A black and white photograph of a Yamaha drum set on a stage with cymbals, drums, guitar pedals, a fan, and a wall with a large artistic design in the background.

Freelance Drummer

Sound & Playback Engineer

Educator

Drums, Playback & Live Sound

Music has taken me from theatre productions and live events to recording studios and classrooms across the UK. Today, I work as a freelance drummer, live audio engineer, and educator, combining professional performance experience with a passion for helping others develop their own musical skills. Combining traditional musicianship with modern hybrid drumming techniques, I bring a versatile and creative approach to performance, education, and collaboration.

Past work

See Me Play

Oli Hyland is playing a red drum set on an outdoor stage with a large black and white graphic background. He is holding drumsticks, wearing a white t-shirt, and has tattoos and accessories on his arms.

Services

Oli Hyland is playing the drums on stage during a concert with stage lights and a banner in the background.

Function Bands & Theatre

From theatre productions and live music venues to weddings, corporate events, and private functions, I bring energy, professionalism, and adaptability to every performance. Experienced across a wide range of musical styles, I work with theatre productions, function bands, and live acts to create memorable experiences for audiences and clients alike.

Oli Hyland is playing bass guitar at a live music venue, surrounded by electronic music equipment including a Roland sample-pad and Marshall amplifier, with microphones set up in front of him.

Sessions For Artists

Available for recording sessions and live performances, I collaborate with artists, bands, and producers to deliver dynamic, musical drum performances that support and enhance their sound. From studio recording and rehearsals through to live shows, my focus is always on serving the music and bringing the artist’s vision to life.

Alongside this, I also work as a musical director, helping shape arrangements in pre-production and guiding live performances from behind the kit to ensure clarity, energy, and cohesion on stage.

I also integrate hybrid drumming and SPD-SX technology to incorporate samples and electronic elements into modern live and studio setups. Previous performances include appearances at Sofar Sounds.

A tablet mounted on a stand on a drum set, displaying sheet music or notes, in a dimly lit room with red and blue stage lighting.

Education

Drawing on my experience as a professional performer, I help students develop practical musical skills that extend beyond the practice room. Through private lessons and school teaching, I support students at every stage of their journey, whether they are playing for enjoyment, preparing for exams, or working towards future musical opportunities.

Music stage set up outdoors on a field with trees in the background, viewed from behind a DJ or sound technician's equipment including mixers and screens under a canopy.

Events

Alongside my work as a musician, I freelance across the live events industry, providing technical and production support for a wide range of events. With experience in live sound, event production, and crew roles, I work as part of professional teams to help deliver smooth, well-executed events, bringing a reliable, adaptable, and solutions-focused approach to every project.

Testimonials

"Oli has a promising future ahead of him as a drummer. Dedicated and professional, he’s a credit to any stage."

A man with curly hair, wearing a striped shirt under a jacket, sitting on a low wall next to a drum, looking to the side. The background shows a brick house with a door, a fence, and some plants and leaves on the ground. The photo is in black and white.

Ben Scott (Ed Sheeran, Tom Walker, Here You Come Again)

“Oli is an asset to every event that I have had the privilege to work on with him. He's a hard worker, reliable, and always willing to go the extra mile when needed. His attitude makes him a pleasure to work with.”

David Carr (Backseat Events)

"Oli has a strong ability with the kit all of which is supported by a professional attitude & strong work ethic. Oli is certainly a drummer to look out for in the future."

Toby Drummond (Sir Cliff Richard, Shaun Ryder, Wicked)