Profiles: Dom Famularo

Today, i.e. August 26, would have been Dom Famularo‘s 71st birthday. At the same time, all the rest of us are celebrating Dom’s first birthday without him around. On this occasion, we present a profile of the world’s most popular and well-known drum educator.

Dominick Salvatore Famularo was born on August 26, 1953, in Long Island, New York. He became interested in the drums early enough to have played professionally in a neighbourhood band with his two older brothers and younger sister at the age of 12. At 17, he decided it was time to study his beloved instrument. His teachers were (in chronological order): Ronnie Benedict, Al Miller, Joe Morello, Jim Chapin.

He said the following about his drum tutors:

“My first serious and focused teacher was Ronnie Benedict. He is a great motivator and educator. I studied the basics of rudiments, reading, and understanding different musical styles. Ronnie offered me an absolutely perfect way to begin the fundamentals of drumming. Ronnie has taught many great players; Dennis McDermott, Bill Messinetti, and Neil Grover to name a few. Ronnie passed away in 1999 and I continue to use his knowledge everyday.“

“My next teacher was Al Miller. Al is a tremendous resource for many players. He has taught such great drummers as Tom Brechtlein, Rod Morgenstein and numerous other great drummers. Al focused me on more intense reading, big band playing, drum set independence and a variety of drumming skills. Al also was a very good friend of Buddy Rich. It was through Al, I was able to meet and have many hangout sessions with Buddy. Al passed away in the year 2000 and I continue to be inspired by Al in every lesson.“

“My studies continued with Joe Morello. Joe was the top student of George Lawrence Stone, author of stick control. My first lesson was February 27, 1975. I remember that day vividly because he had influenced me greatly through his recordings. Joe taught me the fundamentals of technique and how it is used musically. Joe’s list of former students are a “who’s who” in drumming.“

“Next, on to Jim Chapin. Jim Chapin was born in 1920 and continued to actively perform and teach. Jim was truly one of a kind and was one of the percussion industry’s treasures. He provided my main guidance in learning the Moeller technique. Jim was a student of Sanford Moeller. It was because of this technique that doors were opened for my hands and feet to break barriers of speed, control, power and endurance.” (source: https://www.domfamularo.com/about-dom/)

In 1976, at the Dick Grove School of Music in Los Angeles, he came under the tutelage of such masters as Louis Bellson, Joe Porcaro, Shelly Manne, Johnny Guerin, Jim Keltner, Roy Burns, Colin Bailey, David Garibaldi and Ralph Humphrey. While in California, he also took lessons from Les DeMerle at his school “The Cellar.”

In the late 1970s, he returned to New York. Towards the end of the 70s and in the following decade, he performed with such artists and bands as the Buddy Rich Big Band, Louie Bellson Big Band, B.B. King, Lionel Hampton and Chuck Leavel (pianist for the Allman Brothers Band in the 70s, he also worked with The Rolling Stones, David Gilmour, Erik Clapton, George Harrison and John Mayer). At the same time, he was already a saught-after teacher, with 40-50 students a week. Then his potential as an educator was noticed by Tama and its creator Ken Hoshino personally, who took Dom on as the company’s Education Director. It was then that he began performing at drum clinics, sharing the stage with artists such as Simon Phillips, Billy Cobham, Lenny White, Denny Carmassi and Kenny Aronoff.

The next step was becoming Education Director also at Sabian in 1989. This opened the way for him to conducting drum clinics, as well as performing at drum shows and emceeing drum expo events around the world. Since then, he has appeared on the same stage with some of the greatest (including Dave Weckl, Steve Gadd, Vinnie Colaiuta, Bernard Purdie, Jeff Porcaro, Larrie Londin, Rod Morgenstein, Chester Thompson, Terry Bozzio, Will Calhoun, Deen Castronovo, Chad Smith, Mark Schulman, Liberty DeVitto and Jim Chapin), participating in events such as: LaRioja Drumming Festival (Spain), Koblenz International Drummer Meeting (Germany), Florida Drum Expo (USA), Paris Music Show (France), Ultimate Drummers Day (Australia), Heartbeat World Rhythm and Montreal Drumfest (both in Canada), in addition performing or teaching in the following countries: Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Colombia, Venezuela, Uruguay, Peru, England, Ireland, Scotland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Austria, Switzerland, Portugal, Norway, Sweden, Poland, Denmark, Russia, Israel, Serbia, Greece, Italy, Hungary, Costa Rica, Honduras, Puerto Rico, Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, New Zealand, Turkey, the Canary Islands and South Africa.

