Biography

Mike 'Ozzie' Osborn
Mike studied percussion at the Royal Academy of Music with Nicholas Cole and James Blades. Since leaving in 1986 he has worked extensively as a freelance drummer and percussionist in theatre, TV, and the recording industry.
He has played for many of the London Orchestras including the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic Pops Orchestra, National Symphony Orchestra, Jupiter Orchestra of London and the BBC Concert Orchestra as well as working for Sadler’s Wells, the RSC and the National Theatre. He has also worked and recorded with many European Orchestras including the Prague Symphony Orchestra and the German NDR Radio Orchestra and Big Band.
Mike has also worked, recorded and toured with many varied artistes including Van Morrison, Petula Clark, Bette Midler, Tom Jones, Joss Stone, Gregory Porter, Natalie Cole, Tony Hadley, Sasha Distel, Mark Knopfler, Mary Wilson, Tim Minchin, Beverley Knight, Bobby Womack, Freddie Mercury, Irene Cara, Bonnie Langford, Christal Gayle, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Michael Ball, Dame Lesley Garrett, Rick Astley, John Barrowman, Bobby Davro, Vanessa Mae, Sinitta, Luke Goss, Toyah Wilcox, Gareth Gates, Posh Spice, Sporty Spice, Edwin Starr, Deniece Williams, Jimmy Ruffin, David Hasselhoff, Jerry Springer, Dame Edna Everage and Pamela Anderson. Jazz credits include Cleo Laine, Johnny Dankworth, Tina May, Claire Martin, Mica Paris, Kenny Ball, George Melly, Cy Coleman, Janie Dee, Albert Lee, Deana Martin and the Syd Lawrence Orchestra.
TV work includes the Laurence Olivier Awards, Evening Standard Awards, Parkinson, The Sound of Musicals, The What's On Stage Awards, The Big Breakfast house band, Johnny Vaughan Tonight house band, Lily Savage Live house band, The National Lottery show with Brian Conley, The All Star Talent Show, An Audience with Harry Hill, Tonight Show with Jerry Anderson, Cold Feet, London’s Burning, The Rania show house band as well as many Childrens TV shows including Playschool, Blue Peter, Corners, Hilltop Hospital, Dramarama and The All Electric Amusement Arcade. Feature films include Bright Young Things directed by Stephen Fry and Number Ten. In addition, his playing has been heard on many TV and Radio adverts including Tennants Lager, Marmite, Land Rover, M&M’s, Cadbury’s, Heinz Beans and countless others.
Many West End shows include Blues in the Night (Original Production and cast album), High School Musical (Original Production at Hammersmith Apollo), Fame, Rent, Guys and Dolls (National Tour and West End), 42nd Street (National Tour), Tell me on a Sunday (National Tour), La Cagé aux Folles (European Tour), Showboat (National Tour and West End), Five Guys named Moe (Original West End production), Personals (Original West End production), Annie Get your Gun and She Loves Me as well as depping on many more. Mike was also the drummer for the Panto at Wimbledon Theatre for 20 years.
As a composer Mike has recently finished co-writing and recording the new Trinity College of Music drum kit syllabus and has also
composed and recorded the graded modern syllabus music for the ISTD Dance examination board and has been closely associated with Laine Theatre Arts College for over 30 years.
He is a well known and respected tutor and has held teaching posts at Trinity College of Music, Epsom College, Reigate Grammar School, Hazelwood School, Micklefield School and Tiffins School as well as being a principal percussion coach with the National Symphony Orchestra, National Concert Band and National Symphony Training Orchestra. Mike has also been the percussion coach for NSSO for several years.
Mike is also a widely experienced facilitator specialising in Samba and Brazilian music and has led many workshops for corporate clients, business schools and educational trusts.

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