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Tad McCully
About Tad McCully
Tad McCully was six years old when he discovered he had a natural talent for drumming. When he was eight, he began studying with a local Brooklyn teacher who played in the U.S. Navy band. At age 10, Tad received his first drumset, and during the summer, at age 12, attended the French Woods Arts and Music Camp, where he was chosen to play with the faculty band in an end-of-the-summer performance of The Who's 'Tommy'.
At age 14, Tad began studying with Ricky Sebastian at Drummer's Collective, and by age sixteen, he began playing professionally, sometimes subbing for Ricky. Mr. McCully attended Elisabeth Irwin High School (the continuing school of Little Red School House) which included well-funded music and theatre departments, and featured very talented budding actors/performers. Tad was selected as pit drummer for all school productions, which included "West Side Story," "Godspell" and "Little Shop of Horrors." The other members of the pit orchestra were professionally-hired musicians outside of the high school. Other high school playing experiences included big band performances, small group jazz and rock combos and demo recordings. During the summer of his junior year Tad also attended the Berklee College of Music Summer Session.
After high-school, Mr. McCully attended Philadelphia's University of The Arts, where he landed the drum chair in the University of The Arts Big Band as a freshman. Here he also discovered his knack for teaching, after being sought out by fellow students, who wanted to learn his interesting grooves and fills. Realizing he was missing New York, Tad transferred to the Manhattan School of Music after his sophomore year. Tad left after a year to pursue his playing career, and to study with drummer Zach Danziger, who introduced him to guitarist Wayne Krantz and bass player Tim LeFebvre. Since then, Tad has been building an impressive performance resume, that includes gigs/performances with Randy Brecker, Wayne Krantz, Charles Blenzig, Tim LeFebvre, Sergio Brandao, Pete McCann, Rufus Philpot, Leni Stern, Rich Rowlinson Trio, Osmoses (with whom Tad toured Martinique, including a televised concert at L'Atrium), Eric Wollman Trio, Burr Johnson Band, Paul Socolow, Hector Martignon, Lincoln Goines, Gary Fritz, Ted Cruz, Danny Draher, Jim Pugh and many others.
Tad McCully records, performs and teaches frequently in New York City and throughout the tri-state area, and performs nationally and internationally. Most recently, Mr. McCully has been doing recordings for Norm Zamcheck ('Matchbox Universe' & Nick Ray Documentary soundtrack), music from which will be featured in the film "Don't Expect Too Much," premiering at the Venice Film Festival in September, then international screenings, including the Film Forum in NYC in October. Tad has also been keeping busy doing live dates with Zamcheck, JUKE, Rabbits Against Magic, Joe Taylor and John Littig's Audio Graffiti (featuring Onaje Allen Gumbs). Tad has also been doing some guest appearances backing up the celebrated Taiwanese singer-songwriter Phil Chang. In late 2009, Tad was chosen to do a tour with Kasim Sulton's (Todd Rundgren, Meatloaf) newly formed (now defunct) solo act. Tad is a long time member of both the Stormin' Norman & Suzy Band, and The Burr Johnson Band led by monster fusion guitarist Burr Johnson. Some of Burr's other drummers have been/are: Thierry Arpino (Jean-Luc Ponty), Joel Rosenblatt (Michel Camilo, Spyro Gyra), Kim Plainfield (Bill Connors, Tania Maria) and Richie Morales (Spyro Gyra, Brecker Brothers). Tad is also the drummer for the funk/pop powerhouse "Rabbits Against Magic" led by singer/songwriter Michelangelo (arranger/HBO composer). Other 'Rabbits' members are Sebastian Noelle (K.O.A.N., Secret Society Big Band) and Trifon Dimitrov (JUKE, Marsha Heydt Group). Tad is also dedicated to launching the current lineup of his own fusion band JUKE, including Ari Ambrose (Steely Dan, Jane Monheit) on sax, Aurelien Budynek (Cindy Blackman Band) on guitar, Trifon Dimitrov (The Prodigals, Marsha Heydt) on bass, Ted Cruz (Alex Blake, HBO) on keyboards and Gary Fritz (Roberta Flack, Dave Valentine, Onaje Allen Gumbs) on percussion.
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"These guys are playing their butts off!" --Tim
LeFebvre
"The four musicians in Juke are each outstanding
instrumentalists and
composers in their own right. Collectively, they bring an
intriguing array of
influences and a formidable wealth of chops to the table and
put a fresh spin
on the contemporary electric jazz ensemble. While their
individual bodies of
work span every conceivable genre and milieu (club gigs,
tours, studio work,
film scoring, etc.), there can be no arguing that at heart, these
are jazz men,
players who improvise with personal voices, stretching and
pushing
boundaries, be they rhythmic, harmonic, textural, or what-
have-you.
Primary Instrument
Drums
Willing to teach
Beginner to advanced
Credentials/Background
18 years private teaching experience, faculty ensemble teacher at American Institute of Guitar (NYC), currently substitute teacher at Drummer's Collective and Paul Greene's School of Rock (for younger students).
Availability: 4 days: (contact for hours), 584 8th ave. suite #404, NY, NY 10032
Level: Beginner-Advanced (pro)
Clinic/Workshop Information
My Clinic is available to high-schools and colleges/universities as well as music stores around the country
Photos
Music
Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson
