My first question is what kind of information are you wanting on the school if you've already decided to go there next year? I would suggest that you not seek more opinions on the school if you've made up your mind to go ... unless you are looking for reasons not to go, etc. Contact the school directly to get information about the practicalities of the school.

Pat Petrillo, an instructor at The Collective, is an active member of the Drummer Cafe. Perhaps I can get him to make a few comments.

Phil Maturano, another teacher from The Collective is also a member of the Drummer Cafe.

I've never attended, but I do know of many drummers who have gone through the school and have nothing but GREAT things to say about it. The Collective has a rich history with great instructors ... giving you the necessary ingredients to pursue music professionally if you wish.

Welcome to the Drummer Cafe!

thanks for the answers. it´s a pleasure to be a member of this community. my question is about, for example, how many days in the week the students go to class, if there any places for play, etc... the real thing is that i want to know people who is going now at the school. i am thankful to you for your words.

Hi, Diego

As a full time instructor at The Collective, I can answer some of your questions

Depending on which program you are in, you would come to school everyday for at least 5 hours.  You have different classes everyday, plus 2 lessons a week, and practice time.  The classes including Reading, Rudiment, Styles, Groove Mechanics, Rhythm Section, and Recording, as well as other master classes.  You also get daily practice time in your schedule.

Email the director, John Castellano , from the website, and he can answer more questions for you.

If there is anything else, let me know!

All the Best

Pat

Anyone know if the Drummer's Collective does any *camps*?

I'll never be there to study as a full time student, nor am I worthy, but
I sure would be interested in a week long *boot camp* to kick me in the
rear.    Practice/learn all day, catch music and beverages in NYC at night with the class, for a week - sounds like the makings of a dream week.

 

Hi Pat. It's been a minute since I've done any sessions or rehearsals at the Collective, but I remember space being at kind of a premium. How tight is scheduling a rehearsal or practice space? Do you have other resources for students who may not be able to schedule time in on site rooms? Or is that just not a problem?

it depends on what you're doing, but classes were 4 days out of the week, and ranged from 2 hr days to a 6 hr day.  very much like college.  i dont remember getting practice times assigned, and i think you had to do that for yourself.  i was a bass player, so that really didnt apply like the drum guys, but i remember i did hear ALOT of complaining when they couldnt get an alloted time slot.

gigging wise, that's purely up to you, and there are usually postings around the school bulletin boards for players.  but i found that your classmates with other instruments are your best bet.  heck, i hooked up with another drummer and another guitar player in their respective bands and still get calls from them for my bass work.

FYI, there are many hispanic and spanish speaking students at the collective, so i wouldnt worry too much about the language barrier.  but despite many of the students in my class who were from many parts of the globe with limited english, it was awesome to see everyone surprisingly helpful and generous with their time. 

also, i never got that overly competitive feeling from my classmates, rather, it felt like were all in it together.  i know that sounds unbelievably cheesy, but the ego level at the collective just doesnt feel nearly as bad as some other schools i've taken summer intensives.

and one of the best parts of the collective were the master classes!!!  being able to see guys like steve jordan, swizz beats, antonio sanchez perform literally 3 ft away from you is a learning experience like no other.  i NEVER got to take any private lessons due to the drummer vultures, but i can only imagine what it'd be like to sit down next to one of these modern giants.  FYI, you dont even have to a student to attend. just check their myspace page or website for schedules and even videos from past master classes.  heck, you might even see me in the background...

http://www.myspace.com/thecollectivenyc

as you can tell, I LOVE THE COLLECTIVE.  it really is one of the hidden jewels of NYC.