Instructor

My name is Adrian McCloskey. I was born in Ohio in 1965. My first introduction to music was at the age of 4 when my parents enrolled me in the Suzuki Violin Method. I learned the basics of music and theory during this period.

At the age of 11 my family moved to Brooklyn N.Y. and I began playing trumpet in my school jazz band. Soon after, my stepfather, Sonny Payne came into my life. Sonny Payne was a famous jazz/big band drummer who played with the likes of... Count Basie, Harry James and Frank Sinatra to name a few. One summer, Sonny took me on the road as a guest with the Harry James Band. Needless to say, after that trip I was sold on drums. I began my love affair with the instrument and have never looked back.

I began my lessons with Sonny and have since studied privately with among others : Joe Morello, Gary Chester, Charlie Persip, Sam Ulano, Lorenzo Boston, James Preiss, Jim Payne and Kim Plainfield.

My formal music education includes the Edward R. Murrow High School Jazz program, 5 years of university studies at the Local 802 New York musicians union education program at Lehman and Kingsborough colleges, and the Drummers Collective in NYC.

I have played professionally since the age of 14 with various artists, going on the road at 16. I have performed and recorded with various artists in the NY area including progressive jazz/fusion group MeridianVoice and Model Citizen.

I have performed worldwide at concerts and Jazz festivals for 20 years with the NYPD Police Band which included a Drumline, Steel Drum Band, and Jazz Ensemble. I have played on national television and have performed around the globe at world famous locations including the Apollo Theater and Madison Square Garden.

I currently reside in Virgil N.Y. where I have taught as an adjunct music professor at SUNY Cortland University and maintain a private teaching practice at my home studio.

I have performed regularly with various bands including The Purple Valley, The Cats with Jeff Howell from Foghat and currently, The Jason Wicks Band.

I have offered private drum instruction for over 35 years and have developed a unique 4 step teaching philosophy which promotes total balance and facility on the drums. My prized drum student is my son Ryan. He has been studying drums with me for years and was the lead drummer in his school's jazz and concert band. He consistently received grades of "Outstanding + " at his NYSSMA performances and was the lead/ first line snare drummer for the Long Island Blue Jays Drum Corps. He currently maintains a busy performing and recording schedule in Brooklyn N.Y.

Recently, I was included in the drum book "Sticks 'n' Skins"...

My life is dedicated to my family as well as teaching and playing the drums.

Please feel free to ask any questions you may have...