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 There is an ancient wisdom expression that says that the only thing a person can do to truly help their fellow human being is to improve their rhythm. Of course, this axiom relates to rhythm in the most general sense, such as the "bounce" in someone's step or the rhythm of their daily life. Andy incorporates every aspect of what rhythmic training offers us, and mixes that with lessons in technique, drawing from authenticity in every style imaginable. He specializes in the styles of Funk, Hip Hop, Rock, Pop, Alternative, Jazz and Afro-Cuban genres for beginners through intermediate level students of all ages. As a multi-instrumentalist, Andy often accompanies his drum students on piano, keyboards and electric bass to allow them to learn to hear how a rhythm section works and what it is supposed to sound like.
AT A GLANCE: Andy's background
- Andy Wasserman was a drummer in school bands from 5th grade through his first year of college.
- In his youth he was a drummer in rock, pop, blues and jazz groups in New York City.
- He was accepted into the High School of Music and Art on drums.
- His performed in numerous school bands and orchestras during High School.
- Andy played snare drum in New York City parades as a member of the Boy Scouts Marching Band.
- Wasserman went on to spend his adult life studying hand percussion and drumming.
Andy shares the love of rhythm and the entire family of percussion instruments with all of his students.
In addition to his drum kit pictured below, photos and information of his collection of instruments from around the world which he uses in his drum and percussion private lessons can be viewed HERE.
You can listen to many tracks that feature Andy as a multi-instrumentalist, playing the percussion tracks as well as other instruments, on the LISTEN page HERE.
Additionally, you can find out more about his performances as a drummer in his "World Music Experience" programs HERE.
ANDY WASSERMAN'S ACOUSTIC AND ELECTRONIC DRUM KITS
Andy is the proud owner of his dream set: a custom designed, hand built maple drum kit by Phattie Drums. His set had been commissioned by the first owner: the drummer in Erykah Badu's band. This drumkit went on 2 world tours before being passed along to Andy. The set includes a wide variety of hand-crafted cymbals by Zildjian, Sabian, Paste, Bosphorus, Istambul Agop, and Alchemy, as well as custom bells, popcorn snare and timbale. In addition to this set, Andy owns and tours with both the Roland TD-3SW Upgraded Electronic drum kit, Roland's HPD-15 Handsonic hand percussion controller and the masterfully designed compact A400 acoustic kit created by Traps Drums in the UK, modified by Dave Foote of Foote Stompin Drums. Below are photos of these instruments.
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(click photos of the Phattie acoustic drum kit for larger view)
  PHATTIE KIT
Side and Front View
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  PHATTIE KIT
Top Views
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Andy on stage with his Traps Percussion customized A400 acoustic set prior to a performance of Instruments: Ancient to Future
 
Andy owns, plays and programs these two very sophisticated electronic percussion controllers. The HandSonic is played with the hands and fingers.
Andy giving a private lesson to one of his most dedicated drum students
For general information about Andy's music instruction, including curriculum, policy, testimonials and links to his educational and professional resume, CLICK HERE.
 ANDY WASSERMAN'S PRIVATE MUSIC LESSONS MISSION STATEMENT
As a full time professional musician and educator with over 30 years of teaching experience, Andy approaches every student as an individual regardless of their level. He does not have a preconceived rigid program or use a "cookie-cutter" plan that plugs a person into his methodology. Instead, he sees each student - young or old - in relation to their potential, addressing the student's own interests and goals and adapting to their strengths and unique talents.
Wasserman's mission is to nurture, motivate and inspire the innate talent within each student. This is achieved by creating a unique program of study that leads to the fulfillment of their complete musical potential. He truly enjoys teaching, and maintains a fresh and vibrant atmosphere during the lessons by meeting the challenge to find what is most productive for each student. This educational philosophy allows room for experimentation in terms of course of study, books, and curriculum content. The goal is to allow the student to tap into the positive emotions and mindset that fuel the fire of passion for learning through the joy of music making.
Unlike many other professional musicians who teach, he not only enjoys working with the advanced student, but is humbled and honored to be working with children with no previous experience. This is evident in the comfortable learning atmosphere he creates that fosters the development of a love and appreciation for all that music has to offer.
The study of a musical instrument accelerates the growth of intelligence and establishes a keen sense of personal discipline while nuturing the valuable virtue of patience. By focusing the mind and calming the nerves, music making is one of the healthiest outlets for self-expression, balance, creativity and joy.
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