Ritchie DeCarlo

Currently I'm teaching drums at WYLD STUDIOS in Northeast Philadelphia and at my home in West Berlin New Jersey. Finally finished my snare drum book. Recording & Performing with Progressive guitarist Scott McGill and trying to get solo music together. The past decade my recording engineer hat has been on and I've built a 24 track studio called MOBILE HEADQUARTERS. The Chapman Stick has also been around the studio about 5 years, but unfortunately it is more like a hobby. Drumming is still 1.... Born in Philadelphia on February 27, 1967. Never interested in sports, I started playing drums at the age of 11 and have been playing nearly everyday since. At the age of 16, began playing in area rock clubs, and immediately gained local recognition. After graduating from the Girard Academic Music Program in 1985, drum studies continued with such great musicians as Jay Bruno, Jim Chapin, Carmine Appice, Pablo Batista and Smitty Smith (of the Tonight Show house band). My first Modern Drummer Magazine Transcription was published in October 1985 at the age of 18. ~~ Sixteen years of studio experience has landed my drumming on dozens of commercials and cd's including Tino Gonzalez, Pat Godwin, Laura Mann and Katie Drake to name a few. I've worked with The legendary engineer, Shelley Yakkus for numerous recording sessions including country singer Clarice Rose and Grammy nominated producer, David Ivory on many sessions with up and coming artists as well as icons like Earl Chinna Smith from Bob Marley & the Wailers. ~~Performed all over the United States with such acts as The Tymes, Scot Holt, King Ernest, LeCompt, Los Manatees, The Jefre Washington Band and Speed. Toured Japan as a member of Crosstown II and played in Paris, France with blues guitarist Stevie LaRocca. Shared the stage with Santana while drumming for the Cutaways in 1990 before a crowd of 50,000 at WYSP's Be In. Opened for Legendary acts such as Bob Dylan, The Guess Who, Kansas & Buddy Guy. Also performed on live television with Lauren Hart (the acclaimed Philadelphia Flyers singer). Earned numerous local awards including Best Local Drummer in 1999 & 2001. ~~ Began teaching in 1987 at the Philadelphia Music Company. Ran the Percussion Department at the prestigious St. Joseph's Preparatory High School for four years. Performed at various clinics and conducted seminars at Arch Bishop Ryan High School in Northeast Philadelphia. Currently accepting students at 2 locations where beginners as well as advanced players are welcome to study. Call 856-261-3303 for details