Our
son, Nick, started going to the Academy of Drums just before his tenth birthday
and has been taking lessons for 5 years. The teaching methods at the Academy
are second to none. Each and every one of the instructors are professional
in every aspect of the word. Nick started from step one and the progress
he makes each and every lesson is amazing. He wanted to audition for our
church’s Christian Rock Band and the School District State Band. The
Academy of Drums helped Nick prepare for the auditions. He made the church
band and received first chair with the State Band. One of the great things
at the Academy is all aspects of drumming and percussion can be learned.
It’s all under one roof. All I can say is keep doing what you guys
are doing and many thanks to all.
Gregg and
Kathy Celentano - Parents of an Academy of Drums & Guitar Student
The Academy of Drums & Guitar and
its Staff are the best. My son, Travis, started taking lessons with Neil
just short of a year ago. It is amazing what the students learn in a short
period of time. My son's confidence in himself & respect for music has
blossomed. He has been learning drums in band since 4th grade, but going
to The Academy of Drums is a whole different aspect. While the students still
learn all the fundamentals, they learn and play songs that while in school
band they may not have the opportunity. In this learning atmosphere they
have the opportunity to record in the 16 track recoding studio, which allows
for some positive critiquing. The students can only excel in this atmosphere.
My son & I have the utmost respect for Neil & his staff. We will
be relocating to another state shortly & sadly will be leaving The Academy
of Drums, but Neil has gone out of his way to find prospective teachers in
that state, and we hope to find the same atmosphere & expertise once
we arrive there. I can't say enough about The Academy of Drums. I encourage
any parent with children that show interest in percussion or guitar to check
out The Academy. At a time when public schools are trying to do away with
Band & other enrichment courses, Neil & his staff are there for the
students that have an interest in learning to play music. Thank you Neil,
Ryan & Bryan, for all you do for the future musicians of this world,
we will miss you!
Terri-Lyn
Mick - Parent of an Academy of Drums & Guitar Student
I just watched your videos on Drummerworld.com
and I am just blown away dude! I'm sure you have heard that quite a few times
and trust me, I never write emails to any of the drummers on the site, but
I felt compelled this time. I've been playing drums for 20 something years
and when I see things like what you’re doing it makes me want to just
throw my sticks away and quit! I’m always on the Drummerworld.com website
and I keep going back to your video. I can’t believe how many pedals
you operate! How do you get your brain to work like that? AMAZING!
Frank Dyer – Fan
from the web
As a former high school drummer who
was limited by my inability to read music and play by ear only, I always
regretted my lack of music education. My passion for the drums was never
quenched. As my son started to show an interest in the drums, I naturally
supported his desire. However, it was important to me that he would not be
limited in any way and we agreed that if he was to take the drums seriously
that he would go and get instruction. Researching the area for a drum instructor,
we discovered the Drum Academy. It was the best decision we ever made. Neil
Garthly, an amazing clinician and instructor has skills that defy the imagination.
What Neil can do with his feet alone, most school drummers can't do with
their hands. He is proof that a new paradigm in drumming exists. After meeting
with Neil, and having my son's free evaluation I was convinced that the Drum
Academy offered what I was looking for. I was impressed that the structured
curriculum matches that of a martial arts studio. Based on the assessment
he was assigned to Ryan Carver, an amazing drummer who instantly developed
a rapport with my son and has nurtured his abilities for the last 2 years.
Imagine your child looking foreword to going to his Wednesday lesson. My
son, entering Toms River North High School as a freshman, auditioned and
earned a coveted spot playing snare drums in the senior marching band percussion
unit. This is an honor usually reserved for upperclassman! In addition to
private instruction, the Academy provides scholarship opportunities as well
as opportunities to showcase their skills. Bryan Brosen and Charlie Wiedemer
are 2 other outstanding instructors that round out the team. As a parent
with only 1 day off a week, I look foreword to and thoroughly enjoy the 1/2
hour lesson at the Academy listening to my son despite an 80 mile commute.
I highly recommend the Academy of Drums for any drummer seeking excellent
instruction in a professional, upbeat, positive, and dynamic environment.
