diverse technical skills and positive nature makes him an ideal colleague for any musical environment”
— Danny Mullowney (Wayne Newton, Clint Holmes, Michael Feinstein)
“Connor is a fantastic drummer with a natural ability and has been a pleasure to work with at the ACM. Connor has a professional attitude, strong work ethic and has demonstrated himself to be a much valued company member. Connor has real passion for his craft which is supported by strong technique, stylistic awareness and creativity. Connor is certainly a drummer to look out for in the future”.
— Toby Drummond (The Seahorses, Shaun Ryder, Russell Watson, Ray Davies, Cliff Richard)
Socials
Tuition
Connor provides affordable 1-to-1 drumming tuition for students of all ages at his home studio or online. His lessons emphasise the fundamental aspects of drumming, including maintaining a consistent groove, applying fills appropriately, and ensuring metronomic timekeeping. Drawing on his extensive musical career—playing to audiences of thousands worldwide, recording several successful tracks, and studying drumming at a degree level - Connor offers a rich, professional learning experience tailored to each student's needs.
Some key elements that Connor Offers:
Beginner — Advanced groove playing (Wide range of styles)
Breaking down the mechanics of fills
Metronomic timekeeping
Improved overall technique and sound
All drum lessons are individually tailored to build and enhance the student’s current ability.
Connor offers online or person-to-person lessons. If you are interested or want to find out more please get in contact.
Contact
connorhopkinsdrums@gmail.com
+44 7772 484 214