Dom has also appeared as an instructor at numerous educational events and schools, such as the Percussive Arts Society Convention (PASIC), Percussion Institute of Technology (PIT) in Hollywood (USA), Drummers Collective in New York, KOSA Camp in Vermont (USA), North Texas State University, the Graham Cole Percussion Camp (England), Drummers Camp in the Black Forest (Germany) and Open Minded Drum Camp (Poland).

Dom Famularo also made his way to China. It is believed that he was the first Western drummer to be invited to do drum clinics in the Middle Kingdom. Truly, it is no surprise that the name “Global Drum Ambassador” has stuck to him.

Despite maintaining such a busy schedule, Dom did not give up on seeing students at his own WizDom Drumshed School in Long Island. He also helped establish a chain of such facilities in other countries (each under the WizDom Drumshed name). Usually these are single rooms equipped with top-quality equipment, donated by the companies Dom was working with at the time as an education consultant, including as Sabian, Mapex, Remo, Vater, SE Microphones, Vic Firth. He was one of the first to recognize the potential of the Internet in the field of drum education. WizDom Drumsheds (including his own in Long Island) are equipped for online classes. This has allowed him to teach face-to-face, both in person (according to data posted on Dom’s official website, students from 20 countries around the world and 25 US states visited him) and online around the world. The WizDom Drumsheds curriculum was personally arranged and supervised by Dom, and educational materials were published by a specially established company called WizDom Media (see HERE).

Speaking of books, Dom Famularo had quite a few to his credit – both written independently and those created in collaboration with other authors:

• “It’s Your Move” (authors: Dom Famularo and Joe Bergamini)
• “The Cycle of Self-Empowerment“
• “Double Bass Drumming“
• “Jazz-Rock Fusion” (authors: Les DeMerle and Dom Famularo
• “The Code of Movement” (authors: Dom Famularo and Guy Gelso)
• “Groove Facility” (authors: Dom Famularo and Rob Hirons)
• “Drumset Duets” (authors: Dom Famularo and Stephane Chamberland)
• “Odd Feelings” (authors: Dom Famularo and Massimo Russo)
• “Open-Handed Playing” and “Open-Handed Playing Part 2” (authors: Claus Hessler and Dom Famularo)
• “Eighth Note Rock and Beyond” (authors: Glen Ceglia and Dom Famularo)
• “The Weaker Side” (authors: Dom Famularo and Stephane Chamberland)
• “Pedal Control” (authors: Dom Famularo and Joe Bergamini)

WizDom Media also has many publications by other authors in its catalog.

Dom also created a YT channel called The Sessions Panel (https://www.youtube.com/@TheSessionsPanel), where he posted interviews with the best of the best in the music business, including top drummers, of course.

In the final (as it turned out) months of its life, Dom was involved in the creation of the Sabian Educators Network (SEN). It is a forum that brings together drum educators and allows them to exchange ideas and help each other with educational as well as business issues.

Shortly before Dom’s death, Sabian established a scholarship named after him (the Dom Famularo Sabian Education Network Mentorship Award), which is an annual grant for a talented aspiring drummer (we wrote about it HERE). The first winner was announced this spring (see HERE).

Dom Famularo died of pancreatic cancer on September 27, 2023.

Our team is among those who had the honor and joy of experiencing Dom’s tuition. It was during the 2019 Open Minded Drum Camp in Żywiec, Poland. He beamed with passion for drums and conveying drumming knowledge practically every minute of the classes. Also during his free time, he was always available to the workshop attendees and always ready to answer their questions. Even at dinner, he would tell drum industry anecdotes, often making sure that they had an educational value. Educating and motivating people to self-improvement were Dom Famularo’s true calling. These words may seem somewhat bombastic, but they are 100 percent true. Here is what he said in an interview for our website on this topic:

“We have men and women, young and old, experienced and beginners. What bonds us together is drumming. I have performed and travelled to over 60 countries. I stopped counting at 60. It’s the same feeling worldwide. Drummers are a special fraternity – they get together, they have camps, they share information. I want everyone to understand that the first and most important of playing an instrument, specifically drums, is to have fun and really enjoy playing music. When you have fun and then learn a new idea and get better, it becomes more fun. Knowledge and the power of knowledge creates more fun because the enthusiasm of playing is important to maintain. Everybody is connected in that room – young, old, male, female, experienced or inexperienced. They’re all connected with their desire and their passion. Passion is the connection that brings us all together. If we speak of one idea of a stroke or a movement, or how to play a certain jazz feel or a funk feel, everyone relates to it in their own level. The beginner takes it in their way, so do the intermediate and the advanced students. The information is across the board and everyone takes out of it what they want and what speaks to their passion and adds to their level of fun. This is so fantastic!”

