Drumming Success : Part 1
John with his first drum teacher, Tony Chirco.
My career as a professional drummer and studio musician has allowed me to play and record with some of the most noted musicians in various musical styles. A short list of my recordings ranges from recording with folk artist Pete Seeger to jazz albums with piano player Lou Stein, and jazz guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli. My playing experience has ranged from playing with the Bill Watrous big band in New York to Steely Dan guitarist Elliott Randall in California and playing the music of Dave Brubeck with full orchestra with his son Chris Brubeck.
Ability
All of my musical life experiences and currently my experiences from day to day whether it’s playing in a studio or playing a concert all lead to my ability to translate music to my students. I’ve been teaching drums from about 1970 to the current time. I’ve had many successes with lots of students over the years. I have the ability and patience to relate to beginners looking for drum lessons or to become accomplished or semi accomplished musicians. I’ve had kids as young as three years old study with me although the usual age to begin is around five or six.
The Magic of Teaching Drums
My talent for teaching or what I like to call magic, is my ability to communicate to individuals of any age. This is possible because my first drum teacher started me at the age of five. My dad and granddad and great uncles were all musicians and I was surrounded by music growing up. So, having my first teacher caring for me like I was part of his family was very special. I started at five years old and studied for 12 years with him. Teaching drums requires the correct knowledge and my teachers and my life experiences have given me those tools that are most important when a young person begins. I communicate really well and I am able to teach a young person to read music. This is essential in playing in the studio or any situation that requires music being put in front of you and you are expected to read it on sight. In helping people to learn how to play drums, whatever the age, I have the ability to give them correct information and add something that can only be learned through life experience. That something is “the special”, and it’s the same special of a great chef or anyone doing something at a high level. I have that special and I have been able to change people’s lives with my ability to understand and explain what I do. That ability has come from great teachers, including during my college experience as a music education major, but also from my playing experience with some of the best players in the world and their kindness and care and support and giving of themselves to help me be a better player. That translates into me hopefully giving that back and being able to do that for a student.