Our Staff

John Allis

Having spotted the niche for a musical retail outlet back in 1980, the managing Director John initially converted his garage business into a music shop in Tadworth. The opportunity to purchase Sutton music shop then arose shortly afterwards in 1985 and then he swapped the Tadworth Location to Banstead High Street in the mid 1990's. John is an experienced instrument repairer and services woodwind, brass and string instruments. Always keen for a chat, John will be happy to advise on matters ranging from Mozart to Musical Instrument Mechanics.

Louise Allis

Louise has grown up with the Company and now manages the books at the Banstead shop. Her reservoir of knowledge ranging from exam pieces through to the most current popular tabs has helped us to provide a quick and useful service to customers with a wide range of needs. She also manages direct orders at both shops and will be happy to research any title and its availability for you.

Mark Allis

Mark Allis has also grown up with the Company and is now playing a key role at the sutton shop, having been responsible for its recent facelift. Mark is a successful session drummer and has played with the likes of:

Alice Cooper, Bonnie Langford, Brian Conley, Caprice, Charlotte Church, Donny Osmond, Edwin Starr, Englebert Humperdink, Frank Sinatra, Harry Hill, Hearsay, Jacqui Dankworth, Jackie Graham, Jamelia, James Belushi, Jerry Lewis, John Thompson, Julia Migines, Lee Mack, London Symphony Orchestra, Lulu, Mel C, Martin Fry, Matt Monro Jnr, Mel B, Paul O'Grady, Richard O'Sullivan, Richard Shelton, Rick Astley, Rick Parfitt, Rosemary Ford, Russ Abbott, Shane Ritchie, Shirley Bassey, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Steps, Stewart Lee, Suggs and The Mighty Boosh!

Please feel free to contact Mark for any percussive advice you may seek! He is normally in the sutton shop on Tuesday mornings.

Matthew Somerscale

Matt is one of the longest serving members of staff here, having been a member of the Banstead and Sutton Music family for 14 years. He is an accomplished bassist and a member of a successful and very talented band. He is the Manager of the Banstead Music shop and takes care of all the guitar setups/repairs and can always be contacted at the Banstead shop for any in depth guitar related enquiries you may have. His broad knowledge on all aspects of music and musical instruments along with his approachable and friendly nature has been a valuable asset to the company over the years, so please feel free to chat to Matt about any advice you may need.

James Brown

James Brown has been a member of the company for 8 years now and is the manager of the Sutton shop. He specialises in the Guitar and plays in various bands working on the London Circuit. His detailed knowledge of the guitar market and his ability to demonstrate the many different styles to which the instrument can be applied has been an excellent force of guidance for both the novice looking to purchase their first instrument through to the experienced player looking for an upgrade.

John Vince

John is our drum specialist. He was awarded a music scholorship at school and obtained his grade 8 on the drums when he was sixteen. John is a member of various bands and also teaches in the local area. John also plays the piano and is a keen producer, having built up his own studio. For any advice you may require regarding the drums and keyboards through to microphones and mixers, please feel free to call/come and chat and he'll be happy to help point you in the right direction.

Richard Henshall

Richard specialises in the piano/keyboards and is also an accomplished guitarist. He is our newest addition to the team and has been involved with music from the age of seven. Richard is a member of two successful progressive rock bands and diversely is part of various Jazz ensembles. He also has a degree in music technology having studied at Kingston College, and will be happy to help with any enquiries you may have.