About Me

Hailing from Hartlepool, Mr. Crilley’s first love for music was from his father who taught him to play the guitar at a very young age. His father, a folk guitarist (and member of his family band) has a love for many musical styles and gave Andrew an open mind and experience of a variety of musical genres.

Andrew's first experience of performing music was in his school choir. By his teens he was inspired by friends at school to take up the drums. With these friends he worked at The Studio in the hype of the Nu-Metal generation (1997-2002) where he watched a live act almost every night. This was a catalyst which started his passion for bands and his dedication to providing opportunities for primary school children to be part of one.

In 2000 Andrew commenced studies for a BTEC National Diploma in Popular Music at Teesside Tertiary (now known as Middlesbrough college). He studied multiple instruments, completing various grades. He graduated with merits and distinctions. This lead him to continue his study of music and brought him to York St John University where he achieved a 2:1 with honours Bachelor of Arts degree.

Andrew’s first steps into teaching music professionally was teaching the drums privately. He still does this today and has a fantastic record for Distinctions in his pupils results.

Before starting his own business Andrew developed his experience and honed his teaching skills whilst working in The City of York Council's Arts & Culture department. He worked as a subcontracted Funk band tutor and developed his skills leading a band. His first band performed all of over Yorkshire both privately and at public concerts including for two town Mayors. The band had a full brass section and became incredibly technical and experienced.

He then went on to teach primary school children as part as a wider team for 9 years led by John Haslam. Andrew was part of a team that provided music lessons in over 22 primary schools and tutored over 30 bands. This venture provided the expertise and experience to enable him to start his own business.

Andrew has played in many bands over the years (mostly cover bands on drums, bass or guitar). He has also played many solo gigs as a pop rock cover acoustic singer especially at weddings (most recent was in June 22). You can find him as Andy C on social media.

In his spare time Andrew is a dedicated dad to his 5 year old daughter Penelope who he loves teaching all the exciting things about life. He has a little music corner in his home where he and Penelope regularly jam some 'Moana' or 'Frozen' hits!

Andrew also enjoys composing his own music. He was very surprised and proud that one of his songs got over 90,000 views on facebook! Andrew is also an avid amateur football player in the local Sunday league (his team - York Corinthians) and is a strong believer in physical and mental well being.