Since last September, all of us drum geeks can do is to move “onward and upward”.

Touching tributes, which were proof of the respect Dom enjoyed within the drumming community, started pouring in already on the day of his passing. Here are some of them:

“It’s with a heavy heart we learned of the passing of former TAMA artist and friend, Dom Famularo. Dom was an absolute force in the drumming world and tirelessly worked to share his knowledge and art form with aspiring players worldwide. He was also an incredible person who remained a good friend to many people associated with TAMA. On behalf of all of us at TAMA, I wish to express our sincerest condolences to all of his family, friends, and anyone who was close to him.
Dom, you will be greatly missed.
Ken Hoshino
President of Hoshino Gakki Co. Ltd.”

Mapex Drums: “Today we celebrate our hero. In our field of drums and drumming there are inspirational players, teachers, mentors, and friends. Dom was all of these to more people around the world than we will ever know. It’s impossible to measure the number of musician’s lives that he touched throughout his drumming journey, clinic after clinic, lesson after lesson, jam session after jam session, interview after interview. The only thing that can be said for certain is that anyone who saw, listened to, read about, or was lucky enough to meet him went home that night and wanted to practice… Inspiration is a powerful thing. Positive inspiration is more powerful still. Dom shared his passion and wisdom endlessly and tirelessly while he was here and his inspiration and positivity will live on through us. Rest in Peace “Drumming’s Global Ambassador” Dom Famularo, from all of us at Mapex Drums.”

“The Remo family mourns the passing of legendary drummer and educator Dom Famularo.
As “Drumming’s Global Ambassador,” Dom toured the world, giving thousands of drum clinics to countless young drummers spanning four decades. The number of well-known educators around the globe who studied under Dom is a veritable who’s who in the educational community. A friend to all, Dom’s legacy can be summed up in a single word: “Inspirational.” Having celebrated his 70th birthday just a month ago, Dom never stopped smiling, teaching, and giving despite the formidable health challenges of the past few years. A positive messenger, Dom’s indomitable spirit will forever be remembered with his signature phrase, “Onward and Upward!”
We offer our deepest condolences to Dom’s family, friends, colleagues, and students.”

Vater Drumsticks: “Everyone at Vater joins the music community in mourning the loss of our dear friend, Dom Famularo. Dom was a force like no other. His energy, positivity, motivation, advice, humor, optimism, and spirit left a mark on all who knew him. While he will be greatly missed, Dom’s influence will carry on through the lives of countless musicians around the globe. As Dom would always say, Onward and Upward…”

Alfred Music: “It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the passing of Dom Famularo, a true legend in the world of drumming and an integral part of the Alfred Music family. Dom’s departure leaves a void that is impossible to fill, and the world of music education has lost one of its brightest stars. In this time of grief, our condolences go out to Dom’s family, friends, and the entire drumming community. While his physical presence may be gone, his spirit will forever resonate in the beats of every drummer he inspired and in the hearts of those who loved him.”

Jonathan ‘Sugarfoot’ Moffet: “We lost a drum legend today, and more importantly our friend, our drum brother, Dom Famularo. I’m truly at a loss for words….Rest in Heavenly Peace….We love you and will miss you….”

Mike Portnoy: “Absolutely gutted to hear of the passing of such an amazing drummer, friend and human being: the great Dom Famularo. You often hear about “the good guys”, well, Dom certainly was one of them…a genuinely positive spirit and such a great soul. Nobody on earth was a better motivator and somebody who could lift anybody up. (I’m sure he’s screaming down at all of us mourning him right now!) AND beyond being such a great person, what an inspiring drummer!!! He always made me shake my head and smile watching him play! We’re all gonna miss ya my friend…thank you for decades of inspiration RIP Dom Famularo. ”

Drum Channel: “Today, the world of music has lost a true legend, and our hearts are heavy as we say goodbye to the incomparable Dom Famularo.”

Don Lombardi of Drum Channel: “This is a great loss of a legendary drummer and teacher whose lessons and stories will last forever.” Dom was more than just a drummer; he was a beacon of inspiration, a mentor, and a friend to countless musicians around the globe. His impact on the drumming community cannot be overstated. His dedication to teaching and spreading the joy of rhythm knew no bounds. As we mourn the loss of this drumming icon, let us also celebrate his enduring legacy. Dom Famularo’s spirit will continue to resonate in the hearts of drummers everywhere, inspiring generations to come. RIP Dom Famularo.”

Vinnie Colaiuta: “Today we lost the great global drumming ambassador Dom Famularo who was a storehouse of knowledge, a constant inspiration to us all, always positive, and encouraged everyone of us to be positive. He was a friend and colleague to me and countless others, and his presence will be sorely missed. But his message will always be with us. As you always said Dom, “onward and upward”!”

