Yolanda Charles MBE is a British musician, teacher and music producer.

Yolanda is well-known among music fans and industry professionals all over the world. She was awarded an MBE for her services to music in 2020, and she has spent her career performing live with Hans Zimmer, Squeeze, Robbie Williams, and Paul Weller, as well as recording with BB King, Mick Jagger, Dave Stewart, and Queen, to name a few.

In addition to her session work and private teaching, she has been invited to give masterclasses and workshops at a number of schools and colleges, including the Royal College of Music Manchester, Goldsmiths University, BIMM Manchester, Brighton, Bristol, Dublin, London, ICMP (The Institute), and the London College of Contemporary Music (LCCM).

She also performs regularly for guitar bass and amps leader Fender and others at music conventions and tradeshows: winter NAMM in Anaheim USA, the UK Bass show and the Musikmesse in Frankfurt.

For workshops, Yolanda's style is interactive: A performance demonstration often comes with an invitation for volunteers to join her.

As a bassist, she usually holds the sessions with Project pH drummer Laurie Lowe, who will accompany her in a solid rhythm section duo. They demonstrate rhythmic development and placement, exercises to internalise 16th note divisions, utilising dynamics and various styles, including navigating odd time signatures and everything else BASS & DRUMS.

Classes are also available with drummer Gergo Borlai by special arrangement.

Yolanda's Masterclass performance topics and discussion include: -

• Introduction – history, background, career pathway and achievements
• Demonstration
• Rhythmic timing and feel
• Performance examples and interaction
• Musicianship
• Industry advice with important anecdotal lessons
• Running a band
• Making an album
• Booking gigs
• Tools and Techniques – endorsements and self-sufficiency
• Q&A/Discussion

“Yolanda’s ability to work with, meet and support each person from where they were was brilliant and I deeply appreciated the non-judgemental environment that was created and the chance to play with lots of different drummers and bass players.”” - Bassist Nicholas Klyne - recent class attendee.