About Rod

Born in Welling, Kent, in 1966, the youngest of three sons of Michael and Sheila Pooley. Rod started playing electronic organ at the age of seven years studying under the very capable guidance of John Norris (Principal of the Southern Music Training Centre Bromley). Rod furthered his playing skills by starting piano from the age of ten. Rod at this time was very fortunate to be taught the piano by a top London jazz pianist James Fagg which is no doubt why Rod is an extremely fluent jazz player.

Rod passed the eleven plus and went to Chislehurst and Sidcup Grammar School which at that time had one of the largest school music departments in the UK. There were three full orchestras and Rod's claim to fame was to perform solo in concert at the school in front of former prime minister Sir Edward Heath who was the Bexley MP at that time. While at Grammar School Rod also formed the first jazz band the school had ever had.

During and after leaving full time education, Rod won many major titles in the organ world. These include: 1981 at 14 years of age Young Theatre Organist of the Year 1985 and 1986 at 18 and 19 years of age National Organist of the year 1988 at 21 years of age Yamaha Electone Festival Winner.

Rod has Grade VIII on Piano and Organ and achieved a performance diploma in electronic organ playing at just 17 years of age.

For two years Rod was a Church organist at St Michaels and All Angels Eastbourne where the family had moved to in 1982.

Rod's professional career was already well established by the time he left school, performing at many organ societies. He has performed in many forms of entertainment both as soloist and in bands and big bands. Rod has worked with the Joe Loss Orchestra, the Ken Mackintosh Big Band, Mike Reid and Jimmy Tarbuck. Rod has organised and run a very successful organ and keyboard school, becoming a fully qualified teacher for the Technics Music Academy based at Bonners Music Superstore in Eastbourne. His busy performing and demonstrating career means he has largely left teaching behind but is still Keyboard and Piano specialist in residence at Bonners Eastbourne, one of the leading music retailers in the UK.

November 2004 - Korg UK Demonstrator and Specialist on PA Keyboards and C-Series pianos

2002-2004 Hammond Demonstrator specialising in the XT, XE, and the New B3 which Rod helped to launch in the UK at Caister. 2000-2002

As of July 1st 2009 Rod is joining as one of the Directors an exciting new business called Creative Music Production. The company will specialise in professional one to one music tuition on the most popular instruments, quality recording facilities with experienced Engineers in a fully equipped studio covering all genres and also a band rehearsal studio. Keyboard Product knowledge on all the top brands and Software tutorials will also be available. For more info visit www.cmpstudios.co.uk

In April 2010 Rod formed an exciting new trio where he features on his beloved Hammond. The trio is known as The Organic Hammond trio and also includes Ollie Boorman on drums and Andy Williams on guitar. The style of music played is classic Hammond jazz, funk, groove and top arranged standards. More info on Rod's facebook page. 

 

 

Rod's Photo Gallery

Rod's Concert Diary