Today we’d like to introduce you to John Grillo.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I grew up in Brooklyn, New York. Two doors down from me were two famous drummers., Carmine and Vinny Appice.
This is what got me interested in learning how to play the drums. I moved to Florida in 94.. where I started playing with many different bands, different styles. In Brooklyn I kind of stuck with one band at a time. Not really getting too far. Also my confidence level., the way I approach Music and teaching Drums, has changed greatly over the years.
I have developed good method for teaching all ages to play the drug set. Treating each one individually. No lesson is the same one student to the next. As I started to do different styles and play different shows from oldies, like the Coasters, J Black and the Americans, do Mistics., local blues, jazz, rock, and country bands .
I am the drummer at Joan Of Arc Church for over 10 years as well as working in synagogue and temples playing percussion .
I have a reputation for doing a good job, which should be common sense but it’s not always. I never call anyone they call me.
My main show is Chris Mcdonald memories of Elvis. And Jamie King Colton and the blue skulls .
I love what I do. And I’m always learning while improving my skills on the drum set.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
As far as people I work with not sure if it helps to put a link to their page. As far as overcoming obstacles, my success? Not sure I would call it that, since part of the reason people call me is possibly my obsessive compulsiveness to practice and usually do a better job than their regular guy or girl. My parents supported me as best they could but did not earn a lot of money.
I bought my first professional drum set with a settlement I got from a car hitting me while bike riding. About $650 around 1970. I wasn’t 18 yet so I had to get a note from my teacher. The lawyer said I should cut my hair so the judge would give me the settlement I said no. Haircut I got the money, and purchased the set. I was a very shy person and pretty much got my confidence from playing music. I suffer from migraines, they are much less now at my age.
While it’s distracting to play if I get a headache , I can still be ok. What sets me apart from most people doing what I do is I am too generous with my time and forget to think of myself. Not a good business person.
Not sure if anything I mentioned is useful to add as far as obstacles or achievements, or if my story is something that qualifies for an article. I know Jamie Colton thinks highly of my drumming skills. Probably why he suggested me. There are many things I’ve done such as letting kids play with a band I happen to be with at the time to give them a chance to be on stage. Their parents were very happy and impressed with me for doing that. It was natural for me , but they felt it was way over and above. Especially as I didn’t do it to get more students
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a drummer for hire, I work for several companies doing drum lessons, and play as a regular job Joan Of Arc church in Boca Raton, Florida
Chris Mcdonald memories of Elvis.
Jamie King cold and the blue skulls.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
as I mentioned I don’t really advertise contact people. Usually people see me on Facebook, or just word-of-mouth.
Contact Info:
