Ernani Lara Neto

Drummer, Steel Drummer, Pianist

About Me

Experienced Drummer

Extensive performance experience in a variety of venues like the Royal Albert Hall, Royal Festival Hall and more. Recently played at Glastonbury Festival.

My musical journey started at age 4, having Drum lessons in Portugal and playing Drums in church. Having moved to England aged 6, I started playing the violin with music education charity Music Masters. Through the help of their resources and amazing opportunities, I’ve been able to play in some of the most prestigious and respected venues and events.

Going into my secondary school that was heavily music focused, I got a Drums and Violin scholarship which allowed me to branch out into all sorts of genres of music and learn all sorts of instruments. I play Drums, Violin, Piano, Steel Pans, Percussion like Vibraphone and African Drums. I play a numerous number of genres of music from Pop to Funk to Soca to Afro-beats to Gospel to Jazz to Classical to Fusion… the list goes on.

I was appointed a Graduate Ambassador of Music Masters, in which role – as an adult graduate of their Schools Programme – I now support and inspire children and young people in their musical journeys. This involves performing for and speaking on behalf of the charity. Over the years, I’ve played alongside amazing musicians like Nicola Benedetti, Sheku Kanneh-Mason, Nadine Benjamin and more in venues like the Royal Festival Hall, The Wigmore Hall, in Parliament and other distinguished venues.

I now play for many different bands and groups – some with singers, some instrumental. Playing for Mangrove Steel Band has given me many opportunities playing Drums and Steel Pans in places like Glastonbury, Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee, Notting Hill Carnival and playing on tour in France and Brazil. At Mangrove, I’ve also worked with some renowned Steel Pan arrangers and played with Soca artists that have over 6 million streams on Spotify.

Alongside playing for Mangrove and Music Masters, I regularly play Jazz and Fusion with aspiring musicians at Trinity Laban Conservatoire. Through performing Drums and Piano / Keyboard at church I’ve had multiple opportunities to play with leading Brazilian Gospel artists and musicians that come to play in our events.

In my spare time, I like to practise learning other instruments so I’m teaching myself Bass and Guitar.

“I was first diagnosed with epilepsy when I was eleven, and one of the things that keeps me going when I’m having a tough time is a I just play the drums and anger, sadness, happiness all sorts of feelings can just be released with music.”