Bio

Born in Guelph, Ontario, Canada

Early age, played and studied piano

Early teens, studied classical percussion with Ted Cote (Stratford Festival Percussionist)

By late teens studied Jazz, Latin and Polyrhymic concepts for six years with Peter Magadini (renowned Drummer, author and teacher)

Full time member of Toronto Musicians Association - Local 149 since 1980

30 years drumming experience, for several Pop Rock, R&B, and Blues groups as well as countless jobbing dates in Southern Ontario, and the GTA.

Performed in various Jazz ensembles, most notably Ron Allen, Joe Sealy, Ralph Bowan, Mike Grace, Mike Malone, John McLelland, and Steve Kennedy.

Teaching private Drum Lessons for over 25 years 

Nick Macerollo  

Testimonials

(From article in Drums etc. magazine)

Davide Direnzo speaks the name of his first teacher, Nick Macerollo, with considerable reverence.  "I studied with him once a week for eleven years.  I never missed.  For me it was like going to church.  Seventy percent of lessons revolved around listening to records.  I'd play to Miles Davis "All Blues" and then he'd put on "Black Dog" by Led Zeppelin, then Van Halen, and Police.  He never told me ,'Davide, this is jazz, or this is R & B'.  He just played it and suggested, 'See if you can get the vibe and find out what this music is saying to you.'  To this day, I'm indebted to this man because he helped me realize that music is music.  Nick would play Brazil '66 with Sergio Mendes.  I didn't know what the hell it was  but before I knew it, I was getting the vibe. like the egg rolling, you know?  Like a great therapist, he allowed me to discover these things.

Daide Direnzo 

Drummer for Canadian Idol 

* * *

I owe a huge thank you to Nick for teaching me the world of drumming.  From an early age I had an interest in the drums, and always thought,  “I’d love to know how to play”.  I can say first hand that if you’ve ever shared this thought…Go for it!!!  Learning to play the drums has been one of the most rewarding and enjoyable experiences I have ever had.  Through my lessons with Nick, I have learned to play beyond my expectations.  He has introduced me to styles and techniques that I never thought I would be able to play.  He truly knows his stuff, and will teach you to play confidently, and more importantly, correctly.  I have been playing now for over 15 years, and loving it.  Thanks Nick.

Doug B. - Drummer

Created: D. Bamford 2008