Andrew Black

Andrew has been playing drums since 11 years old, and has over 14 years of teaching experience. He loves to help drummers of all ages and skill levels tap into the joy of practice and musical creation.

With a percussive background in punk/hardcore/metal/hiphop/RnB/soul/gogo, he received most of his education as a teenager by witnessing the live performances of the many independent music scenes of Washington DC in the 1990’s. Three years of playing in the local high school drum line taught him how to read music, march, and eventually lead others.

Andrew has performed with and extensively toured the world with acts like The Explosion, Georgie James, Good Clean Fun, Battery, The Primals, Rocket From The Crypt, The Trouble, Cloak/Dagger, Title Tracks, and others. He has recordings on labels ranging from majors like Virgin Records to independent labels like Dischord and Saddle Creek. California performance credits include The Warfield (SF), The Maritime Hall (SF), Great American Music Hall (SF), Gilman Street (Berkeley), Bottom of the Hill (SF), Slims (SF), The Troubadour (LA), Hollywood Palladium (LA), The Echo (LA), The Echoplex (LA), Petco Park (San Diego), The Whiskey (LA), The Wiltern (LA), and more.

Andrew really enjoys teaching and inspiring students to explore their creative side. He’s excited to start you on your musical journey!

Alive or Dead, What Musician would you do anything to see?

Earl Palmer

Greatest Musical Influence?

Probably Ian, Fugazi/Minor Threat, and his label Dischord Records.

Any hidden talents besides music?

Still shocks me that an east coast kid who never dreamed of surfing can paddle out to a crowded line up, navigate the salty locals, and claim some waves for myself (on good days).

What did you want to be while you were growing up?

Cartographer (Map-maker)

If you could have any ‘Super Power’, which one would it be?

Either time travel or control gravity

If you could master any other instrument which would it be?

Piano would be lovely

Have you had what people would consider your “15 Minutes of Fame”, and if so when/what was that?

I suppose I have. On one end of the spectrum, I’ve performed on a few late night television shows that have been syndicated/paid royalties but on the other end of the spectrum, some of the most meaningful and life-affirming experiences I’ve had with music didn’t put a dime in my pocket.

It’s your last meal: What would it be?

Whoa. I guess I’ll take the Olive Garden’s Never-Ending Breadsticks and Pasta combo til the Governor calls to pardon me.

You are sent to a deserted island, and you only have one album to listen to: Which is it?

Time Out by The Dave Brubeck Quartet

If you could leave one lesson with your students what would it be?

Be kind to yourself and others.

Andrew Black

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