London Based

TOURING Drummer | Playback | Educator

About Connor

 

Connor Hopkins is a London-based Touring Drummer, Playback Engineer, and Educator. Known for his top-tier professionalism and consistently reliable performances, he works across a wide range of live and studio settings with major artists, musical directors, and production teams in the UK and internationally.

Over the past six years, Connor has performed at some of the world’s most iconic venues and festivals. Highlights include:

  • Supporting Ed Sheeran on his UK/US Mathematics Stadium Tour and at the Royal Albert Hall, with Dylan

  • Headlining Wembley Arena with Arthur Hill

  • Performing at the 2023 BAFTAs

  • Playing the EURO 2024 Opening Festival (Fan Fest)

  • Supporting Louis Tomlinson at his Away From Home Festival

  • Global headline tours with Dylan

  • Playback for Bebe Rexha, Clean Bandit, Heidi Montag, Chanel Yates, and Arthur Hill

  • Playing for Caity Baser at Findings Festival

  • Supporting Tate McRae, Bastille, and Maisie Peters on major tours

  • Festival performances at Reading & Leeds with Dylan, L Devine, and Arthur Hill

  • Featured on The Voice Kids 2022

  • Featured sessions on BBC Radio 1's Future Pop and Future Artist, recorded at Maida Vale Studios, multiple times.

Connor has worked alongside top-tier Musical Directors including Ashton Miranda (Ed Sheeran, James Arthur, Anne-Marie), Sandy Beales (One Direction, JP Cooper), and Charlie Fowler (Mahalia, The Shires).

Connor specialises in playback , with experience working with major artists, delivering reliable live shows, and building clean, scalable Ableton Live sessions, with strong attention to detail.

Whether on stage or in the studio, Connor brings musicality, precision, and professionalism to every project.

Videos

 

Testimonials

“Connor is a very skilled and musical drummer, with strong awareness towards a diverse range of styles. His level of dedication and attention he pays towards his craft is unquestionable, yet, perhaps what distinguishes Connor amongst other fellow musicians, is that he is a wonderful person with a great sense of humour. He’s a strong team-player and a consummate professional - one that always assures great results. I honestly believe in great things for his future in musical practice”.

— Joe Yoshida (Eurovision, Joel Compass, Molly Smitten)

“I’ve taught Connor Hopkins on the Diploma and Degree programme at The Academy of Contemporary Music, and have observed over the years a consistent, motivated, skilled and dedicated student. During Connor’s studies, he accepts all challenges, whether inside his ‘comfort zone’ or not. He excels at every task, whilst maintaining a positive and light attitude, and has fun enjoying the process of learning and developing. Connor is always prepared and delivers a high level of technical ability during each diverse performance - whether formal or informal. Connor’s determination, professionalism, diverse technical skills and positive nature makes him an ideal colleague for any musical environment”

— Danny Mullowney (Wayne Newton, Clint Holmes, Michael Feinstein)

“Connor is a fantastic drummer with a natural ability and has been a pleasure to work with at the ACM. Connor has a professional attitude, strong work ethic and has demonstrated himself to be a much valued company member. Connor has real passion for his craft which is supported by strong technique, stylistic awareness and creativity. Connor is certainly a drummer to look out for in the future”.

— Toby Drummond (The Seahorses, Shaun Ryder, Russell Watson, Ray Davies, Cliff Richard)

Socials

View fullsize US SUPPORT TOUR BABBYYY🇺🇸 a special run. grateful for it all.
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View fullsize WEMBLEY ARENA! WOW! Massive thanks to @arthurnfhill and the whole team - a seriously special moment, proud of the old boy 👏🏼 Privileged to be behind the kit and have programmed the show 💻🥁 This is what it’s all about ✨ 📸 @isytownsend
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View fullsize AUS/NZ - WOW. That was something else. 🇦🇺🇳🇿✨ Forever Grateful 🫡
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View fullsize AUS/NZ — Pending… who’s READY? 🇦🇺🦘
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View fullsize Reset → Time To Level Up
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Tuition

Connor provides affordable 1-to-1 drumming tuition and playback training for students of all ages, both at his home studio and online. His teaching focuses on developing solid musical foundations, including groove, timing, musicality, and the fundamentals of live playback systems used in professional touring environments. Drawing on his extensive experience performing to audiences of thousands worldwide, working in playback for artists at all levels including major artists, and studying drumming at degree level. Connor offers a practical, professional learning experience tailored to each student’s goals.

Some key areas covered include:

  • Groove development across a wide range of styles

  • Fills, phrasing, and musical application

  • Metronomic timekeeping and consistency

  • Introduction to live playback systems and show execution

  • Technique and overall control behind the kit

All lessons are individually tailored to the student’s current level and ambitions. Connor offers both online and in-person lessons. If you’re interested or would like to find out more, please get in touch.

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Contact

connorhopkinsdrums@gmail.com
+44 7772 484 214