The Nelson Music Academy Staff

Paul Nelson's love of music began at 6 yrs old sitting on a famous drummer's knee. Making music a part of his life Paul studied various musical instruments at school gaining the necessary qualifications to enter The Royal Green Jackets Army Band playing Clarinet and Saxophone,

He studied at Kneller Hall Military School of Music and travelled the world developing a wide ranging musical taste and opening his mind to all cultures. He played at venues including Earls Court, Buckingham Palace, The Royal Albert Hall and The Berlin and Edinburgh Tattoos etc.

He left the Army to pursue a civilian musical career and formed various bands throughout the years such as "The Oompah Pahs", an 8 Piece Bavarian Band, touring the Rhine Valley and "Raw Sax", a Saxaphone Quartet, touring the South of England. Paul taught music in schools in the UK and since 1996 in International Schools on The Costa del Sol. Director of The Music Factory in Fuengirola from 1999 until 2006, he was the driving force behind ¨¨The Blues Boys Soul Band.. He now leads the¨¨ Likrish Stix¨¨ Clarinet Trio.

Paul believes, 'Music is the soul of life'!

As a young child Karla Drayson loved playing the recorder and reading music. Recognising her musical talents her father introduced her to playing the clarinet at the age of 12. Trained to play classical clarinet, Karla achieved ABRSM grade VIII at 17. She played in Orchestras in Berkshire whilst studying for A levels including Music and having the opportunity to gain teaching experience.

At 19 Karla started her professional career in Audit, Accountancy and Taxation. She was closely involved in the development of the first computerised Accountancy software brought to the market in the late 70s. She later specialised in advising small companies in trouble, turnarounds and professional project management. Keeping her musical interest, Karla taught children to play recorder and clarinet and was involved in various musical productions.

Karla moved with her family to Fuengirola in 2005 and continues professional consultancy with use of the internet. She taught a school recorder group and through this met Paul Nelson who opened the doors to a new world of non-classical clarinet music.

Karla is now one of the Likrish Stix Clarinet Trio.

Cheryl teaches Vocal, Piano, Clarinet and Theory.

Roy Alan was born into a musical family and from the age of seven was encouraged to study the piano and take part in his parents’ music entertainments. This introduced him to a variety of musical styles and instruments including the Piano Accordion and led to him pursuing his piano studies.

He served as a Corporal in the Royal Army Medical Corps during the 1957 Campaign in Malaya where he assisted in the production of musical entertainments for troops stationed there. After later studying at London University, Regent Street Polytechnic and Exeter University he became a senior lecturer in Educational Technology at a Welsh University where he was able to utilise his science, communication and music skills as a tutor producer for the Television Consortium of South Wales.

Roy opened a music school for both adults and young students preparing them for Music Exams by the ABRSM. He became the Principal of the Newport Technics Music Academy.

Since the late 90’s Roy travelled the world performing at the Piano and Keyboards to international audiences on Cruise ships. He joined Paul Nelson in his early work at The Music Factory. Roy became interested in Puppets and Marionettes which has enabled the company to work successfully under contract in Miramar Commercial Park providing musical instrument and puppet activities as well as entertainment for both Spanish and other family groups.

Roy’s non-stop enthusiasm, musical and theatrical creativity and composition is an inspiration to all at NMA.