Work hard and be nice: Mike Dolbear on the drumming community, parenthood and mental health Artwork

Drummer Mamas

Drummer Mamas is a podcast aimed at bringing drumming mothers together. Ciara Chinniah and Gemma Hill have been friends since they met studying the drums at music college. Since then they have both had children and wanted to share their experiences in the drumming world whilst also juggling everything that comes with motherhood.

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Drummer Mamas

Work hard and be nice: Mike Dolbear on the drumming community, parenthood and mental health

June 16, 2025 • Ciara Chinniah and Gemma Hill • Season 2 • Episode 22

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Mike Dolbear is at the heart of the UK drum scene as a teacher, as founder of the Young Drummer of the Year event (which he started more than 20 years ago), and with his masterclass room at the UK and European Drum Shows.
As mentor to some of the biggest names in the music industry, Mike shares his wisdom on communicating with his students, the importance of highlighting mental health, and how he makes his decisions for work. This is an inspiring episode that covers family, drumming, encouraging girls to play drums, and the irregularities of working in entertainment.

Trigger warning: we talk about suicide in this episode

Mike Dolbear:
Instagram.com/mikedolbearcom

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