Patrick King

Patrick King is Head of Percussion Performance at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. Patrick was appointed as the Co-Principal timpanist of the world renowned London Symphony Orchestra in 2023.

In his role at RWCMD, the Percussion Department has grown into a thriving hub of activity. Patrick oversees a fantastic team of tutors which covers every facet of the music industry, facilitates regular masterclasses from visiting professionals, and provides constant opportunities for collaboration both within the college and external engagements for the students. Highlights include ‘The Big Bash’, a percussion day unique to RWCMD aimed at young percussionists from beginner to grade 8 and has included guest masterclasses and concerts from Colin Currie and O Duo. Students at RWCMD enjoy regular outreach opportunities, led by Patrick.

As an educator, Patrick has tutored the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain. Patrick has given masterclasses throughout the UK, including the RCM Day of Percussion. Equally passionate about outreach work, Patrick is artistic director of Children’s Musical Adventures, a company devoted to music for young people. Patrick is an ambassador for The Benedetti Foundation and enjoys taking the joy of music to as many people as possible.

Patrick studied at the Royal College of Music and on graduating received the Director’s Prize for musical contribution. While at the RCM he was a member of The European Union Youth Orchestra, and then went on to a freelance career which involved playing with the majority of orchestras throughout the UK. Patrick was a percussion finalist in the BBC Young Musician of the Year in 2001, and the winner of the London Symphony Orchestra St Luke’s Academy.

Patrick was formerly Principal Timpanist of Welsh National Opera from 2008-2022.