About Me

Building confidence and community through music – one child at a time

Hi, I’m Andy Crilley—most people know me as Mr. Crilley. I’m a musician, educator, and proud dad with a passion for helping primary school children grow in confidence, creativity, and joy through music they actually love.

Where it all began

I grew up in Hartlepool, where music was part of our family DNA. My dad—a folk guitarist in our family band—taught me to play guitar when I was little and gave me a deep appreciation for all styles of music.

My first taste of performing came through the school choir. By my teens, I was hooked on drums and electric guitar, inspired by friends and the surge of live music during the Nu-Metal scene of the late ’90s. I spent those years immersed in bands, music venues, and jam sessions—always longing to be part of that world.

That passion has never left me. It’s the reason I created a space where children as young as six can experience that same magic: friendship, performance, and the thrill of being in a real band.

From student to educator

I studied music at Teesside Tertiary College, earning distinctions in multiple instruments, before completing a BA (Hons) in Music at York St John University.

My teaching journey began with private drum lessons and quickly expanded. I joined the City of York Council’s Arts & Culture team, working as a Funk band tutor, gigging across Yorkshire and helping young musicians grow their performance skills in real-world settings.

Later, I spent 11 years teaching in over 22 primary schools, helping to run a band programme that supported more than 30 bands. That experience gave me the skills—and inspiration—to launch my own music business, focused on modern, meaningful music education for kids.

More than lessons—this is a community

Today, I teach guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, and vocals to children in Years 1–6—both through fun, standalone lessons and through my flagship Rockstar Confidence Programme: a transformational music experience that gives children the chance to play in real bands, perform live, and develop self-esteem that lasts a lifetime.

A bit more about me

• Based in York, teaching across the local area

• Fully DBS checked with 10+ years of teaching experience

• A gigging musician who still performs solo and with bands

• Dad to my wonderful daughters Penelope and Rosie—always up for a Moana or Frozen jam session at home

• Composer with over 90,000 views on a self-released track

• Local Sunday League footballer with York Corinthians

• Passionate about wellbeing and emotional growth through creativity

If you’re looking for a music teacher who understands kids, loves music, and genuinely cares about your child’s confidence—I’d love to connect.