Photo by Jo Salisbury

Jo May trained as an orchestral percussionist at the Royal College of Music, and began her career working with orchestras such as the BBC Symphony Orchestra and English National Ballet, performing at venues around the UK including the BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall. A trip to Sidmouth Folk Festival sparked an enthusiasm for traditional music and led to Jo's involvement in various folk lineups, as well as study trips to Senegal (exploring drumming and balafon playing) and her participation in many Afro-Brazilian and Afro-Cuban courses run by One Voice Music. See my Performance page

Jo is an experienced percussion teacher and workshop leader. She currently runs spoon playing workshops for schools, teachers' conferences, festivals and community groups around the UK, as well as abroad. Highlights include the Music and Drama Education Expos in London and Manchester and a recent appearance on CBeebies.

I was amazed and delighted by the music from our spoons, the teacher displayed dazzling virtuosity. I'll never look at our cutlery drawer in the same way. Great fun!

Dr Stephanie Taylor

Photo by Mark Wickson