To The Ted Herbert Community, 

I’m writing you all to let you know that my wife Kayla and I have decided to move to Los Angeles over the summer. I have the opportunity to study and be mentored by whom I believe is the most progressive and innovative drum teacher in the world right now, Dave Elitch. I'll be opening up my own drum studio in North Hollywood and will continue to teach aspiring drummers. I'll be looking for auditions and start subbing for a band that plays corporate events in LA and Las Vegas.

Unfortunately, this means that my time as Director of Music Engagement/Drum Instructor at Ted Herbert Music School will be coming to an end.

I first started out as a student at Ted Herbert Music School back in 2001. The lessons I took prepared me for my college auditions and I was accepted to Berklee College of Music in 2007. After graduating, Ted Herbert Music School gave me my first teaching opportunity back in 2011. I have been teaching over 40 students a week now at the school for over 13 years.  

Studying and teaching at Teds has been an incredible journey and I have met so many wonderful people. I have so many memories and have built life long relationships. It’s impossible to put into words how much being a part of the Ted Herbert Community has meant to me and my career. I’m forever grateful. I hold all of my students and everyone I have ever worked with so much endearment. The hardest part of this change will be saying goodbye to all the people who have meant so much to me.

It is now my responsibility to find the next drum instructor to take over my position at Teds. I’m doing my due diligence to make sure that the teacher is great with kids and passionate about music education. It is of the utmost importance to me to pass the position on to someone who I know is going to do a great job. We have a number of candidates who I will be personally meeting with and interviewing. In the meantime, I’ll be teaching at Teds until mid June/early July.

We’re going to be hosting a workshop where the students will have a chance to meet their new instructor. I’ll be there to moderate and help everyone get acquainted. The date for this workshop will be announced after we’ve found the right replacement.

The memories that I have at Teds will be with me for the rest of my life. It has been an absolute pleasure working here. I thank all of you for letting me be a part of your lives. I have always viewed being a music educator as a privilege. It’s the greatest job on planet earth, and I wouldn’t change a thing.

Jeff Samataro

Director of Music Engagement, Ted Herbert Music School