“Eric is a consummate musician and teacher. He is loved by his students. His depth of knowledge is obvious, his discipline, hard work and affable nature make him an invaluable addition to our program. He is patient with the beginning students, demanding of the advanced students, and thoroughly dependable. He is a cut above what I have found to be the typical drum teacher. He is an excellent musician and is in demand by many groups and theaters in the area. Eric would be an asset to any situation. I recommend him without reservation.”
Paul Nelson - Director of Music at Trinity-Pawling School
“Eric has provided drum lessons to my son for a number of years and he continues to do so. He demonstrated excellent communication skills with our son as was able to guide him into becoming one of the most accomplished drummers in a renown large school music program. Our son has been the drummer for the competitve Jazz band at Arlington High School plus a member of Marching Band and the top school band and orchestra.. That Jazz Machine won the top prize at the prestigious Berklee Jazz Festival in Boston, Mass in 2009 and our son won the Judge's Choice Award at the competition in 2008. Our son has received a number of recognitions and music program scholarships to camps and a Berklee Percussion Festival. Much of his success is owed to skills learned and "polished" while working with Eric Wagner. We have referred a number of other students to Eric over the years and the parents of these students have all expressed their appreciation for the referral and satisfaction with their experiences with Eric. I would highly recommend Eric Wagner.”
Michael Kranis - Kranis Law
"Eric is a fantastic drum instructor. My daughter has never taken drum lessons before she began with Eric, and she has learned an incredible amount in her first year! She is now the first drummer in her school band, and more importantly, she loves playing and going to her lessons to work with Eric. I couldn't recommend Eric more highly!”
Heather McIntosh - Freelance Writer, www.heatherannemcintosh.com
"Eric has the patience and insight in dealing with young children’s fragile egos. He knows how to subdue their frustrations and gives them encouragement when tackling a difficult assignment. My son started at the age of 5 and, now at the age of 10, has shown wondrous progress under Eric’s tutelage. My son joined his school band, and in the 4th grade was placed with the Advanced Ensemble, alongside his 7th and 8th grade school mates due to his advanced knowledge of the instrument. Eric gave my son the confidence to play alongside his peers in a multi-instrument environment."
Kathy McKeown
“Eric is a super musician with a broad talent range. His performance ability and experience is tremendous. He is an excellent teacher.”
David Mills, PhD, Professor, Director of Bands , University of Connecticut
“My son has been taking drum lessons from Eric for close to two years now. I know from my son's comments after a lesson that he really enjoys Eric personally. He loves how he is so relaxed while teaching and this makes my son feel very comfortable. He says that Eric is always encouraging him, while also challenging him to work harder to improve his skills. My son took from another drum teacher prior to Eric and while I am not a drummer, I can hear a tremendous improvement in my son's work and see how much more he enjoys himself as he plays. I also like how Eric goes about getting my son to practice more. It is always in a positive way and one that usually works. I especially like when my son plays along with prerecorded music that Eric has given him on his flash drive. You can really hear a true understanding emerging as he improvises each time he plays along. Eric is an outstanding teacher and motivator and your child couldn't be in better hands.”
Roger Ouellette
“Eric Wagner has proven himself as a knowledgeable and thorough drum teacher. He has taught credit students at Dutchess Community College and provided them with a strong grounding in drum fundamentals as well as helping them achieve greater proficiency in a wide variety of styles.”
Christopher Brellochs, Chair of the Music Certificate Program and Department Supervisor of Music , Dutchess Community College
“Eric is an extrodinary teacher and drummer . He is dedicated to his craft and his knowledge in music is well documented. I would reccomend him as a teacher for new and old students alike . I myself was a student of Henry Adler one of the leading authorities in drumming methods and hold Eric to a very high standard. He has done nothing but surpassed everything I would expect from a teacher and friend.”
Anthony McAuley
“Eric by far is one of the best music instructors I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. He has taught students that have gone on to excel in local, state and national competitions. In addition, he is a quality music performer in his own right. I am proud to be associated with Eric and am always pleased to reccomend him.”
Charlie North , President/CEO , Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce
“When you hire Eric, you can expect all the best. Not only is he a talented performer, but he is a consummate professional. His work is creative and reliable, and he is a pleasure to work with! I have hired him multiple times to perform with my choruses, and intend to do so again often!”
Amy Martin
"Eric is a true professional. A talented Drummer/Percussionist and a very good teacher. I highly recommend Eric for either performance or education."
Lou Varuzzo - Director of Education/CFO , Paul Effman Music
"Eric is a highly effective and talented instructor who understand his students gifts and limitations and prepare an academic protocol suitable for the student to flourish without disappointment. I truly gifted teacher and drummer."
William G. Sayegh, Esq., Sayegh Law
“Eric is a great drummer, who knows a wide variety of genres. He's easy to work with, patient, and flexible. I highly recommend Eric and the drum studio.”
Robyn Taylor , On Air Personality, WPDH, Cumulus Broadcasting
“Eric is a helpful and effective drum instructor that provides space for the student to grow and learn at their own pace while continually challenging them and pushing their limit.”
Kevin Gagliano
"Eric is great with kids and works hard to accommodate parents' schedules. He is patient, yet clear about the expectations and makes the lessons fun. In addition to being an expert in his field, he is also very trustworthy and has a high level of integrity."
Loretta Kellogg - Vice President at Grubb & Ellis Management Services, Inc.
"I was excited to find a drum instructor that not only is a great player but is also well schooled in the art of drumming. I also found his ability to play and teach multiple styles from rock to jazz a real plus. He is dedicated to his art which is apparent in his approach with his students. I highly recommend Eric for drummers at all levels."
Alex James, drummer, multi-percussionist
"When no one else was willing to give our 4 year old son drum lessons because of his young age, Eric Wagner said he would give him a shot. Its been 3.5 years now and we are more than happy that Eric gave our son a chance. He was his youngest student at the time.
Eric is a very patient and supportive teacher who makes learning fun. What's also great about Eric is that he is flexible and very accomodating to our busy and active lifestyles. He helped us choose the right drum set for our son and even came to our house to help set them up! Thanks for everything, Eric!"
The O'Brien's
"Eric brought Brad from a novice level, having only received lessons in school and playing with music on his own, to where he could read and write sheet music, play along with almost anything he liked to listen to, qualified to play in the school Jazz Bands, Marching Bands, and is acing his Music classes in school. This past week he had a significant vibe solo in the school concert. He recently was warming up with some old workbooks and said, "I remember when these were so hard and I was so frustrated." Thanks, Eric."
Gary Fisher - IBM & Marist
“Eric is very knowledgeable of playing and teaching percussion instruments. He is very patient and even-tempered yet challenging. I highly recommend him for people young and old (I'm 45).”
Matt Connelly
