Testimonials
"Rusty Gramiak is one of the most talented musicians that I've met in my lifetime. I was blessed to become Rusty's first percussion teacher when he was just fourteen years of age. I knew immediately that this young man had a true gift in music. Rusty is one of the true treasures of being a teacher. He was one of the most talented musicians that I had the pleasure of working with over my many years in the music industry. As a seasoned musician myself, I've had a fantastic career playing with over 100 top stars at the Latin Casino, Valley Forge Music Fair and Atlantic City. As a professional musician, I've always felt that staying up to date with the latest and greatest techniques was essential for continued success. Life came full circle when Rusty became my teacher later in life. I'm so proud of the professional musician that Rusty Gramiak is and I am happy that we continue to remain lifelong Friends."
Ray Deeley
Professional Drummer/Percussionist/Educator.
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Rusty Gramiak is truly a "Drummer's Drummer".
Here is a musician with impeccable time, beautiful technique and a complete knowledge of all styles of music.
Having Rusty in the drum chair you know you are in good hands ,it could be the funkiest groove ,a show situation or reading down a busy orchestral snare drum part ,he is the guy to get the job done.
Any serious student, either beginner or advanced can greatly benefit studying with this master of chops .
Ed Shea
Broadway Percussionist (Newsies, Peter Pan,Holiday Inn,Elf, Martin Short's Fame Becomes Me)
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I am a 75-year-old combat veteran who, as of 5 years ago, hadn’t picked up a pair of sticks in 40 years. After retiring, I decided to resume working toward my adolescent dream of learning jazz drumming. My first effort was subscribing to lessons on YouTube. I made some progress but eventually hit a brick wall. Luckily, I found Rusty Gramiak, whose amazing drumming abilities are only surpassed by his superb teaching talent. He works patiently and painstakingly with me at every lesson, encouraging me and building my skills and confidence. I couldn’t be in better hands and I recommend him to anyone interested in any genre of drum lessons.
John E Merrill – Evolving Jazz Drummer
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"Rusty Gramiak has played with a vast array of the music industries biggest names. He has a vast array of experience as a studio, touring, and show drummer. Rusty helped me develop proper techniques that all of the great drummers use. These techniques gave me the facility and proficiency to become fluent in playing a vast array of styles on the drum set. Rusty was able to help me understand all of the styles needed to become a successful working drummer in today's music business. These include rock, funk, jazz, country, heavy metal, Afro-Cuban, and Latin. Rusty's students have gone on to become successful working drummers in the music business. Take lessons from Rusty. It is time and money well spent."
Geoff Moran
Professional Drummer & Drum Instructor/Singer Songwriter/Guitarist
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“In the 36 years that I have known Rusty Gramiak I have found him to be a man and musician of the highest integrity. Through all of these years Rusty has been a musical inspiration and source of great knowledge in the world of drumming. Always willing to share and motivate, when finally I studied with Rusty he opened doors of thought in performance that I had never broached. In short time I embraced these new concepts/techniques and incorporated them into my playing. In addition, I have through the years, referred other students both young and old, new or many years playing drums to Rusty Gramiak. In every instance the feedback of his teaching has received glowing review by these referred students. As a teacher Rusty will always meet you where you are and develop you completely. This is done with a comprehensive approach through literature and styles of all sorts with the proper techniques applied in every area of drumming style. His knowledge is very wide and deep and pedagogy complete no matter where in the world of drumming you decide to travel. The time spent with Rusty Gramiak will develop you beyond any drumming dreams you may have and stay with you for a lifetime.”
Fred Rushmore – Band Director
B. S. Music Education WCU
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“I’ve been a drummer as long as I can remember. I started playing informally at 9 years old and took my first lesson at the age of 10. Played on the Jersey shore circuit in the 70s and 80s with a well-known local rock band and experienced good success. I am 63 today. Over the years I became aware of my weaknesses, proficient in only one genre and wanting to expand my drumming ability. I had a number of teachers, some good players and not good teachers, some good teachers and not great players. My learning and advancement as a drummer was still unsatisfactory.
I had known Rusty for many years, always impressed by his talent and obvious accomplished ability on the drum kit. After some years I finally asked to study with him. I am extremely thankful I did. We have worked together for nearly 3 years and I have noticed significant improvement of my reading skills and ability to apply what I’ve learned to the drum kit. My technique has improved and I feel more confident in my skills now than I did 3 years ago. Rusty has the ability to analyze your weaknesses and show you from many different angles how to overcome them and improve.
I cannot overstate this: If you want to improve your skills and understanding of drumming, study with Rusty. I highly recommend him. A great player and a great teacher.”
