Holly C
Parent
My son Evan (11 years old) has had the priviledge of being a drumming student of Jeff’s for the past year and a half, and I am completely blown away by what he has been able to accomplish. Both my husband and myself can not claim any musical talent ourselves, so we entered this arena totally blind. When Evan talked for months about wanting to start drumming I had no idea where to start and as a result, dragged my heels. It was serendipity months later when a friend mentioned that her son took lessons from Jeff. She could not have given a more glowing recommendation. All the pieces to the puzzle fell in my lap and I gave him a call.
Jeff embodies everything that you could possibly want in a teacher, mentor, and positive influence for your child. His personal drumming skill is so crazy good and is very inspiring for his students. Maybe even more importantly, it’s Jeff’s infectiously upbeat personality and genuine enthusiasm for the art of drumming that he brings to every single lesson that keep you coming back for more.
As parents, we want to surround our kids with great people who help to train and coach them in their journey to pursue their dreams. I’m happy to say I could not have found a better match! – Holly C
Eric L
Parent / Musician
After moving, one of the first things I sought to do was to find a new drum teacher for my 6‐year old son. Prior to our move, my son had studied with three highly‐regarded teachers so we both have experienced world‐class instruction. Being a professional musician myself, I have spent decades trying to distill my playing and teaching into coherent, meaningful moments. This, in my opinion, is key. Technique is a means to an end, a tool to help musicians make music. Jeff Samataro understand this and communicates this with incredible ease. He is easily among the best teachers I have ever encountered on any instrument. His demeanor is sincere, he has an expert knowledge of his instrument’s history and he somehow manages to consistently raise the bar while simultaneously being encouraging, engaging and upbeat. My son has made incredible strides while studying with Jeff. I could not recommend him more highly.
Eric Lindberg ‐ Music Director for Buddy Miles
Kristen B
Parent
Our son Owen expressed interest in playing the drums over a year ago. Jeff was highly recommended to us and from day one there was a connection. Owen loves how Jeff is able to compare music to everyday things which makes the learning process that much more enjoyable. Owen goes to practice with a smile and leaves with one, excited about what he just learned. Jeff is patient and you can tell how much he enjoys passing on his talent and love for the drums. I look forward to seeing what the next few years bring with Jeff teaching Owen all he can. – Kristen B
Pete M
Parent
Jeff is a talented and gifted musician who also has a passion for teaching: A powerful combination that thanks to Jeff, has allowed my son Cameron to progress from a rudimentary, awkward beginner to a confident percussionist in the school band. Entering his 3rd year of lessons with Jeff, Cameron has not only progressed in all aspects of his technique and musicianship, he has also developed a passion and enthusiasm for drums, thanks to Jeff’s teaching, guidance and unending patience. It’s been a joy to watch Cameron grow as a musician thanks to the dedication and ability of his teacher, Jeff Samataro! – Pete M
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“We feel so grateful to have found Jeff Samataro as our son’s drum instructor! Jeff is an exceptionally talented musician. His enthusiastic teaching style and laid- back personality makes it the perfect classroom environment to learn. As parent’s, we greatly appreciate his patience and flexibility. Often, he adapts his teaching approach to meet our son’s interest and ability. It has been a wonderful experience to observe the sessions and watch in our son’s growth. He looks forward to all his weekly lessons. Anyone who is seeking an instructor for themselves or for their child would be fortunate to learn from him. He has been a great mentor and positive role model. We look forward to our continued relationship with Jeff far into the future.”
– Jennifer and Dominic C.
“My son started drum lessons with Jeff just after Christmas last year, having received a very basic kit from Santa. We weren’t sure how interested he really was in learning, but he took to Jeff (and the drums) immediately. It’s easy to do that when your teacher is interested in you as a person (not just as his student), makes the lessons fun, and is able to explain things at a 7yo level. Jeff’s warm, friendly, and laid back nature makes our son look forward to his weekly lesson, and his skill as a drummer and teacher have helped bring him along much further than we could have imagined in a relatively short time. We are so fortunate to have found him!”
— Jenn V.
“My son started lessons with Jeff when he was 7. Three years later, I couldn’t be more pleased. Jeff is an amazing teacher. Mason has already learned so much. Jeff has a knack for teaching and never talks down to Mason. Mason loves his lessons and never complains about going or practicing. He leaves his lessons feelings empowered and knowledgeable-ready to put into use what he just learned. As a parent, I am amazed at how far he has come in a short matter of time. Jeff’s ability to relate to Mason and explain concepts in a way he can understand has made all the difference. I highly recommend Jeff as an instructor.”
-Sharon D.
“Though I have only been studying with Jeff for a few months, he has already helped me to improve my technique immensely. Jeff has helped me to be a smarter performer and to think more like a musician”
– Aaron B
“If you’re looking for a drum instructor, who’s passionate about drumming, enthusiastic about teaching, and knowledgeable of the history of drumming, Jeff’s your guy. Not only is he an amazing drummer, he is truly a gifted teacher. Call him!”
