Founded in 2001 by musician and educator Janel Spalding, JDT Music Academy has grown from a small local studio into a vibrant centre for music education, performance, and community connection.
At our core, JDT is about community. We’ve raised thousands of pounds for local charities and continue to create welcoming, inclusive spaces where people of all ages and backgrounds can get involved, connect, and feel they belong. Whether you’re here to learn, perform, or simply be part of something bigger, there’s a place for you at JDT.
We’ve taught over 1,500 students and proudly hold the Guinness World Record for the Longest Drumming Marathon by a Team, achieved in 2002, 2012, and 2016! We have taken our students and their music across the globe — touring in the UK, Paris, New York, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Spain — gaining unforgettable experiences and sharing their talent on international stages.
Many of our alumni have gone on to successful careers in the music industry — as session musicians, touring artists, composers, and more. But no matter the path, every student leaves with greater confidence, creativity, and lifelong friendships.
At JDT Music Academy, music is our language — but people are our purpose