Joe Laielli
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"After studying with many incredible instructors over the years - there was one thing they all had in common: They suggested I go to Rusty to step my drumming up to another level. Rusty helped me understand drums in a way I never had learned before. I am so grateful for his instruction for developing me into the drummer I have always wanted to be. Thank you!"
Tyler Sarfert
Producer/Engineer/Musician/Recording Artist
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"I took 8 years of drum lessons with Rusty. From the beginning Rusty emphasized good time/tempo, good technique, keeping it in the pocket, and the importance of feeling the beat throughout the whole body, all of which have remained of highest importance as I’ve continued to play. I am very thankful for the training I received from Rusty, and my years of lessons, again and again, proves to be fruitful. Throughout college, I’ve gotten positions as the drummer for school worship bands, earning scholarships which have helped get me through college. And I serve regularly at my church, playing drums on the worship team. I wouldn’t be the drummer I am today without Rusty and I am very thankful for him. If you are wanting to take drum lessons, whether you’ve never played, or have experience, Rusty is without question the way to go!"
Hudson Tedeschi
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"Some things I can say about Mr. Rusty... He is a very nice guy with a great heart. He is one of the best drum teacher anybody could ask for. He teaches you every step you need to know to get to the next level and as a drummer, I can say that I've really elevated my playing and I can play a different variety of styles of music and I couldn't thank him enough! I came to Mr. Rusty knowing barely how to read, and he changed my whole mood towards reading music, and I've gotten a lot better through the time studying with him and he will push you to become a better overall musician!!"
Michael Stokes
Music Major at Rowan University
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"Rusty Gramiak has been teaching our granddaughter drums for a couple of years. He is an accomplished drummer and excellent teacher. Our granddaughter loves going to her lessons, not only because of Rusty's skill in teaching her, but also his interest in her as a person. His encouraging and easy-going manner motivates her to do her best. They have developed a great relationship. You could not ask for a better teacher than Rusty Gramiak and we highly recommend him!"
Doug and Linda Long
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“Rusty is a phenomenal drummer and even more amazing music teacher. Our son has been taking lessons from Rusty since he was 7. He is now in his 5th year of lessons. Rusty is extremely patient and has the ability to customize lessons to each student and their learning style. Rusty also teaches how the drums work in a worship setting and encourages his students to use their skills to worship and glorify God. We are grateful for Rusty and would highly recommend him as a music teacher.”
Matt & Katrina Haviland
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"When my son said he wanted to study the drums, I knew there was only one teacher for him, Rusty Gramiak. He was taught sound fundamentals and technique from the very beginning. Rusty doesn't just teach the drums, he also teaches the person. He is interested in their well being as much as their musical ability."
David Seals - Middle School Band Director
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"Mr Gramiak is an excellent drum instructor. He has great skill and patience. For the past 4 years he has instructed me on how to play the drums as well as the concert bells to help with what I play in my school band. Rusty has taught me various types of techniques, skills, and rhythms. Along with the understanding of reading music, I am very far ahead in my Middle School Band. Rusty has gotten me to a level of playing in which I thought I could never achieve. He is a very good drum instructor and fluent in all styles. If you like rock he'll teach you how to play rock, if you like jazz/R&B he can teach you that and even Latin Music. Learning music with Mr. Gramiak just feels effortless for me. I would highly recommend him as your next drum instructor."
Gavin Kane - 13 years old
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"Our daughter Mia absolutely loves her lessons with Mr. Gramiak! He is so patient and kind and makes her want to learn more. She's not only playing, but can read music as well. We love his approach to teaching an instrument! His many years of experience teaching and playing make such a difference! Thank you Mr. Gramiak!"
Roman & Andrea Prokopovych
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"Mr. Rusty is a great instructor! He has a real gift teaching music clearly to younger children. My 8 year old leaves his lessons understanding what he has learned perfectly and also very encouraged by Mr. Rusty! It is so easy for a young child to want to give up an instrument after seeing the work that has to be put in but after my son's weekly lessons he is built up and determined all week until his next lesson. My son adores Mr. Rusty and can't wait to see him every week. When he sees him at church on the drums he's so proud to say "That's MY TEACHER!" We are so thankful for Rusty's music program. We highly recommend him!"
Ed & Valerie Burlak
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I've been taking drum lessons with Mr. Rusty for over three years. It's always an enjoyable time and my skills have improved. I had no idea that I could be able to play the level I am at now. I joined my school band program at a later year and his lessons helped me catch up. I am now playing in the schools symphonic, marching and jazz bands."
Nick Ciampa
"My son Nick is always happy to go to his lessons with Mr. Rusty. I always appreciate his flexibility in scheduling."
Kim Ciampa (Nick's mother)
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