South Philly Drum Lessons are taught by Rob Schwartz, a graduate of the Oberlin Conservatory of Music with a degree in jazz studies. Rob has performed throughout the United States and in China with jazz and rock bands such as TV Mike and the Scarecrows, Jenna Mammina, Steve Lucky and the Rhumba Bums, San Francisco’s Contemporary Jazz Orchestra, Amos Payne, The Attachments, Otto Mobile and the Moaners, and the jazz trio Beep.

Rob is experienced playing many different styles on the drum set and has studied orchestral snare drum technique. Growing up in Toledo, Ohio, he studied with Paul Nieft. At Oberlin Conservatory, he had the privilege of studying with renowned jazz drummers Billy Hart and Paul Samuels, and orchestral percussionist Michael Rosen. From January 2007 to March 2008, Rob studied Brazilian percussion with Jorge Alabê while drumming for Jorge’s bateria, Samba Rio. He also immersed himself in Brazilian percussion during a couple visits to Rio de Janeiro.

Given his diverse musical background and professional experience, Rob can teach many styles—rock, pop, jazz, samba, Afro-Cuban, reggae. He has 14 years of experience teaching students ranging from young children to adults, and has taught for other music schools such as the Wilmington School of Rock, the Rawk U School of Music, and the Chestnut Hill Music Academy.

Rob’s goal as a teacher is, not only to help his students improve at drums, but to imbue them with an appreciation for the process and journey of studying music.

To hear recordings of Rob playing the drums click here.