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DiCenso's founder Dick DiCenso has yet another educational article featured on Zildjian.com Check it out!

DDS instructor John Kerr has a great new site full of drum transcriptions. Check it out....

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At DiCenso's Drum Shop, we provide a very broad and affordable drum education program. We teach everyone from complete beginners to those preparing for music school to the active professional. We have 4 fully-equipped drum studios complete with drum kits, professional quality cymbals, stereo systems, metronomes, and digital recording devices. We also have an extended library of method books, CD's and DVD's to enhance the learning process.

Not only does our lesson program teach the fundamentals and techniques of good drumming, our master classes, clinics, ensemble programs, and free student jam sessions provide all of our students an opportunity to fully explore their potential as a drummer and as a musician. From kids to adults, there's something for everyone!

As well, a DiCenso's drum education doesn't just end in the lesson room or on the ensemble stage. With a staff of extremely knowledgeable, personable and working drummers, we can teach you just as much about your instrument itself. From tuning and maintenance tips to what type of stick or cymbal you should choose, to steering you in the right direction when it comes to purchasing your first drum set (or your last), DiCenso's staff members are excited to talk drums and share their wealth of knowledge!

For our lesson program, we have developed a sensible and proven cancellation and make-up policy to further facilitate the students' progress:

  1. 24-hour notice on cancellations where you will be allowed a make-up lesson that may be scheduled at the instructor's discretion and availability. Without 24-hour notice you will forfeit your make-up lesson and the lesson payment.
  2. When weather conditions cause cancellation, a make-up lesson will be offered as soon as possible if you choose.
  3. Sometimes staff teachers substitute for each other because of illness, vacation, etc. Whenever possible, you will be notified of the change. You may then elect to take your lesson as scheduled or to re-schedule a makeup lesson with your teacher. This policy is for your benefit and your teacher's as well. It is meant to maintain the continuity that we feel is a key to the teaching and learning process.

...At DiCenso's all of our teachers are working professionals and bring their experiences and knowledge to the table.

If you are interested in lessons with us, please call or email us for further information, including pricing and availability.



Dick began studying drums at 10 years old. His teachers included Stanley Spector, Richard Pearson and Charles Alden. He performed throughout the greater Boston area in various society, swing, dance and jazz bands from 1955 to 2000 and he is the author of A Practical Workbook For the Modern Drummer. He is the founder and former owner of DiCenso's Drum Shop in Quincy, MA and has been teaching drums for over 50 years. Many of the drummers and teachers in the area are former students of his.

Dick endorses Vater Percussion and Zildjian cymbals.



Vance studied at Lynchburg College and at Berklee College of Music. He is the author of 'Motion Techniques for the Bass Drum' and 'Afro-Cuban and Brazilian Drumset Rhythms'.  He has toured the US, Canada and Mexico with Savoir Faire and Grammy artist Phil Vassar.  He currently performs with his band First Class with whom he has had radio play on KISS 108 and STAR 93.7. See firstclassband.com to find out more about Vance and First Class!

Vance endorses Sabian Cymbals and Vic Firth Drumsticks.




Chris is the newest addition to the DiCenso's teaching staff.  Having studied at Berklee College of Music with such teachers as Rod Morgenstein, Kenwood Dennard and Dave Cowan, Chris is yet another graduate of the college on DiCenso's staff.  In addition to teaching, Chris is very busy performing throughout New England with numerous projects including original rock/pop act, "The Jackson Wetherbee Band", and R&B/Blues heavies, Dave Richardson and Chris Stovall Brown. Chris has also performed with pop/R&B star, JOJO.

Check Chris out at his myspace myspace.com/csantos1
or at his Berklee College music profile.
 



John has taught at DiCenso's for 10+ years. He is a freelance drummer playing for original bands/artists and top-40 bands. He also performs occasionally with the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra as well as for local flamenco troupes. Some of his former teachers include local phenom Dave DiCenso, Louis Marino, Phil Ferraro, Jeffrey Grubbs and Sylvie Zakarian.

Check out www.johnkerr.net for more updated info on John. Several of John's drum transcriptions have been published in Modern Drummer magazine, and he is also the creator www.jkdrumsolutions.com where he offers affordable drum transcriptions and educational podcasts. 

John endorses Vater Percussion.

kenny hadley

Kenny is one of New England's most sought-after drummers. His work truly encompasses all styles including Rock, Funk, R & B, Jazz and Swing. He's performed with acts such as Steve Lawrence & Eydie Gorme, Johnny Adams, Van Morrison, Dizzy Gillespie, The Count Basie Orchestra, Peter Wolf, The Drifters and has done numerous productions with the Franklin School for the Performing Arts. His theatre work includes blockbuster shows like Tommy, Hair, The Full Monty and Momma Mia.

Kenny is probably best known as the leader of his own 17-piece big band which has recorded two CDs, one being a collaboration with acclaimed jazz vocalist Rebecca Parris entitled, 'A Beautiful Friendship'. His latest small group recording and producing effort, 'Tender Trap' by Amanda Carr achieved national jazz chart status and rave reviews.

Kenny endorses Vater Percussion and Zildjian cymbals.



Penny is an alumna of Berklee College of Music, where she majored in Classical Composition. Her diverse percussion education has included several years of marching percussion and marimba studies. Her drum set knowledge has come mainly under the tutelage of Vance Gordon and Ed Kaspik.  She has been teaching drum set lessons for fifteen years and has been an instructor at DiCenso's Drum Shop since 2001. She has toured the U.S. and Canada with her instrumental fusion band, Hypaspace, and has performed and recorded with various local acts including Bryan McPherson, Adam Payne, Kids Against Combs, The New Group, Sex and Witchcraft, and PLP.

Check Penny out at her website pennylarson.net

Penny endorses Vater Percussion.



Ed has been teaching at South Shore Music since 2004. He attended Berklee College of Music and has also studied with a number of teachers including Fred Buda, Bob Moses, Dick DiCenso and Vance Gordon. In addition to teaching he has played in rock, country, general business and blues bands for many years. His current blues and southern rock band The End Result has opened shows for Savoy Brown, Sonny Landreth and Jeff Pitchell.





Jimmy is a Boston native who has been playing professionally since the age of 16. He has been a DiCenso's Drum Shop employee since 2004 and instructor since 2008. Jimmy has studied with Dave DiCenso, Dick DiCenso and Chris Rivelli. He has worked with multi-platinum producer Jim Wirt, former Dropkick Murphy's guitarist Marc Orrell, Warner Music Group artist Jamison Ernest, regional rock act Gone Baby Gone and many more. Currently, Jimmy is performing live and in-studio between Boston and New York with many different artists in addition to teaching at DiCenso’s Drum Shop. Check out Jimmy's brand new website at Jimmy Pemberton.com.


Jimmy endorses Vater Percussion.
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