Founder, David Rozenblatt is a platinum selling and Grammy nominated drummer/percussionist and composer with over 30 years of teaching experience. He has collaborated with some of the finest talents in pop, jazz and classical music. David has appeared to sold out stadiums and arenas all over the world and recorded chart-topping, Grammy and Emmy winning albums and DVDs. He received one win and two Grammy nominations for the classical, Jazz and pop genres and has worked with Stevie Wonder, Diana Krall, Lady Gaga, Michael Bublé, Leslie Odom Jr, Kesha, Paul Simon, Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, Neil Diamond, John Legend, Usher, Baby Face, Reba McEntire, Cindy Lauper, Kristin Chenoweth, Katherine McPhee and Jennifer Hudson to name but a few. Click here for David’s full bio and discography
Reviews
GOOGLE REVIEWS
5.0 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Geoffrey Martin ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I started studying with Dave at the young age of 15. Under his care, he instilled in me a passion for music and the drums that I don’t think I would’ve gotten anywhere else. Because of him, I entered into Berklee College of Music as a competent MUSICIAN, never mind drummer. If you’re serious about learning how to play drums, you want an instructor whose passion is infectious, who will inspire you to want to get better after every lesson. I can’t recommend anyone higher than I recommend Dave.
Jack Goode ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
As an instructor, David exudes the perfect balance of amiability and intimidation. He will inspire you to work your absolute hardest without scaring you away. Personality-wise, he is that happy medium somewhere between Mr. Rogers and J.K. Simmons in Whiplash. I studied with David during my college years and 7+ years later I still utilize his concepts in everyday practice. There are many specific stories, ideas and exercises of his that have always stuck with me and come up quite often when I am working on something new or teaching a lesson or class of my own. Whether we were learning orchestral excerpts, 4-way independence, Bach fugues or just playing quarter notes with the metronome, I always left our lessons feeling highly motivated and anxious to practice. It’s also great to have a teacher that can blow your mind with his own playing. It might be difficult for some teachers to get students into something like the tambourine or triangle but when he picked one up and casually played some insane rhythms and advanced techniques I was immediately inspired to learn to do the same. Not to mention his drum work on Matt Herskowitz’s “Forget Me Not” – some of the things he does on that record still keep me up at night. I’m very grateful for my time as a student of David’s and glad I can still learn from him as a friend and colleague!
Heidi Cleveland ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I was honored to take a hand percussion lesson from David after hearing him perform with a major arena tour and a phenomenal jazz trio!. Although the setting for the lesson happened to be intimidating, David was able to help me focus on my strengths as a player and showed me how to build on them. He excels at building confidence and inspired me to integrate world percussion into my work as an elementary school teacher. I highly recommend him as an educator who knows how to motivate and bring out the best in students. I look forward to taking lessons in the future!
Charlie Peng ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
David is a phenomenal drum teacher for my 12 year old daughter. She started with David’s private lessons 2 years ago from scratch and has made tremendous progress since then. She was able to perform at Merkin Music Hall with a drum solo. David teaches not only drum techniques, but also music appreciation, learning strategies, emotion development. As a parent, I also benefit from his teaching philosophy. He is such a wonderful teacher and we feel lucky we have him as my daughter’s teacher.
Karen Chrystal ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
David Rozenblatt is quite simply The Best Drum and Percussion Instructor… Period. My teenage daughter began formal instruction with him earlier this year and was accepted to her 1st choice high school music program in the fall. David is an exceptional teacher who makes learning this art form fun and exciting through his use of humor, logic, and demonstration, while giving the student space to figure things out on his/her own. I highly recommend David to any beginner, intermediate, or advanced student. Results are GUARANTEED.
Tracy Campanell ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I heard about David in July of 2015, I hesitated to contact him because he had an entire lifetime of experience and I had never even picked up an instrument. David’s ability to distinguish how I learn is truly a gift. David’s talent matched with his love for music is exhumed in every lesson. They always say, The best course of action is sometimes to do nothing. But history is not made by those who do nothing and David Rozenblatt and his talent, is an example of that.