Ciro Attardo – proud
supporter and father of an Academy of Drums success story
When I first started contemplating drum
lessons, a lot of people pointed me to another music shop's direction because
it was closer to where I live. I only found you guys through an Internet
search, when I was looking for all my possible options. What convinced me
to come to you first, was all the information on your web site. Since then,
I have stopped by that local music store and have not had a good experience.
Had I gone to those people at the start, I probably would have never taken
lessons. If I had, I probably would have given up long ago, based on the
way they treated me when I walked in the door. Yeah, you guys are farther
away ... but from the very first phone call and through each lesson, you
have been first class all the way. In my eyes, the time and expense in coming
to the Academy is money well spent. You guys are friendly, patient, and professional.
I just wanted you guys to know that, and thank you all. The people at the
Academy definitely make a difference.
Sean Simon – Student
at the Academy of Drums & Guitar
In my youth I studied drumming with
some of the finest drum teaches in the New York area, like Charles Perry
and Henry Adler. With the skills I developed I was able to perform with some
great groups throughout college and professional school. It also provided
me with much needed extra funds during that time! I stopped playing for a
long while due to family and work responsibilities. Fortunately, I started
to study again at the Academy of Drums under Neil Garthly.
He has really helping me get my chops back. Neil taught me that drumming
is always a "work in progress"; we are constantly learning and
trying to improve. I've regained and added to the abilities I had before
and am now enjoying playing professionally again. I recommend the Academy
of Drums without reservation for the excellent musical education it provides.
Dr. Elliot
Kessler – Student at the Academy of Drums & Guitar
I’m a former student of the Neil’s
and the Academy and I wanted to thank you for all the things you taught me.
I’m alot better then when I first started and it’s all because
of the wonderful things you showed me. I still use the exercises and warm-ups
you taught me to this day. I’m in a band now and we've been playing
shows all over New Jersey. We recently played the Stone Pony a couple of
weeks ago. We have even been talking to a few record labels. I’m actually
planning on coming back to lessons in the near future. Thank you so much
for what you taught me.
Sean Johnson – Former
student of the Academy of Drums & Guitar
Studying with Neil at the Academy of
Drums helped me place higher than most freshman at The Berklee College of
Music. Neil and the rest of the teachers at the Academy are amazing and are
truly devoted to their work!
Jon Grill – Former
Student of the Academy of Drums
Since
my son Chris has come to the Academy of Drums, he has been playing with such
great rhythm. Brian Brosen has been a big help in my sons progress. Chris,
to my amazement, can read musical notes and copy a beat from a song that
he would listen to. I enjoy listening to him play. Thank you for putting
your heart into this, and helping children as well as adults achieve their
goals in drumming.
Denise
Cordo – Parent of an Academy of Drums Student
I
have to tell you what a fantastic experience it is to attend the Academy of
Drums.
For many years I tried to learn how to play the guitar with very little result.
I started more than thirty guitar books but never finished any of them. I had
no luck finding a good guitar instructor and it seemed like my dream of playing
an instrument would not come true. Then I discovered the Academy of Drums!
I am proud to say that after only a year of lessons at the Academy of Drums
I have actually finished the book and my friends say I should play in a band.
I realize that my drumming success is directly related to your professionalism
and your skill as an instructor.
Due to the hard work and long hours you and your staff devote to the Academy
of Drums, I have my own professionally mixed demo disc, I have seen incredible
drum show events and I have even met world famous drummers. You have changed
my life!
Thank you so much for running such a great organization.
Shawn Mattsson – Student
of the Academy of Drums
For
several years I've invited Neil Garthly to come to my school to demonstrate
his "Customized Drum Set". He comes into my Music Technology class
when we get to the subject of instrument design and invention to give an example
of creative application. Not only do the students get inspiration to be creative
and to think "out of the box" but Neil rally pumps them up with his
performance.
Neil has put together an organized, entertaining, inspirational and education
program that I trust will have the same effect on every school program he visits.
He is the subject of conversation for weeks after the visit with the members
of the class. I now also have students that have signed up for the class next
term asking if the Amazing Drum Guy is coming to their class also. Of course
I tell them yes.
