Alvin Tan began drumming at the late age of 16. His instructors included famous local drummers such as Gordon Jansen, Hansen Beng (Yamaha), Anthony Foong (Yamaha) and Anwar. By the age of 19, he began drumming professionally at local festivals and in prominent local clubs such as Hard Rock Café, Club Barracuda and Paisleys. At the age of 21, he began working in the SAF Music and Drama Company and that is where he formed his first band, Groove Collective. Groove Collective was actively involved in the local music scene and worked in popular clubs such as Body Shock, Culture Club, Brannigans and numerous hotel functions.

Soon after his lengthy contract with a Jazz trio at Paulana Brauhaus, Alvin left for Melbourne to further his music education. In Melbourne, he went under the instructions of renowned Australian drummers such as the legendary Graham Morgan, Darryn Farrugia (now the head of drums in DrumTech, London), Dave Beck and Tony Floyd. During his studies at Monash University, he also worked as the chief percussion instructor for 2 Australian local schools, where he taught for 2 years before returning home to Singapore.

Upon returning home, Alvin was quickly hired as an instructor for a local educational group called Mastereign. Mastereign has a portfolio of over 200 public schools and Alvin was involved in training a significant number of these schools for about 18 months (courses taught included Digital Music Production, Song Writing and Percussion Performance). Alvin then went on to start his own music school, The Music Lab, in 2006.

In 2007, Avin became band leader for The Olivia Ong Quintet and performed a few high profiled shows such as the Arty Party 2007, Olivia Ong Live in Seoul concert, Mosaic Festival 2008 and Olivia Ong Live at Oosh. In the same year, the world’s largest drum manufacturer, Pearl Drums, signed Alvin as one of their artists. In 2008, Alvin also became a part of Rosli Mansor’s music and appeared in the highly rated TV program, Anugerah Band 2008.

Although Alvin’s 14-year career in the Music industry may be considered young to most, his involvement has been most vibrant. His performance credits and his continuous desire to learn and educate will inspire any serious learning musician.

Field Experience
Principal for The Music Lab Singapore

Drummer and band leader for The Olivia Ong Quintet 2007-2008 (recent gigs include Arty Party 2007, Olivia Ong Live In Seoul, Olivia Ong Concert At OOSH)

Drummer for Rosli Mansor (gigs included the highly rated TV show, Anugerah Band 2008).

Band Leader/Drummer for local rock outfit Planestar, Singapore (recent gigs include National Day Performance at The Merlion Park, PALME international show), 2007

Percussion Ensemble training for over 10 local public schools (primary, secondary and tertiary levels), 2006 – 2007

Digital music production training for over 10 local public schools (primary, secondary and tertiary levels), 2006 - 2007-09-03

Band Leader/Drummer/Composer/Arranger for band Ellipsis, Melbourne (Australia),2004 – 2005

Drummer/Percussionist for Ms Emma Avery, Melbourne (Australia), 2002 – 2005

Drum kit and percussion instructor for Blackburn Primary School, Melbourne (Australia), 2004 - 2005

Drum kit and percussion instructor for Laburnum Primary School, Melbourne (Australia), 2004 – 2005

Drummer/Percussionist for resident jazz band for Paulana Brauhaus, Singapore, 2000

Drummer/Percussionist for band Groove Collective, Singapore, 1999. Venues included: Culture Club (Boat Quay), Body Shock (The Heeren) and Brannigans (Hyatt Hotel).

Drummer/Percussionist for Music and Drama Company, Singapore Armed Forces, Singapore, 1997 – 1998

Drummer/Percussionist for Ms Julia Peng, Singapore tour, 1996

Drummer/Percussionist for Hard Rock Café Sunday Band, Singapore 1996

Drummer/Percussionist for Mr Zai Kunning, Singapore Arts Festival, Singapore 1996