M & J SCHOOL OF MUSIC - Key Persons

Jonathan started playing drums at age 10. When his family emigrated to the US in 1985, Jon took the option of orchestra in school where he learned to read notation and started a long road of exams and recitals. Along with Orchestra Jonathan was soon playing in Drum Cores and Marching bands, twice voted music student of the year in both 1989 and 1990. Full Biog » During this period he was awarded all county Honor band 1st chair section leader over 60 other drummers in the North Alabama school district. Jonathan went on to complete his grading and teaching Diploma through the University of Alabama after which he, along with his family, returned to Ireland in 1992. Shortly after his return Jonathan was offered a full time teaching position at Dublin's Parnell School of Music while playing various gigs with local bands. In 1995 along with his 2 brothers Judah and David, he formed rock band Exit. Soon the band were managed by music impresario Bud Pragger (Foreigner, Megadeth, Type O Negative) and were signed by the legendary A and R man Jon Kolodner to Sony in Los Angeles. Kolodner signed acts such as AC/DC, Peter Gabriel, and oversaw Aerosmith's resurgence in the early 90s. After extensive touring and work in the US through the 90's, Jonathan again returned to Ireland where he met Michelle, they were married a couple of years later and started their family. While still working as a professional musician Jonathan and Michelle moved to Meath in January 2004, putting down roots in the area, they opened the M & J School of Music in September of that same year. Through the ups and downs of the last 10 years, Jon is proud to have helped a new generation of musicians in the Navan and North Meath area discover the joy of music and help mold their talents. Jonathan continues to gig and record with a variety of projects both original and covers acts.