Meet The Team

One of the unique features of Alchemea is that the curriculum was designed by industry professionals. Our full time lecturers are active audio engineers and producers as well as teachers. We believe it is vital that they also practice what they preach.

Audio is a broad area with many areas of specialisation therefore it is impossible for one person to teach everything. Alchemea's full time lecturers skills and industry experience therefore lay in differing areas.

NEIL PICKLES: Short Courses Director/ Diploma Lecturer

Like a lot of engineers/producers I started out trying to make it in various bands, but quickly realised I was better at recording and mixing than actually playing. This started a natural progression as I built a home project studio, got more serious about recording and realised I could make a career of this.

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CHRISTIAN HUANT: Director of Curriculum / Diploma Lecturer

Chris has been dabbling with sequencers and samplers since the late 1980’s & set-up a little bedroom studio whilst at University in the mid-1990’s.

After passing his Degree in Physics, Maths and Computer Science (during which he studied Interpolation Algorithms, Filter design, Telephone cables and other such goodies), he moved to London to further his Audio Education at Alchemea!

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DARRYN DE LA SOUL: Live Sound Course Coordinator & Tutor

Darryn graduated from Alchemea's Studio Sound Diploma Course in 2000. Shortly after she started her career as House Engineer for 93 Feet East venue in East London. After 2 years in the job Darryn went freelance and became head engineer at the nighclub Neighbourhood in West London.

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ALEX BURAK: Technical Support & Lecturer

Alex Burak began working in recording studios in 1978.

Together with producer engineer Alan O'Duffy he oversaw the launch of a recording facility called the Point Recording Studio. From a humble 8 track, this facility, situated in Belgravia London, developed and was host to many 80s artists.

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JON OLLIFFE: Studio Sound Diploma Lecturer

Jon has worked on numerous and varied sessions from rock and alternative to pop, rap, opera and even Bollywood soundtracks and Tibetan monks.

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JON ESPINOSA: Studio Sound Diploma Lecturer / Pro Tools Trainer

Born in Madrid, Jonathan started his career early at the age of 16 and in his formative years, he grew up influenced by the massive 80´s music scene at that time.

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THOM NTINAS: Senior Student Supervisor & Tutor

Thom is Alchemea's head studio supervisor and tutor. Thom graduated from the University of Wales with a BEng degree in Electronic Engineering in 2001 and a huge desire to follow his passion for sound engineering eventually led him to Alchemea.

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JIM BRYDEN: College Manager

Jim has been interested in making music since the early 90’s, progressing from playing drums in various rock bands to fiddling around with trackers, sequencers and badly played cheap guitars. Most people politely describe his music as ‘noisy’.

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TONY GARSTON: College Registrar

Tony started his musical journey playing drums in various bands in the North West. He had the most success with ‘Vigilante’ a band who enjoyed playing support slots to some great names back in the day, including members of Iron Maiden.

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Alchemea also employs a comprehensive roster of freelance tutors who are working at the highest level in the industry. Click here for a full list.