Harold Frazee – Monsignor
Donovan HS, Band Director/Music Technology
I
have been fortunate to observe Neil and the staff of The Academy in three different
venues, in the studio, at the Academy Drum Fest, and on trips with students.
Their professionalism, friendly manner, and caring are evident in all they
do. As a teacher, parent, and drummer, I wholeheartedly endorse The Academy
of Drums.
Scott Magann – Public
School Teacher and Customer of the Academy of Drums
The Academy of Drums was a great setting for my first
drum clinic. The friendly and professional atmosphere made it a memorable
experience that I look forward
to doing again!
Jason Rullo – Drummer from
Symphony X, Nominated for Modern Drummers Reader Poll 2003
I’ve been playing drums for
almost 18 years and I have been studying at the Academy for the last 18 months.
I have nothing short of a raving excitement every week when my scheduled
lesson time arrives. I had no formal training other then playing by ear and
in the short time in which I’ve been studying at the Academy, I’ve
learned proper technique, reading ability and time signature understanding.
This has helped me realize and rediscover the limitless possibilities of
creativeness that drumming and music allows. I’ve found nothing but
a welcoming friendly camaraderie amongst the teaching staff and students.
I’ve made some friends and especially with my teacher, Steve McNabb.
The staff is professional, structured and Neil’s curriculum for younger
students is nothing short of innovative. Between the availability of the
Academy’s annual Drum Fest at the Ocean County College, the Modern
Drummer Festival trips, master classes by the teaching staff, and some very
highly regarded professionals who have given clinics, The Academy of Drums
is unrivaled by any other instructional facility in the area. Kudos to Neil
and all the staff. I look forward to experiencing the energy I feel every
week I’m there. I have recommended the Academy to several friends,
associates, etc. There is nothing more enlightening then seeing a young child
progress towards their highest levels of achievement. Again, thank you The
Academy of Drums. Love & Light.
Paul Linn (student for life!!!) Student
at The Academy of Drums
I've been with the Academy of Drums
since January 2001 and I love it! It's fun and educational! The teachers
are very
confident and serious when it comes to drums! They also are fun to talk
to! They have tours and stuff that I really like!
Danny Eagen Student at The Academy of Drums
I just want to thank you for doing
such a great job with Devin. As you know, Devin has Williams Syndrome. With
this learning disability, he has a little trouble with his school work. But
since beginning drum lessons three years ago, his confidence has soared in
everything, including his school work. With this disability, he is very musically
inclined, but now he has learned the art of playing the drums and enjoys the
discipline that it takes. Each year, I also take him to a Williams Syndrome
Music Camp. All of the parents and staff their have made comments on his great
progress. THANK YOU AGAIN.
Don Danella Parent of an Academy student
By accident I caught Neil Garthly giving
drum lessons on TV. Not being a drummer myself, I found the program (Drumology)
to be outstanding and interesting to learn about some of the drumming techniques
and practices. While playing guitar for years, I always found drumming to
be a complex area. Yet, I appreciated a good drummer whenever I saw one at
the concerts or shows I have seen. Your lessons gave a good theory background
and how drummers get some of the fantastic variations.
Richard Engebretsen Drumology viewer
Musicality. Expertise. Commitment.
Respect. Dedication. Caring. These are words that come to mind when I think
of The Academy of Drums. The Academy of Drums is a truly unique school, where
the art of drumming and music making is joyfully shared and where the commitment
to excellence is clearly evident and abundant. I am a student of Neil Garthly
and also a music educator in the NJ public school system. I marvel at the
level of instruction offered at the Academy of Drums. Every area of music
education that an aspiring drummer needs is more than competently and thoroughly
addressed. Excellent teaching doesn't stop at the studio door. It has a ripple
effect. Neil's extraordinary teaching skills, support, guidance, and generosity
have been instrumental in helping me bring the joy of rhythm and drumming
to over 150 delighted fourth, fifth and sixth grade school children this year!
I have great respect for Neil and the fruition of his vision. The Academy
of Drums is a great school!
