Part of the reason that people like coming to us is that we take the hassle out of finding a drum instructor. The name BANG! The Drum School has become synonymous with the city’s best drum teachers. As we’ve grown, our recipe for the ultimate drum instructor has been developed and refined. We only hire people who meet our rigorous requirements.
Drum Instructor Education
All of BANG’s teachers are very well educated. They must have college degrees and many have their masters. Many of our drum instructors have graduated from top music schools from around the world. Their communication skills must be top-notch.
Teaching Experience
All of our teaching staff must have extensive teaching experience (at least two years) in order to be considered.
Professional Drummers
We only hire professional drummers. This requirement helps to ensure that only the most deeply motivated and experienced musicians are here to teach you or your children. Those who have real love for the art of drumming are the people who we invite to teach here.
Personality and Attitude: The “X” Factor
Our drum instructors have that indescribable combination of charm, warmth, positivity, energy, empathy and patience that make them truly special. No negativity is tolerated here and egos are checked at the door. We have a real “can do” attitude. We believe that you can reach your drumming goals, whether they are modest or lofty. We seek to inspire and excite when we teach.
Daryl Cozzi
This Wisconsin bred drummer studied under the legendary drummer and teacher Jim White at the University of Northern Colorado. He plays all kinds of music around the NYC area. He’s a versatile player. Check out his video…he grooves like nobody’s business and can help you do the same.
Daryl is currently available for online/virtual drum lessons via Skype or Zoom.
James Knoerl
James is a graduate of the Berklee School of Music where he studied with Rod Morgenstein (Winger, Dixe Dregs), Tony “Thunder” Smith (Santana, Lou Reed) and others. He’s very experienced as a teacher and performer and has a thriving remote session drummer business at his Astoria studio.
James is currently available for online/virtual drum lessons via Skype or Zoom.
Steve Picataggio
Hailing from Florida, Steve graduated from NYU’s Steinhardt School of Music and studied with Matt Wilson, Billy Drummond and Danny Gottleib. You may have seen him playing at NYC’s The Iridium, or The Blue Note. His drumming always makes the music sound great, and he’ll teach you how to do that too.
Steve is currently available for online/virtual drum lessons via Skype or Zoom.
Poyraz Aldemir
A native of Turkey, Poy is extremely talented and a very experienced and methodical teacher. He studied at the Marie Rita Epik Music School (Turkey) and received his masters from City University of New York. He has studied extensively with one of the world’s best drummers–Mark Guiliana.
Poy is currently available for online/virtual drum lessons via Skype or Zoom.