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"In the business I am in I have been fortunate to work with or meet some of the best drummers in the world...names like David Garibaldi, Billy Cobham, Ed Thigpen, Buddy Rich, Kenny Aronoff, Elvin Jones, Clyde Stubblefield, Dane Clark, Russ Kunkel, and many, many others. I would easily put Steve Smeltzer in that same list. I have known Steve for almost 30 years. I have never met a better drummer or for that matter, a better person. I have seen him perform hundreds of times on stages and in recording sessions. No matter what style of music Steve is playing I can count on him to be amazing and accurate, while at the same time knocking me out with his creativity. Whenever a friend or family member asks me about learning to play drums, I ALWAYS say "call Steve Smeltzer". There is no better choice!" Chuck
Surack "Steve
has the experience, the talent, the technique and the patience that makes a
great teacher. Most importantly, however, is his positive attitude. Not
every student will become a professional drummer, like Steve, but along the
way they should have a positive learning experience that I'm sure they'll
get with Steve Smeltzer. I've had the pleasure of working with him many
times and I can't think of anyone I would rather teach my own kids." "Steve is one of the most versatile and well-rounded drummers I know. His technique, stylistic interpretation, groove, and most importantly, musicality makes it a pleasure to share the stage with him. Students in the Ft. Wayne area are missing out if they don’t utilize the great resources Steve Smeltzer provides to the drumming community." Mat
Britain “Steve
Smeltzer is one of the two most accomplished, most complete, and most
musical drummers I’ve known in 35+ years as a player and producer. Of
those two drummers, he’s the one who also has the personality to be a
teacher.” "I took my first lesson from Steve in 1976 when I was in high school, I was 16 and Steve was 19. His style of teaching was very smooth and laid back, unlike other teachers. I learned a lot over next 2 years and went on to play in numerous bands to this day. Currently I’m playing with a cover band, appropriately named UNDERCOVER. Both of my sons took lessons from Steve, my oldest for 7 years, my youngest for almost 10 years. Both play in bands today, my youngest is the drummer for GRADEIGHT. I have seen Steve play out several times over the last 30 years, and it is something to be seen. Thanks, Steve." Denny
Schenkel "My son, Conner, has been taking lessons from Steve for approximately 6 years. I have attended the lessons with him and have personally observed Steve’s teaching abilities. He, Steve, has nurtured my son’s natural talent to a point where Conner is quite an accomplished drummer. Steve’s drumming knowledge and teaching style is one of the best I have seen. I would recommend him to the beginner as well as a seasoned student" Tim
Bland "I was struggling with my drumming. And I had a different instructor. But I called Steve Smeltzer to talk about why I was struggling. Now, I've known Steve off and on over the years, but not well. Ours was a phone relationship as much as anything. But he immediately remembered me and was just as quick in talking with me about what I might do. We finally decided that I'd visit with him at his studio. So there we were, brand new student and veteran drum instructor. He had me do a couple of exercises. Then we played the CD I brought. He spotted right away what I was doing wrong and what, in his judgment, I ought to do about it. He was helpful, to say the least. I know Steve would be good with beginners; and I have every reason to believe that he would help veterans every bit as much." Craig
Klugman "My name is Bill Lichtsinn and I first met Steve at Guy Zimmerman Music around 1976 when I first started playing the drums. Steve was (and still is) a very fine drum teacher. One of my favorite memories of my early lessons was coming into the studio and finding the drumset set up funny. By funny I mean everything was backwards. Now I know I've only been playing a couple of months but this wasn't right. I asked Steve what the deal was and he told me that he had a new student and he was left handed. I said yea so! He then proceeded to tell me that this is how left handed drummers set up there sets. Which I quickly responded with I'm left handed! He thought for a minute and said well we'll keep doing what we're doing and you will thank me later. So I kept playing in the right handed way never questioning what was right or left and wouldn't you know it, some years later when I tried out for the high school jazz band the music director was so impressed with my left hand coordination he put me in the first drum chair. The next time I saw Steve I indeed thanked him. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to hear Steve play and I must say he is definitely one of if not the finest drummer in the area. He has a great feel and touch and can play any style of music that is demanded. I've been fortunate to have him not only as a teacher but as a friend. When ever I need help figuring out a certain style or pattern I know I can call on Steve to help me figure it out. I currently play for several bands with very different musical demands. First is The Auburn Little Big Band which is a jazz ensemble playing big band music from the 40's and 50's. Next is The Answer Band and they play a variety of music from 50's,60's, 70's, 80's, 90's and current hits. And finally I play percussion with The Unity Performing Arts Foundation, this is a multicultural group playing gospel, jazz, rock, R&B and soulful music. If it were not for the teachings and guidance of Steve Smeltzer, none of this would be possible. Steve, Thank you so much for all that you've done for me over the years." Bill
Lichtsinn "Steve Smeltzer is a fantastic drummer who is versatile, punctual, professional, dependable and courteous." Tony
Marino "I've had the pleasure of playing with Steve over the last 17 years; it's always an enjoyable experience. He's a fine drummer with lotsa chops and excellent taste, and is just a blast to work with! One of the areas top drummers." Dave
Nelson "Steve
always plays the right thing at the right time. Dave
Latchaw "Steve is a true talent and one of my favorite drummers. He can take any gig and bring it musically to the next level." John
Weber "As Instrumental Director of a local middle school music program, I always recommend my percussion students to receive lessons from Steve Smeltzer. Steve is my first choice in one on one instruction. His experience and ability to listen to the student, so as to determine the student's needs and progress, is so important to their progress. Steve is the best, from beginner to advanced." Jerry
A. Farrington I
first saw Steve playing in 1992 with a fantastic little Jazz Quartet.
I remember thinking at the time what an honor it would be to play with him.
I have been fortunate since then to have played many different kinds of
playing situations with Steve: from Latin, rock and roll, pop,
R&B, and jazz. Each time I am struck by his versatility. He
is grooving, tight, yet relaxed, and he swings hard, even at soft volumes
where he brings out the best of the players around him. He
knows the tunes, and he has a fantastic sense of melody, which can be rare
to find in a drummer. He knows what to do in--what could be
otherwise--difficult playing situations, making things very easy for
the rhythm section. His solos are highly inventive, always tight,
precise, creative, and sometimes funny. He makes you listen
close because he plays with intelligence, subtlety and nuance.
It is a pleasure every time to play with him.
Eric
Clancy A
great teacher is one of those rare people whose heart is connected to "Steve
is a great teacher for bright children. He lets them express themselves and
then he goes back writes down the music and shows them the fundamentals, if
only our schools would take the same approach". "For
years Steve Smeltzer has had a stellar reputation among Fort Wayne musicians
as an excellent drummer. His knowledge and versatility make him an excellent
choice as a drum instructor."
Jim
Steele
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