– Paul P
“My son, Kris has been going to see Jeff for almost a year and he absolutely loves taking drum lessons with Jeff. Jeff is very talented and very patient and has a unique way of explaining drumming to kids. He has a great personality and has great rapport. Kris is doing so well, so quickly that I attribute that to the teachings of Jeff. Kris’s family is very impressed with his progress and we owe that to Jeff. I highly recommend Jeff as a drum teacher".”
– Jennifer B
“Jeff is not only a talented drummer, he is an intelligent and passionate teacher. I find lots of private instructors are good at their craft but can’t teach a beginner how to get started or an advanced student how to reach that next level. Jeff does that and more! He guides you through step-by-step how to practice on your own and focus your skills during lessons. He listens patiently and offers appropriate guidance when a student is in need. His strong musical knowledge is apparent in responding to difficult questions with both in-depth feedback and a sense of humor. I would highly recommend him to all students, beginner to advanced. His diligence and professionalism make him the perfect match for any student.”
- David Newsam - Assistant Professor at Berklee College of Music
“I am a percussion primary music ed student at Southern NH University. I always look forward to my lessons with Jeff. He is always smiling as I walk through the door to the percussion room. He has a wide variety of things that he knows well. We work on whatever I think I need work on. I absolutely love working with Jeff. He is an amazing person and an amazing teacher. I absolutely highly recommend him.”
— David S.
“Jeff is amazing! My son has been taking drum lessons with Jeff for about 7 months. Ben looks forward to drum lessons each week. Jeff’s love of the drums shines through during each lesson. Jeff is patient and has a calm way about him when teaching children. He has created a stressfree, fun environment. I enjoy seeing the progress Ben has made each week.”
— Kerry L.
“It was luck that landed my son Josh at Jeff’s doorstep, but it’s Jeff’s excellent teaching and passion that keeps us coming back week after week. Josh was a real beginner with drumming but had experience playing other instruments. Jeff used Josh’s musical knowledge to help him quickly understand the rhythms and beats that he needed to know. Jeff is patient, flexible, laid back, kind, funny and VERY talented! His lessons are student centered and will work on whatever the student is interested in. Jeff has sent Josh video, written out beats and rhythms and spent extra time helping Josh learn difficult concepts. I whole heatedly recommend Jeff Samataro to anyone interested in learning drumming!“
-Dan S.
“My son has been a student of Jeff’s for about a year. In this first year Jeff has made a huge impact on my son’s love of the drums and his playing ability. Jeff is always fun and exciting and has a perfect disposition combined with patience and kindness that make’s Will look forward to every Thursday afternoon. We’re excited to see Will continue his development over the years with Jeff.”
– Mark M
“I’ve been working with Jeff for over a year now and I couldn’t be happier with the progress I’ve made! He is an innovative and expressive teacher with a genuine and infectious passion for drumming. He is also exceedingly patient…a quality that is comforting to a brand new drummer like me. With Jeff’s even-tempered instruction and encouragement, I have started to play full songs and I feel more confident every time I pick up the sticks. As a teacher myself, I have the utmost respect for Jeff’s technique and I am thrilled to have found an instructor who is so dedicated to his students’ success.”
-Gillian R
“After studying with Jeff for a semester, I’ve really rediscovered my love for percussion again. He’s really knowledgeable and makes lessons fun. I’d definitely recommend him!”
– Gabe S
“Jeffery Samataro is a rising star in the world of drumming and percussion education. He’s got what you need as a student: dedication patience and knowledge. Jeffery hails from a great tradition of teachers at Berklee College of Music such as Alan Dawson, Gary Chaffee, Kenwood Dennard and many others. Jeffery is dedicated to raising a brilliant new crop of musical artists in the drumming world. Jeffery Rocks!”
- Kenwood Dennard - prof. of percussion at Berklee College of Music (Formerly with Miles Davis, Quincy Jones, Sting, and Whitney Houston)
“Jeffrey Samataro is a past student of mine at Berklee College of Music. I had Jeff in both classroom and private lesson situations. I will say that in both cases, he proved to be an exemplary student. He is a very talented drummer, who can cover many styles with both understanding and passion. He always came to class prepared and with an open mind; ready to soak up whatever he could in order to improve his skills. Jeff is the type of student who would bring ideas, questions, and often, recorded examples to discuss and analyze. He is inquisitive, has a real thirst for knowledge, and practices diligently, which made him easy to teach. Jeff was a pleasure to have as a student. I believe that becoming a good teacher is a product of being a good student. I my opinion, Jeff will make an excellent teacher.”
- Bob Tamagni - Professor Percussion Department at Berklee College of Music