Why We’re Here
Founded in 2025, Motive was built by musicians who wanted to create the kind of music school we wish we had growing up — one that feels genuinely supportive.
Traditional classrooms can be overwhelming, fast‑paced, or one‑size‑fits‑all. Some students thrive there. Others need something more personal.
That’s where we come in.
Sharing Our Passion for Music.
A personalised alternative to traditional music education.
Most people don’t quit music because they don’t love it — they quit because traditional teaching made them feel judged, behind, or not good enough.
Motive Music Academy exists to change that.
Motive is a modern, intimate & personalised music academy where every student feels seen, supported, and inspired. A place where lessons feel human instead of formal. Creative, not rigid. Encouraging, not intimidating.
We teach real music, build real confidence, and help students discover what they’re truly capable of.
What Makes Motive Different?
Personalised, not standardised
Every lesson is tailored to the student — your goals, your pace, your music taste.
Ready to begin your journey with us?
Jacob “Jake” Oakey
(Drums/Founder)
10 Years of Drumming & 4 Years Teaching Experience
First-Class BA (Hons) in Professional Musicianship
Personalised & adaptive lessons
Meet The Mentors
As a proficient drummer with 10 years of experience, I strive to inspire students with my passion. From teaching and gigging to writing songs, music is my full-time career. I’ve played gigs in both original & function bands and recorded & released music.
I’ve taught pupils of many ages, abilities, and backgrounds. From teaching young children in primary schools, teenagers from home or older adults at music shops. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach; that’s why I keep things flexible and adapt to your goals.
I enjoy playing a wide range of genres, including Rock, Funk, Punk, Fusion and Metal.
Favourite artists: Deftones, Fontaines D.C, Muse, Avenged Sevenfold, Sleep Token.
Louis Carnell
(Guitar/Bass)
10 Years of Experience
Level 3 Extended Diploma in Music
Active Gigging Musician
Meet The Mentors
As an experienced guitarist for 10 years, I’ve played lead and rhythm in numerous bands. I am the bassist for local legends Prodigal; an Alternative Metal band from Stroud, inspired by bands like Deftones & System of a Down.
I have a college diploma in music performance, and I also teach Bass, Classical Guitar, Acoustic, 7-string, & Ukulele. I play a variety of genres like Pop, Punk, Jazz, Blues, but mainly Rock & Metal.
I have a huge passion for music. I spend most of my free time going to gigs, as well as owning a massive record collection. I also build and repair guitars with my side business: Sweet Tones.
Favourite artists: Trivium, Enter Shikari, Eminem, The Prodigy, Bring Me The Horizon, Toto
Charles Pickard
(Guitar/Bass)
16 Years of Experience
Bachelor of Music from MacEwan University
Experienced & versatile, offering guitar/bass/piano & ukelele
Meet The Mentors
Charles Pickard is a Canadian born musician based in Gloucestershire. He has been playing music for 18 years and teaching for 6 years. He also has experience in songwriting, performing, recording, producing, and live sound.
Having grown up with a stutter from a young age, Charles knows firsthand the potential music has to help people find their voice.
He has studied and performed many genres including rock, pop, folk, punk, jazz, funk, and latin just to name a few. Discovering new music and ideas is one of his many passions.
Favourite artists: Tame Impala, Frank Ocean, Kendrick Lamar, System of a Down, Green Day
Jemima Speller
(Vocals)
10 years singing experience
First class (BA Hons) in Performing Arts
LAMDA Musical Theatre Grade 8 Distinction
Meet The Mentors
Hello! I'm Jemima, an experienced singing teacher, and professional musician, with 5 years teaching experience and over 10 years performing experience. I teach a range of vocal styles and genres, including pop, rock, musical theatre and choral.
I have a great passion for music, teaching, singing and performing. I love to share my passion and enthusiasm with my students. No matter the age or experience, I would love to teach anyone who wants to have a fun, engaging time, learning vocal techniques, performance skills and confidence.
Favourite Artists: Stevie Nicks, David Bowie, Miley Cyrus, Stevie Wonder, Erykah Badu
Grace Day
(Vocals)
LCME Pop Vocals Grade 8 - Distinction
Active gigging musician
Personalised & adaptive lessons
Meet The Mentors
Hi! My name is Grace and I am a 18 year old vocal tutor! I’ve been singing for over 4 years and my favourite singers include Amy Winehouse and Stevie Nicks. I have completed my Grade 8 LCME pop vocals exam with a distinction and I can’t wait to start teaching!
Tobias Napleton
(Piano)
15+ years teaching experience
Active gigging musician
BMus (Hons) Music Degree
Meet The Mentors
Tobias is a skilled pianist and keyboard player with a wealth of teaching experience, both in schools and from home. Known for his patient, confidence‑building approach, he adapts lessons to each student — from classical reading to improvisation and contemporary styles. He teaches ABRSM, Trinity and RockSchool syllabuses and has extensive experience working with SEN learners.
Tobias is also an active performer, regularly playing events and taking part in creative projects. He began piano at age 7 in the Forest of Dean, later studying violin and training at Chetham’s School of Music, Colchester Institute and Trinity Laban Conservatoire, where he completed his BMus (Hons).
What you should know before booking
In your first lesson, you’ll get comfy with your instrument, try out some basics, and chat with your tutor about what you’d love to learn. This way, we can make your lessons all about you!
It’s great if you have one to practice at home, but no worries if not! We’ve got instruments you can use during lessons, and we can help you find a rental or purchase option that works for you.
Absolutely! You’re welcome to test out a few different instruments during your first lessons. We’ll help you find the one that feels just right for you.