Howard Mermelstein ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I have been playing drums for 46 years. I have worked and continue to play professionally but sporadically. My playing has been transformed from studying with David. One lesson with David changed the way I played with drumsticks. He taught me how to hold the sticks and release the tension which held me back and hurt my sense of time. David does not just teach technique. His heart and soul and brilliant concepts are generously shared in a non threatening, non judgemental lesson. The lessons seem to be life lessons. He gets into your head and guides you to become a great musical player. David helps you strip away your ego. I feel so empowered working with David. I am talking about three lessons that have changed my playing forever. I believe he is the most proficient instructor I have worked with. I believe he can help any musician at any level of experience. David Rozenblatt is a total game changer. I will continue to study with David to apply his principles. I am a better player with his intuitive guidance.
Lori Crosby ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
David has been remarkable in his ability to teach my son. He demands respect but at the same time makes learning fun. He knows just how to approach and motivate my son who has ADD and Aspergers which can be challenging. If I could give him 10 stars I would! I am so happy to have found him.
Andrew Heymann (2002jp1) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
David is a phenomenal musician with the rare ability to communicate the most complex musical ideas clearly and simply. Within the first hour of the first lesson, David helped our son, then age 12, identify technical issues that were causing him problems and stripped away bad habits that were holding him back. With David’s professional guidance, our son’s progress has been remarkable. In our son’s own words: “David is creative with a good sense of humor, which always makes lessons fun.” We cannot recommend him more highly.
Nancy P. Barry ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
David Rozenblatt is one of the most creative, imaginative percussionists in the field. In performing for our children at Casita Maria in the South Bronx, most of whom were under 10, he brought an impish charm and self-deprecating humor to his work that immediately captivated our kids. I cannot recommend him more highly!
Ron Pedley ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I’m a piano player interested in learning Brazilian percussion. I love the Pandeiro and recently took a couple of Skype lessons from David. It was a blast! David showed me a few basic patterns and I can now hold my own with my favorite Sergio Mendes CD’s. I have so much more to learn on this wonderful instrument and I feel through David’s teaching that I’m well on my way. I highly recommend David as an instructor. He was very patient and knowledgeable with a passion for teaching and helping others learn.
MORE REVIEWS
Tyler Heffernan says:
I had the privilege of studying with David for one summer a few years ago. We accomplished in those five lessons what many would expect years to take. David and I focused on orchestral percussion. He completely transformed my snare drum technique in less than one month, and I have consistently been named as one of the strongest snare drummers in competitions and auditions ever since. He opened up my mallet and timpani playing to musical ideas that I had never realized before. David is truly in a unique league among the thousands of “drum teachers” you can find in New York. His expertise on technique, musicality, and such a broad range of genres has never ceased to amaze and influence me. Thanks David!
John Keener says:
When I was eleven years old, David became the first of the many drum teachers I have now had. Fourteen years later, it is clear to me that if it weren’t for the spark of inspiration that David provided, I would neither have gone on to earn my bachelor’s degree from a prestigious music school, nor would I have the level of musical appreciation and experience that I now enjoy, look back on fondly, and in which I take pride. During the four years that I studied with him (would have been longer if I had not moved away from New York and because Skype lessons weren’t really an option during the time I was in high school), his generosity, passion, mastery, discipline, and encouragement turned my interest in the instrument into a love of music that has immeasurably enriched my life. I cannot recommend David highly enough.
