I studied drums actively with Tom Mendola from 1991 to about 1999. When I first came to him, I told him that I had a problem of speeding up while playing and it so bothered me that I had actually stopped playing drums altogether! Tom put me through various rhythm and coordination exercises, along with snare drum technique and different music style exercises. I practiced hard, played live quite a bit and the problem went away altogether! I now have perfect time, believe it or not. I became a beast of a groove player and like to keep it simple when I play. Most musicians now absolutely love playing with me because of this; I have been told with great enthusiasm that my groove is "infectious". When I play, I am 100 % confident and arrogant and play with an attitude and an unshakeable certainty that THIS is where the groove is at!!! And both the band and the audience love it! I ended up playing over 1,000 gigs and got to make a CD (on sale at iTunes now) and played for audiences from a few hundred in a packed night club to over 10,000 in outdoor settings. I got to open up for Leon Russell, BB King, Deana Carter, Atlanta Rhythm Section, Delbert McClinton, Tom T Hall etc. Tom is by far the best drum teacher I ever studied under and would recommend him to any drummer a any level. read more

Tom Mendola is the best of the best. He's a great drummer with the ability to teach and relay information and direct a student into the right path for improvement. I have played with him and have only known him for months but he is the real deal. We met with the passing of my brother, Jamie Faunt, who Tom worked with and taught for in Jamie's school-THE FAUNT SCHOOL OF CREATIVE MUSIC. He worked with Jamie for 20 years as the lead percussion instructor and rhythm teacher. His skill is only surpassed by his concern for the individual, his people skills and his ability to help one become a better person and player. I have a Masters in Music and have interacted with Tom since August of 2013 when Jamie passed on, and have found him to be knowledgeable, articulate and a wonderfully caring individual. We played a Memorial in October of 2013 for my brother and his playing was as good as it gets. With all his skills, charisma and knowledge, you will only become as good as you want to be. If I were a drummer he would be my first call for a teacher. As a trained musician, I couldn't recommend him more-He's just what you're looking for. Ric Faunt read more

Imagine finding a teacher who can help you be a better drummer, a better musician and a better person all at the same time. That is Tom. He is a an amazing wonderful man who has not only mastered drumming but has an uncanny ability to impart knowledge when and where you need it most. Are you stuck on some technical issue? Tom has boatloads of technique that is practical and musical. Are you stuck with time or groove or feel issues? Tom has extremely effective teaching tools very few even know about that can address this. He's organized, professional and patient. I always felt more inspired to practice after taking a lesson with him because he is very encouraging. He knows how to explain things in different ways until you understand. Out of all the drum teachers I've studied with he actually helped me in ways no other teacher even came close to. On top of it you'll never know that you're getting the lessons of your life because he has a relaxed personality and a great sense of humor. Thank you Tom. It was a pleasure studying with you. (gillian) read more

George Bernard Shaw wrote, "Those who can do, those who can't, teach." Evidently Mr. Shaw hadn't met Tom. I've been studying with him for about a year and a half. He's the rare meld of drum educator, gigging pro, and studio recording artist---and, he's been at it for years! Tom is cut from the cloth of the old school pros, Kruppa, Bellson, Rich. Grip mechanics, rudiments, reading musical notation, and playing to all genres of music, are topics to be covered. Students only advance to the next lesson when Zen master--- I mean Tom---feels grasshopper has achieved his maximum potential. You can shop for "deals" on drum teachers for yourself or junior. But seriously---can a guy with a wet-ink certificate from a music school compete on any level with 40+ years experience? Hell, when broken metronomes need to get their groove back, they listen to Tom! Drums are a difficult instrument. Why risk establishing incorrect habits? Learn from a true master, and when showing up for a lesson, obey the Boy Scout credo, "be prepared." read more

Before my daughter 4th birthday we received an invite to get kid drum lessons. Since she was pretending to play drums and asking for a real one we decided to get a set of classes as part as her birthday gifts. She LOVED it! Tom made the lessons fun and creative, just what my active and playful daughter wanted. Tom kept her interested in the classes switching to different activities but all related to the drum. Also, he respected her opinions and ideas, opened a nice communication with her since the first lesson. The kid size drum he has in his studio is perfect and sounds great. We would strongly recommend him as a teacher. As a parent, it is very comforting to deal with such a professional! read more

I want to let everyone know Tom is an excellent drummer and teacher. He teaches; stick control, rudiments, independence, reading and much more. I really enjoyed learning about sub beat poly rhythms in meter. He also teaches a metronome fanning Technic that is really productive. I'm giving him the full five stars because I highly recommend him. read more

My son Paul has been taking lessons from Tom for almost a year now and he has advanced so quickly in comparison to his former teacher. Not only is Tom an incredible drummer he is a gifted teacher. His patience, knowledge and enthusiasm I believe is what has made the difference with my son. I Highly recommend him. read more

Perfect teacher! If you want to learn drums and play to your favorite songs or play drums for your own band...Tom will show you what you need to know. You get the training to be able to play ANY style of music so you can be the drummer everyone wants to play with. read more

Tom is fabulous! Funny, helpful, super talented---AND willing to go several extra miles. My contact was for a small project, but he gave it his all in teaching me some basics so it could be as perfect as possible. I can't recommend him highly enough. read more

Tom drove my daughters drumming from good to great! She is an accomplished musician, and he was a huge factor. Her Dad was so impressed he got lessons as well. :) read more