Alumni Case Study Theo Williams-Burchell

Theo is the definition of a portfolio musician. While his primary focus during his studies was technical drumming and production, his professional life now spans a diverse split between live session work and the wider technical and business aspects of the industry. Currently, he operates as a session drummer, Musical Director (MD), and playback technician, while also handling live sound and creative production. 

His credits are already impressive for a recent graduate. Theo has performed at the legendary Maida Vale Studios with Lily Knott and GILSKA, taken the stage at SXSW London with Orchards, and even flown to Spain for a whirlwind 48-hour cruise ship performance. He also currently acts as MD for various artists, providing technical support, arranging live sets and sourcing musicians. 

Growing up in Norfolk, Theo knew early on that his ambitions were bigger than his surroundings. He realised that to make a sustainable career in music, he needed to leave Norwich and find a vibrant creative hub. Brighton, with its rich musical heritage, was the obvious choice. 

While he considered larger institutions, it was a visit from WaterBear to his school that changed his trajectory. Theo was drawn to the “boutique” nature of WaterBear; he wanted a smaller, more intimate environment where the team knew his name and his goals. The deciding factor was the course’s flexibility—it promised not just to make him a better drummer, but to allow him to discover and work on other vital aspects of the industry, from production to business strategy. 

Theo’s time at WaterBear was defined by hands-on mentoring and real-world application. A pivotal relationship was formed with mentor Liam Kearley, who took Theo under his wing. Liam provided crucial drum tuition but also became a constant port of call for industry advice, a relationship that continues to this day. Studying with Pete Riley was equally transformative, helping Theo identify technical areas where he was holding back and teaching him to play with greater efficiency. 

Beyond one-to-one tuition, the broader WaterBear ecosystem provided the framework Theo needed to manage his personal and professional life. Being in the House Band was instrumental in gearing him up for real rehearsals and introducing him to the concept of Musical Direction. 

Crucially, the college connected him directly to high-level industry workings. A highlight was an email from Kieron Pepper regarding a workshop with Sandy Beales (MD for One Direction and JP Cooper). Theo seized the opportunity to run playback and drums at the workshop, establishing a connection that exemplified the “access-all-areas” ethos of the college. 

The transition from student to professional was seamless, largely due to the network he built on campus. His first tour was a direct result of a WaterBear connection, with artist Jack Valero. 

One of the most significant turning points in Theo’s early career came from a specific piece of advice from his mentor, Liam. He suggested Theo invest in an SPD (Sampling Pad). Taking that advice opened up a massive new revenue stream: playback. Recognising the power of hybrid drumming has been a game-changer, allowing Theo to offer a broader range of services to artists. 

Today, Theo is building a team of trusted sound engineers and producers. He is working towards launching a business next year designed as a “one-stop shop” for artists—where they can bring their songs and have everything from playback to live musicians sorted in one place. He has already successfully piloted this model for Lily Knott’s live shows. 

It hasn’t been without challenges. Theo candidly admits to battling “imposter syndrome” (although he recognises that it simply means he cares about the quality of his work). He has also had to navigate the intricacies of self-employment, from choosing the right business bank accounts to mastering tax returns. 

Technical Performance 

Musical Direction (MD) 

Playback Technology 

Production 

Business Acumen 

Networking