Julie Bunucci 2003 Teacher of the Year, Tuckerton Elementary School
Dear Neil... I just wanted to let you
know that Bryan did a great job not only training Rob to play drums, but to
also have amazing confidence in his drumming abilities! If you remember, Rob
was going to audition for his High School's 9th annual Star Search Talent
Show with three of his friends as a band. Well, as sometimes happens, two
of the three got cold feet at the last minute and decided that they weren't
ready to audition. Rob was devastated! After several long talks with me, he
decided to go it alone. He auditioned as a drum solo and just found out yesterday
that he was accepted to perform in the Talent Show! I am so proud of him,
but more importantly, he is so proud of himself! I just wanted to thank you
and ask you to thank Bryan for doing such a great job as an instructor. He
is a wonderful asset to your Academy.
Colleen Weber Parent of an Academy student
"At 38 years old I picked up a pair
of drums sticks for the first time. Better late than never as the saying goes!
With the professional teaching environment provided by the Academy of Drums,
three years later I am able to play at a level that I could not have achieved
by myself. Thanks to Neil Garthly and his wonderful staff, I am now a drummer!!"
As a father and a drummer, I appreciate the way Neil and his staff teaches
the students at the Academy of Drums. They are professional and have created
an environment that allows the student to progress at a comfortable pace.
Great job guys!!
Frank Acquaviva - Student at The Academy of Drums
"Over the past few months, since my
17 year old son has been taking lessons at The Academy of Drums, I've watched
him acquire discipline, structure, and a real sense of purpose in his life.
He is also feeling good because he is a part of something positive - The Academy
of Drums!! While learning how to play the drums, he is also learning how to
read music. He has had a reading disability since the 3rd Grade and has never
read a full book. He is actually pulling his drum lesson books out and doing
the work. This is also carrying over into his schoolwork. Oh boy!! Also, his
self-esteem has improved! With every accomplishment he makes at The Academy
of Drums, his self-esteem keeps going up. And all of this is happening as
a result of him doing something he always wanted to do - Learn to play the
drums!"
Deborah Serina - Mother of a Student at The Academy of Drums
"I had the pleasure of performing with
Neil recently and I am so impressed with his musicianship, overall control
of the drum set, professionalism and mostly his character. His school, The
Academy of Drums, is a huge success with the highest quality of drum education.
The students and the teachers also impressed me with their dedication and
respect for drumming! I look forward to returning to teach and meet all the
students to continue the wave Neil has started! This is a very high standard
of drum set education that is raising the bar line on modern drumming!"
Dom Famularo - World Famous Educator and Clinician
"Drummers in the Toms River area are
very fortunate to have the extraordinary Academy of Drums in our backyard!
About 2 years ago, I started playing out regularly in two bands, and felt
the need to improve my chops. At the Academy, I'm learning the right techniques
to allow me to play what I want, as long as I want - learning how best to
compliment the music - AND, perhaps just as important, the overall environment
fosters and reinforces the value of positive thinking towards realizing your
dreams. From inspirational instruction, to shop-talk with the staff, students,
and world-famous guests, to the convenience of the well-stocked Proshop, the
entire experience is continuously exhilarating."
Charlie Wiedemer - Student of The Academy of Drums
"The Academy of Drums has great teachers
and a cool vibe. This school is tops on my list for drumming education. Neil
and the rest of the staff have an excellent teaching program that guides you
through step by step. Keep up the great work."
Jeff Salem - Clinician from Toronto, Canada
"The first thing I noticed as I walked
in was the energy. It is instantly comfortable, very professional and very
positive! The vibe of the staff and students was enthusiastic and sincere.
It's easy to see that everyone there loves drumming… " "…I had a great time
and would highly recommend this school to anyone who is considering playing
drums."
Spencer Strand - Rhythm Tech Inc. and drumfun.com
"The Academy of Drums is without peer
in New Jersey for drum education. Their teachers are top notch, their educational
events are well organized and inspirational, and the overall quality of education
at the Academy is the best I have ever seen at any private instructional school
or music store. I would highly recommend any drummer in the Central / Southern
NJ area take the important step of contacting the Academy for private study...
you will be glad you did!"
Joe Bergamini - Clinician from New Jersey
