A TAUNTON man had a special guest arrive at the opening of his new drum studio. 

Mark Dobson, 34, from Cotford St Luke, set up his his business in March 2014, but has recently opened a soundproofed studio in Langport. 

Mark Dobson School of Drums opened in the Seed Factory on October 28. 

Glastonbury Festival's Michael Eavis attended the opening - and even had a go on the drums. 

One of Mr Dobson's students showed the music legend what he'd learnt, a proud moment he said he'd treasure for life.

He said: "Sir Michael Eavis CBE cut the ribbon and officially opened the studio with many of my students, family and friends there.

"It was a fantastic evening with Sir Michael.

"It felt amazing having him there to open up the studio.

"I was very honoured and privileged to have such a wonderful man there to show him around and endorse my business.

"He was very impressed with what we have built and was very interested to see and speak to some of my students and see how well they are doing.

"One of my pupils, Pierre Joubert, even got on my drum kit and did a little drum solo for Sir Michael and the crowd.

"It was a very proud moment that I will treasure for years to come."

Mr Dobson has been playing drums since he was a kid, achieving his Grade 8 honours in his young teens. 

He was formally a member of Yeovil band No Closure. 

The keen musician used to manage a sports centre, but his love of drumming led him down a different path.

He added: "I used to be a sports centre manager but with my passion of drumming I wanted to start my own business teaching drums.

"I started teaching drums in schools and due to the high demand I went on to teach at many more schools like Millfield Prep School, West Pennard and others around Somerset where I currently still teach.

"I now have a fully soundproofed studio in the Seed Factory where I teach drums most afternoons and evenings of the week.

"I teach all ages and abilities."