Lynn Tesher. says:
Watching David teach a young child is mesmerizing. He is sheer magic! Not only does he teach technique, but he is able to impart the joy of music and teaches not only an understanding of, but also a deep appreciation for the richness music can bring to a child’s life. I could not recommend him more highly! Lynn Tesher
Curt Dumas says:
I had the good fortune of studying with David during my time at Hofstra University. The experience was especially wonderful for me because he is one of the most magnificent people with a tremendous disposition. Specifically, David’s ability to communicate the art of practicing was a pet peeve of his. It was this very principal that personally helped me avoid those bad habits and taught me to slow down complicated passages. As a result, fully bringing the repertoire to fruition. Rehearsal technique is so important and i was one of many students who benefited from David’s teachings. Currently i work as Film Composer for independent film, video games, commercials, and television. It is safe to say i would not be where i am today without David’s knowledge and experience.
Frederick Zlotkin says:
As a professional musician with a lifetime experience performing and teaching, there are only a few colleagues whom I truly feel are brilliant musicians and educators. David Rozenblatt is among the creme de la creme. I first became acquainted with him when another highly-respected musician recommended that my son begin his drum studies with David. My son’s primary interest at that time was oriented to rock drumming. Though primarily trained as a classical cellist, I have always been a great fan of rock music. When I first heard what David could do in that genre I thought I was hearing Bono incarnate — it was awesome. Throughout the lessons I attended with my son, I was not only impressed with his playing; it was a Midas touch for anything musical, including any style from classical to techno, numerous instruments, esp. piano, and a unique style of teaching. David insisted on all of the fundamentals, emphasizing the most important of things, such as relaxation and economy of motion. But as a teacher, David is much more than that. He knows that the most important thing is that every human being is different, and he totally customizes his pedagogy to that uniqueness, and the conditions of the moment when he interacts with them. It is hard to find anyone with the consummate skills, technique and innate musicality as David Rozenblatt. I am extremely fortunate to know him, as my son’s teacher, an esteemed colleague, and my friend. Frederick Zlotkin, Solo Cellist, NYC Ballet Orchestra, Substitute, NY Phil, faculty MSM, Hoff-Barthelson, recording artist for a host of “famous” artists (many of whom are included in David’s list).
Joan Kretschmer says:
David Rozenblatt is an extraordinary teacher, aside from being a GREAT, exceptional, brilliant percussion player and composer. He is very imaginative, works well with children, individuals, and groups. I have observed him conduct classes, where his understanding of music, teaching skills, ability to deal with people of all ages, and his humor and insight combined to captivate the audiences. His is one-of-a kind, and anyone who studies with him, works with him, or knows him is enriched. by Joan Kretschmer
Jordan Chiolis says:
David is one of the most talented, savvy and inspiring human beings I’ve met in the world of music. I had the privilege of beginning of my studies with him while attending Hofstra University as a percussion student. From Bach etudes to 20th century timpani excerpts, David gave me the real-life skills needed to make it in one of the toughest industries in the world. In addition, we embarked on a journey through the drum set that inspired me to keep working and challenging myself each and everyday. His unique sensibility and personal touch as a teacher made me crave our private lessons and percussion ensemble rehearsals each and every week. I’m now an active percussionist and composer based in Brooklyn, NYC.
Scott Erickson says:
For the past 10 years I’ve known David as a friend and one of the most talented musicians that I’ve ever worked with (the first album we worked on together was nominated for a Grammy). During a recording session at my studio in Los Angeles my 12 year old daughter stopped by to visit: she is studying piano and voice. David took time to engage her, meet her at her level, listened intently while she played for him and immediately offered reassuring and constructive feedback. It was a side of him that I had not been exposed to. If we were fortunate enough to live in the same city, there is no doubt that he would be one of her instructors. She still talks about their time together and looks forward to watching him perform live whenever we get a chance to see him.
Karen Chrystal says:
David Rozenblatt is quite simply The Best Drum and Percussion Instructor… Period. My teenage daughter began formal instruction with him earlier this year and was accepted to her 1st choice high school music program in the fall. David is an exceptional teacher who makes learning this art form fun and exciting through his use of humor, logic, and demonstration, while giving the student space to figure things out on his/her own. I highly recommend David to any beginner, intermediate, or advanced student. Results are GUARANTEED