Drum Teachers
Anthony Amodeo
Anthony Amodeo
Anthony earned a degree from the Musicians’ Institute in 2000, studying with a long list of drumming luminaries: Elvin Jones, Steve Smith, Peter Erskine, Dave Weckl, Joe Porcaro, Mike Clark, Maria Martinez, Dave Allen, Fred Dinkins, Gary Hess, and Chuck Silverman. Anthony applies teaching techniques taken from each of them into his own instruction. He performs as a session drummer throughout the tri-state area. He also performs live and tours with a number of acts from around the country. Anthony teaches all music styles and bases his instruction on blending classic techniques with real life situations because for him, “making music comes first.” Anthony says, “If I can tap into something in each student that creates the two most important things: curiosity and desire, I’ve done my job.” He has been teaching privately for over 20+ years: he taught for 11 years in Los Angeles and Boston before returning to New Jersey, where he teaches full time.
Christian Finger
Christian Finger
Christian Michael Finger is an award-winning professional drummer with over 40 years of experience. He holds a Master of Arts in Percussion and a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education.
Born and raised in Germany, Christian began studying drums and piano at an early age and was quickly recognized as a child prodigy.
Throughout his career, he has performed and recorded with Grammy-nominated artists including Lee Konitz, Ron Carter, Jeff Ballard, Dave Kikoski, Ralph Alessi, Ben Monder, Dave Stryker, Donny McCaslin, Harvie S, Rich Perry, and Charu Suri, among others. His playing represents a rare blend of artistry, authority, and innovation in modern drumming.
Christian has performed at world-renowned venues including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and Blue Note. He was also nominated for Best Composer (Documentary category) at the Cannes Film Festival.
Read more…He has released five solo albums to critical acclaim in leading music publications.
As an educator, Christian has taught students of all ages and levels. He regularly presents clinics throughout Europe and has collaborated with the Goethe-Institut. He also serves as a judge at international drum competitions and is a Gretsch Drums endorser.
A dedicated and highly experienced teacher, Christian designs each lesson according to the individual needs of his students, creating a fun, inspiring, and comprehensive approach that covers all aspects of drumming. He teaches all ages and styles, including Rock, Pop, Hip-Hop, Funk, Jazz, Afro-Cuban, and Brazilian music. His students have won auditions, performed in bands, toured internationally, and recorded albums.
Christian developed a specialized curriculum for children ages 5–8 called The Drumming Zoo, designed to help young students learn in an intuitive and playful way with immediate results.
He is the author of The Drumming Workbook, and Modern Drummer has published seven of his articles.
More information www.christianfinger.com.
Joseph Reo
Joseph Reo
Joseph Reo attended TCNJ in the early 1980s where he studied drums and percussion with the jazz great Tony DeNicola. Joseph continued his studies with Tony as he entered the master’s program at TCNJ. During those years, Joseph participated in giving percussion clinics and played drums/percussion in various rock and pop bands, big bands, orchestras, pit orchestras, percussion ensembles, and took part in a performance in New York with a chamber percussion ensemble. Joseph began his career in education in the Scotch Plains-Fanwood school district in 1984 as the drumline/front ensemble instructor for the Raider Marching Band. Two years later, he became a full-time member of the instrumental music staff where he taught elementary music as well as giving drums/percussion lessons in the two middle schools and high school. Joseph formed the SPFHS Percussion Ensemble in 1989 and as the percussion department grew, he later formed a second percussion ensemble RHYTHMSENSE. During his teaching years, Joseph continued performing as drummer/percussionist in various working bands, big bands, and pit orchestras. He also played in worship bands, conducted orchestras and choirs for various Christmas shows, played trumpet, mellophone, baritone horn, and tuba in brass ensembles while leading the orchestra at Evangel Church in Scotch Plains.
As Joseph begins his retirement after 40 years in education, he plans to keep busy teaching music, continue his job working as a pet care technician at K9 Resorts in Fanwood, and spending time with his wife Sandy, and four adult children Juliana, Katherine, Samantha, and Joseph.