A man sitting behind a drum set with multiple drums and cymbals, surrounded by various drum hardware and microphones, against a black background. John Thomas

Journey Through Time

by John Thomas (My)

jazz improvisation, drum technique &
music landscape.

One of Asia’s most in-demand drummers, John Thomas shares his perspectives on jazz improvisation, drum technique, and touring in today’s contemporary music landscape. Presented by the Jazz Association (Singapore), this masterclass offers a valuable opportunity to gain practical, real-world insights from a seasoned performer at the top of his craft. 

A man sitting behind a drum set with a colorful abstract mural in the background. John Thomas

Fri, 26 Mar 2026

Journey through time by John Thomas (MY)

Time: 7:30pm - 9:00pm
Venue: Gateway Theatre, Blackbox L8
(Directions)
Tickets: $15

About John Thomas

A veteran of six world tours and five Asian tours, John has performed internationally alongside leading artists including A-Mei, Wang Leehom, Sunset Rollercoaster, Siti Nurhaliza, and Anita Sarawak, among others. His diverse touring experience brings a unique blend of precision, adaptability, and musicality to every stage. 

Poster for a masterclass titled 'Journey Through Time' by John Thomas (MY), scheduled for Thursday, March 26, 2026, from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM, at the Lion City Jazz Festival, featuring an image of a smiling man behind a drum set against a colorful abstract background.
  • This masterclass is suitable for:

    • Drummers and rhythm section players

    • Musicians of all instruments seeking stronger time feel

    • Music students and educators

    • Anyone interested in groove, pulse, and ensemble playing

  • Participants can expect insights into:

    • Developing a stronger internal sense of time

    • Understanding groove beyond the drum kit

    • How rhythm functions across styles and eras

    • Listening and responding within an ensemble context

  • The session will take place at Gateway Theatre Blackbox, an intimate space designed for focused dialogue and learning.

  • Date: Thu, 26 Mar 2026

    Time: 7:30pm – 9:00pm

    Venue: Gateway Theatre, Blackbox L8

    Tickets: $15

  • This is a talk-based masterclass with demonstrations and musical examples.

  • The masterclass runs for approximately 90 minutes.

  • Gateway Theatre is conveniently located and accessible via public transport. Visitors are encouraged to use MRT and bus services where possible. Limited parking is available in the vicinity; please allow extra travel time during peak hours.

    Nearest MRT (Train)

    • Redhill MRT Station (EW18) – ~10–11 min walk

    Nearby Bus Stops & Services

    Several buses stop within a short walk of the theatre

    • buses 14, 147, 196, 197, 729, 961, 153, 855

Journey Through Time invites musicians to feel the beat more deeply, together.

Time is more than tempo. it’s how the music breathes.

PRESENTED BY

Logo of Jazz Association Singapore celebrating 10 years, featuring the word 'Jazz' with a piano keyboard and colorful piano keys, the number '10', the word 'Years', and the text 'Association (Singapore)'.

SUPPORTED BY

A neon sign with the word "COMPASS" and an abstract compass design in glowing yellow and black.
Sembcorp logo with a stylized green and white globe design and the word "sembcorp" in black.
EFG Private Banking logo with stylized letters and a red accent on the letter E, and the words "Private Banking" beneath.
Logo of a company or organization with a gray banner, a gold and red design element on the left, and text that is not legible.
Text reading "arts" with a black and red color scheme.
The logo features the words "Better Everyday" in blue text, with an orange swoosh above the "t" in "Better."

Jazz Association (Singapore) is supported by the National Arts Coucil under the Major Company Scheme for the period of 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2028.

VENUE PARTNER

Logo of Gateway Theatre with a red spiral symbol above the name.