Physical preparation for artists.

Private one-to-one training in London, and a programme that travels with you when you're on the road. Built around your diary, not the other way round.

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Book a trial session to see how we work together. No commitment.

Where Most Artists Start

Getting Back Into Training

You want to train properly and consistently, but your schedule is nuts. You need a plan that fits around rehearsals, promo and shows, and someone keeping it on track.

Coming Back From Injury

You're mid-rehab or nearing the end of it, and wondering how to go from injured to fully active, and how to stop it happening again. Now's the time to rebuild strength and confidence so the injury doesn't become your limiting factor.

Preparing for a Tour

Touring is physically challenging, and the simple fact is that you need to prepare for it so you smooth the transition from your off-season to your on-season. Because you're reading this, you already know that. It's just a case of putting a plan in place.

You're Irreplaceable, So Prepare Like It

Nobody can cover for you if something goes wrong.

That's why I treat artists as athletes in their own right. Performing is physical work, and the travel, late nights and early starts that come with it need to be treated with respect. The job is to balance training and recovery so you stay healthy, feel good and play better, without changing the way you work.

How It Works

  1. Book a Trial Session

    I use an exclusive collection of discreet, private gyms dotted around central London. We book a trial session at a time that works for you, which doubles as a chance to meet.

  2. Your Plan, Built Around Your Schedule

    In our first session I'll find out what you need and what's coming up in your diary. Then, taking your injury and training history into account, I'll write your training plan to fit the shape of your schedule, whether that's studio time, rehearsals, promo or shows. We train together in person whenever you're in London.

  3. A Weekly Review

    Using principles of load management from elite sport, each week you'll complete a two-minute review. This is where your training and your performance schedule start working together. I read every one and come back with a decision on when to push, when to hold and when to back off, so the shows, the travel and the training all shape what comes next. The longer we work together, the harder you are to knock off course.

    Messages are answered within 24 hours on working days.

  4. It Comes on Tour With You

    When you leave London, the programme goes with you, with versions of every session for hotel gyms and backstage. Your band can train with you too, through the Performance Conditioning Training Club.

The Artist Preparation Pyramid

Every programme is built from the ground up in three layers. Each one depends on the one beneath it.

  • Musical Expression

    Freedom to move and freedom on stage. Control and command of the show, the capacity it specifically asks for, and the ability to repeat it every night.

  • Availability and Durability

    Being well enough to perform on every date, and strong enough to absorb the workload that comes with it.

  • Assessment and Context

    Who you are, how you move, your injury history, what your diary looks like and what your show demands.

Where We Train

We train in private gyms in convenient locations across central London. They're discreet, premium, fully equipped spaces, and the space is exclusively yours for the session.

With access around the clock, sessions fit around your day rather than a gym's opening hours.

Working Alongside Your Medical Team

If you're recovering from an injury, I work alongside your team, following their guidance, and pick up where rehab leaves off to rebuild strength and capacity.

When something needs hands-on or specialist care, I have access to a world-class team of specialist clinicians to support you.

Who I've Worked With

I've coached musicians connected to:

Plus players from major UK orchestras, West End productions and international tours.

“I'd tried several trainers looking for injury prevention for my career before I found this level of knowledge. It's an injury-saver and a career-saver.”

Lucy LandymorePercussion and drums, solo artist, Hans Zimmer

“I feel like I'm carrying myself better, and it's already transferred into playing my instrument in a more controlled, relaxed way.”

Rich JonesViola, Strings MD for Pulp

“Without this support I'm not sure I'd be able to do the work I do today.”

Adam BloorDrums, Hamilton international tour
Chris Draper

Hi, I'm Chris

Though many who know me just call me “Draper”.

By night, I'm a drummer. I started out as a jazz musician, and these days I play drums on Hamilton in London's West End.

By day, I'm a functional strength and performance specialist. Which might seem an unlikely combination, so let me explain how we got here.

Back in 2023 I acquired two brain injuries that changed a lot of things, including my relationship with music. To keep myself playing through the three year recovery, I started training in a really specific way, and found I ended up getting better at the drums as a result.

I had more control. I became more consistent. Mental hangups disappeared. Long-standing niggles evaporated. My weekly physio dropped to twice yearly. And although it's not the focus of what I do, I lost a ton of brain injury weight and built a load of muscle as a by-product of the way I train.

I took those realisations, formalised them with qualifications, and started working with professional musicians probably very similar to you. Since then I've worked with solo artists and musicians affiliated with large commercial acts, as well as West End shows and major orchestras.

It turns out most of us aren't held back by our technique.

We're held back by our physiology, and the only way to get on top of that is to start treating yourself as an athlete in your own right.

And that's what Performance Conditioning is all about.

Book a Trial Session

One session to see how we go. Get in touch and we'll find a time.

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Your preparation is built and priced to your specific needs. We'll talk through the options after your trial session.

07533 922971 chris@performanceconditioning.co