Are you ready? No, REALLY ready?
by Tommy Igoe

It’s a challenge to find time to teach, but I’ve made a commitment to dedicating a percentage of my professional time to giving back some of the knowledge I’ve acquired over two-plus decades of playing professionally at the highest levels of the music business. I also have a personal desire to teach because there are far too many “teachers” that are well intentioned, but simply unqualified.

So, this is my way of modestly tipping the scales back to practical application. And, coming from a father who was a great teacher, I think it’s in my DNA. I do honestly love teaching. It makes me a better, more humble musician; and I learn as much as I give.

Studying with me is not for everyone, so please be honest with yourself: if you are looking for a slap on the back and a “you sound great!” experience, you’ll be disappointed.

If you think you’re already a monster, probably better to stay away so I don’t ruin your day, because, more than likely, I will. However, if you are coachable and have the desire to really dig into the drums with the respect they deserve, fill out the form on the right to tell me about yourself (please keep answers brief and to the point). I’ll send you my “Lesson Manifesto,” which explains all you need to know about studying with me and requirements to become a personal student of mine.

My students are comprised of almost every flavor you can think of: students about to go to college, college grads who have holes in their playing, semi-pros who are trying to get to the next level, and pros who need to expand their vocabulary and capability on the instrument. Of course, there is also the drummer who just wants to “get better” simply because they want to play well for their own personal satisfaction and artist fulfillment, which is fantastic. Everyone is welcome to apply.

The waiting list for slots is always changing from months to weeks to months and I’ll let you know how long the wait is when we make contact. The only way to get in the rotation is to fill out the form. Minimum age for students is 16-years-old. And, please, no inquiries from parents “making contact for my child." The student is expected to the have the maturity to speak and write for him or herself and CC their parents.

Thanks and I look forward to hearing from you.

Brendan Buckley

"When I was 16 years old, a 6'4" looming man known as Tommy Igoe stepped into my world and ridiculed my pitiful display of, what I thought to be, a very kick-ass paradiddle.

At that critical age, this same man tried his best to steer me out of the depths of pubescent mediocrity, and to teach me, through both encouragement and example, to strive toward a greater goal of excellence. He taught using principles and mechanics; sweat and knowledge.

And now, as I gaze back through the past 15 years, it warms me immensely to see how his lessons and philosophies influenced so many aspects of my life, both on and off the drums. Thank you Tommy." - Brendan Buckley

Tommy on Brendan...

Brendan Buckley, the great Los Angeles-based drummer, has been touring worldwide with Shakira and Damien Rice, among others. And, no, if you study with me, you aren’t guaranteed gigs like his. He got them on his own through hard work, perseverance, and thousands upon thousands of hours of practice.

Brendan and I had the ultimate student/teacher relationship. I showed him stuff, he mastered it, I showed him more, he mastered it. He drove ME to keep up with his insatiable desire to learn and maximize his individual talent (which is what it’s really all about anyway). We had so much fun and so many laughs together. Because - let’s not forget - studying the drums, while hard work, should be joyous and fun. And, it’s often funny!

I use Brendan as the model for what every young musician should be like in the modern era: precise, versatile, coachable, technologically current and proficient and, most of all, an unselfish open-minded team player doing whatever it takes to serve the music. Basically, I just described a pro, a real pro.

Learn more about Brendan at www.brendanbuckley.com .

Private Instruction
Requests

PLEASE ONLY SUBMIT A REQUEST IF YOU LIVE IN THE NEW YORK AREA OR ARE ABLE TO TRAVEL TO THE NEW YORK AREA FOR LESSONS.

To get things started, please send an e-mail to lessons@tommyigoe.com with the following information:

First Name/Last Name
Street Address
State, Country
Home Phone Number
E-Mail Address
Age
(MUST be 16 or over)
Years Playing
(minimum three years playing experience required)

Tell Tommy a little bit about yourself and musical experience/goals.  
(One paragraph only, please)

Tell us about your drumming experience and what you want to learn with Tommy.

Please, be assured once sent, your information has been added to the student waiting list.
It may take a month or more to receive a reply due to demand.
You may send a second request after six weeks if you have not received a reply.