Teaching Artist Statement
Great teachers can inspire great musicians, but more importantly they can frame the ‘work’ of learning as a joyful and fulfilling experience. I began teaching to empower the next generation through music, like my mentors did for me, and it’s a wonderful pursuit with each new student. Goals and expectations are a vital part of learning to play music but learning how we individually monitor and modify approaches to find our personal path is my favorite piece of the puzzle. I strive to meet students where they are and implement an approach that is tailored to each one.
Teaching Bio
Percussionist Andrew Ricketts has been teaching music for over a decade. From private to group and large ensemble formats he has worked with ages five through adult, although he particularly enjoys middle school through college-age students. He holds a Bachelor’s in psychology and a masters in drum set performance from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
Andrew spent his early years deeply immersed in the world of marching band and drum corps, and was fortunate to study with Thom Hannum, Colin McNutt, and Scott Strunk. His teaching credits include Boston Crusaders, The Cadets Drum & Bugle Corps, Leander High School of Austin TX, and UMass Amherst. He appeared at PASIC as a performer in 2011 and an educator in 2018 and 2022. At UMass, he was fortunate to study drum set with Tom Giampietro and Bob Gullotti. Andrew joined the faculty at South Shore Conservatory in 2026.
Performance Bio
Andrew Ricketts has been playing drums and percussion for over 20 years. From jazz, funk, rock, and everything in between, he has enjoyed an eclectic career as a drum set performer including appearances with Randy Brecker, Ernie Watts, The A-Beez, Johnny Trama & The B3 Kings, and many more. He’s currently the drummer for Eavesdrop and recorded drums on their latest EP ‘Evergreen’. He was a member of the 2011 DCI World Champion Cadets Drum & Bugle corps and has performed at venues including Gillette Stadium, The Sinclair, Wally’s Jazz Cafe Jazz Club, and many more. At UMass, he was awarded the Avedis Zildjian Percussion Scholarship and two Downbeat Magazine Student Awards.