Todd Sucherman: “RIP to the one and only Dom Famularo. Such sad news. Drumming’s global ambassador, master of ceremonies at just about every drum festival around the globe, drummer, teacher, lecturer, husband and father. One of the most inspiring and positive humans I’ve ever met. He fought pancreatic cancer for a long time with strength, courage and positivity. Condolences to his family, loved ones and friends. A true American original. (I love the picture of Dom on my kit at the closing of the La Rioja drum festival in Spain. It was about 1am, much wine was had, and somehow I ended up on guitar behind him. What a time.)”

Glen Sobel: “RIP Dom Famularo. To say he was energetic and inspirational is underselling the man who I first saw play when I was 18. In a way, it changed how I saw the instrument. He broke barriers right in front of us, all while being engaging, funny, and even shocking and over the top. This moment is from the La Rioja Drum Festival in Spain in Sept 2017. I don’t think I’ve shared this prior. It was a full circle moment for me to present and play alongside Dom at the drum fest he hosted and played at for many years. I know I told him this during the festivities, probably on this night. He held drum events in more countries than most people could name. Spreading the gospel of drumming and a love for the camaraderie it brings. RIP Dom…we should all play some drums in his honor today.”

Peter Erskine: “The drumming world turned out in force in April to welcome Dom Famularo back to the scene and in promising health. The drumming world now mourns the loss of this incredible human being. Dom was the most positive person I’ve ever known. He inspired everyone to find the better part of themselves. Rest easy and in eternal peace, brother. My condolences to all who knew and loved him.”

Claus Hessler: “Yesterday marks a sad day for me and another blow that 2023 brought. The drumming community has lost one of the most influential drum educators of our time. I have lost one of my best friends. It is hard to imagine his voice will not be heard again – but I am sure his message and vision of drumming and education will continue to resonate all over planet drum. At least I will do my best to help with that. Inspiring people and changing their lives for the better was his mission ever since I met Dom first in 1990 – and it stayed like that till his last breath. But as sure as he will be missed by all of us; he would also want us to keep moving forward. Memories are coming back from countless stories, adventures on the road, projects, performances, and most of them are filled with humor, laughter, joy. Often times before we were to meet or travel together he would say: „I see some wine in our future“. I am now raising my glass on you Dom. I ask you all to help carry the torch he left to us. I almost hear him say: „Accept the challenge!“

Jared Falk of Drumeo: “It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Drumming Global Ambassador, Dom Famularo
My first time seeing Dom was watching a VHS tape where he was emceeing and performing at a Larry Londin benefit concert. It’s the first time I saw someone bash away on a vertically mounted china cymbal while his feet were doing blazing single strokes on a double pedal – all with the biggest “Dom” smile that we have all grown to love.
Years later, I was attending a Vancouver International Drum Festival and won a drum set in the raffle. I nervously (like an awkward 15-year-old teenager) walked on stage and shook Dom’s hand to accept the prize.
The next time we met was at a small group masterclass hosted by Tom Lee Music. I remember waiting in the lobby for Dom to arrive. As he entered the room, you could feel the energy lift. Dom bragged about how he “got a whole two hours of sleep last night” and was ready to teach.
Dom was always high-energy and incredibly positive. He famously said that “he gave up negativity twenty years ago.” Dom didn’t see obstacles as “problems” he only saw “challenges.”
His first Drumeo appearance was in 2018, and we filmed a bunch of courses and videos. The most popular is The World’s Happiest Drummer Plays “Eye Of The Tiger.” While filming this video, Dom was asking random strangers if they’d like to appear in the video. He had a special gift of always making anyone feel comfortable in his presence.
When we were organizing the inaugural Drumeo festival, Dom was my first call. I asked him to emcee, and he accepted without hesitation. He loved the drumming community with his whole heart.
Dom taught me so much about drums, but even more about how to live a good life. He taught me how we should collaborate with industry to create more drummers. It was important for Dom to teach drummers the historical drumming lineage that paved the way for what drumming is today.
Dom was an amazing drummer, musician, teacher, author, mentor, husband, and father. He will be greatly missed in all of our lives. I am so thankful to know him, and for the amazing body of work he has left for all of us to benefit from.
To close, I will quote Dom’s last text message to me, sent on August 30th, 2023.
“We are a family bonded by a passion for a united instrument. Everyone is an equal, and we are just messengers of enthusiasm to deliver ways to have more fun doing what we love. Keep going, as you are inspiring people to aspire.”
Condolences to the entire Famularo family as they go through this difficult time
– Jared Falk”