Sam Ruttenberg is a highly sought after drum teacher, clinician, author, and performer, and has taught some of the best talent on the music scene today, including Justin Faulkner (Branford Marsalis).

With a background in both drum set and percussion performance, Sam has performed with artists such as Dave Brubeck, Count Basie, Lionel Hampton, and Lena Horne. Sam teaches at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, the Settlement Music School, Rutgers University Camden, as well as his home studio.

Sam has performed with the Pennsylvania Bal­let, the Opera Company of Philadelphia, Philly Pops, and has toured and recorded with the Houston Symphony, Ballet, and Pops Orchestras. Sam has presented drum set clinics in Puerto Rico, South America, Europe, and the U.S. including Berklee College. 

Sam is the creator of the HingeStix® practice drumsticks, which are now part of the Vic Firth Company catalog, launched at NAMM 2013.  The HingeStix® is a learning tool designed for drummers to feel the rebound, develop finger technique, hold the stick properly, and feel the whipping motion of the Moeller technique.    

Sam received a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Miami and a Master’s Degree from the Juilliard School, and has endorsements with Vic Firth, Sabian, Remo, and Taye drums.  Sam was a long time student of Joe Morello (Dave Brubeck), and helped Joe write his last drumming technique book Master Studies II.

Drum Lessons in Philadelphia Area.

Vic Firth

Sabian

Remo

Taye Drums