Ed is one of the top drummers in the Chicago area. A former major-label recording artist with Epic Records, Ed has performed with many top Midwest bands over the years, including The Insiders, The Cathy Richardson Band, Jim Peterik’s World Stage, Off Broadway, and the Dooley’s. His recording work includes albums for the above bands and many other Midwest, national and international artists, along with radio and television commercials. Additionally, Ed writes a monthly column called “Off The Record” and other technique articles for Modern Drummer, the most widely read drum magazine in the world. Ed’s over 35 years of drumming include 25 years as a well-known drum instructor, specializing in beginning, intermediate, and advanced drumset and snare drum technique. For more information, visit

Alan has been teaching private music lessons for nearly twenty-five years.  He earned his B.A. in Music from Elmhurst College in 1987.  Alan has vast experience performing and recording many styles of music including classical, jazz, pop, rock, R & B, and marching band/drum corps.  His abilities have taken him on tours overseas which include performances at the North Sea Jazz Festival in Holland and the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland.

  Several of Alan’s present and past students perform in Chicago’s American Girl   “Circle of Friends” show.  His students have also gained lead roles in other theater productions.  One can see Alan’s students performing in anything from Young Naperville Singers to the school orchestra to a rock band.

  Whether it’s voice or percussion, Alan guides his students to attain the necessary techniques and physical strength in order for them to reach their full potential.  He takes accountability for his student’s development and he makes sure they gain a comprehensive understanding of what they’re learning.  Alan’s students will say the lessons are enjoyable, rewarding, and educational.  He has students that range from age five to adult.  Alan is a true natural with kids, and has two daughters of his own.

  Alan possesses a passion for rock music, and he understands the challenges that performing rock music brings to vocalists and drummers alike.  His vocal range in dynamics and pitch is exceptional, and his double-bass-drum skills are machine-like.  These attributes combined with his unparalleled attention to detail and his physical understanding of the male voice differentiates him from his peers.    

Ron received both his BA and Masters degrees in Percussion Performance from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. Since moving to the Chicago area in 1989, he has performed professionally throughout the Midwest. These performances have ranged from theater work to club work to weddings and corporate events. Ron has also opened for George Jones, Martina McBride and other national recording artists. His teaching experience includes years of private instruction for students of all ages and playing levels, including close work with the band/orchestra directors in Naperville and surrounding school districts. In percussion, he has experience with timpani and mallet instruments, in addition to drum set and snare drum. Ron also has experience with marching drum lines, as well as adjudication for the various solo and ensemble contests and the Illinois Music Educators Association's annual auditions. He provides a well-rounded approach to percussion for school-aged students of any level.