Reviews
Why we study with Tony ...
"It is amazing to think what Tony has done for me in just 9 months. His big-picture, all-things-considered approach has opened up my sound in a big way and allowed me to start playing a variety of musical styles, including Latin, Jazz, Rock, Funk and R&B. His books are comprehensive and to the point (well worth the investment). I especially like the approach of his "Drum Patterns for Contemporary Rock Styles" which is a great "in" to the Steve Gadd style of playing. If you buy into Tony's system, I guarantee you'll start seeing results in no time." -- Corey (Harvard)
"Tony is very practical, yet, to the point, given all that he passes along to each and every one of us.
His approach really addresses all of our needs and concerns for growing musically and developing professionally." -- Pat
"Tony did wonders to help me better understand my body mechanics given the discomfort that I was feeling every time that I played. I am especially grateful for the work he has done for improving my overall drum set sound." -- Danny (MIT)
"Tony started me from square one and I am amazed at what I was able to achieve in such a short amount of time studying with him." -- Jan
"Tony has been teaching our son, but the word teaching does not begin to describe what Tony has to offer. Tony is caring and conscientious, a real classy guy, not at all assuming. This has gone a long way in helping our cautious son find his way in music. With every session, Tony brings fresh creativity and enthusiasm that allows our son to develop his desire and passion for playing. Beyond teaching, Tony has provided a wealth of guidance, advice and personal effort in helping us find the right equipment to meet our son's needs. An all around positive experience." -- Beth and Bob
"Tony was a phenomenal teacher for our daughter. Our challenge as concerned parents was that our daughter, at the time, was 4 years old and interested in playing the drums. Finding an instructor with the teaching skills to nurture and encourage such a young mind was one thing; combining this with the skills of
a professional drummer was quite another. Tony, however, had both and we were very lucky to have found him. His insights into what was driving our daughter's strong interest was key in keeping her involved and moving along a very good line of development for someone her age. He was able to combine the inspirational flame and motivation with good technical habits and even better reading and playing skills. Unfortunately, we had to move across country. Truly the best introduction to music that our daughter could have had!"
-- Tod & Angelique
"I have been playing drums for decades and have played in numerous bands in and around the Greater Boston area. I've taken lessons from a number of instructors over the years and recently bumped into Tony quite by accident. Tony's approach is very comprehensive. I had been working on a number of things on my own, including strengthening my left hand playing around the set. Tony's method has been very helpful with this and has accelerated my left hand co-ordination and ambidexterity in only a few weeks." -- Dave
"After playing drums for over 20 years and studying with several teachers, my playing and studying had become very stagnant and one dimensional. With frustration at an all time high, I decided to try Tony's approach to drumming, an approach so practical, yet, so very detailed and involved. Within weeks, a noticeable difference in sound quality and execution was evident. After a year now, and with dedicated practice, the concepts that Tony puts across, given his teaching style, have not only changed my approach to the instrument, but, more importantly, to music and the musicians I now play with." -- Paul
"In my three years since first meeting Tony, I have discovered that he is not only a gifted musician, but also a gifted instructor. He teaches from a rigorous collection of teaching material, and knows just how to help students tap into their own natural abilities. I started as a beginner and I am amazed at the amount of progress that I have made with him. Well worth the time and energy given both the personal and musical growth." -- Gen (Harvard)