Dom Famularo… An Inspiration, Motivator, A Fighter

 

Dom Famularo is a well-known and respected figure in the world of drumming and music education. He was an American drummer, drum teacher, author, clinician, and motivational speaker who was born on June 25, 1953, in Long Island, New York. Dom Famularo has made significant contributions to the drumming community through his drumming skills, teaching, and advocacy for drum education.

 

Drumming Career

 

Dom Famularo is a skilled drummer and has performed with various artists and bands throughout his career. He has shared the stage with lots of well-known drummers/musicians including Dave Weckl, Thomas Lang, Terry Bozzio, Vinnie Colaiuta, Simon Phillips, Bernard Purdie, Billy Cobham, Deen Castronovo, Jim Chapin, Chad Smith, Todd Sucherman, and Steve Gadd in worldwide drumming events. He has also performed with the Buddy Rich Big Band, B.B. King, T Lavitz (The Dixie Dregs), Chuck Leavell (Rolling Stones), Lionel Hampton, and the Louie Bellson Big Band. He is known for his versatility, being able to play a wide range of musical styles, including rock, jazz, and fusion.

 

Drum Education

 

Famularo is perhaps best known for his work as a drum educator. He was called The Drumming’s Global Ambassador for he has conducted drum clinics, workshops, and masterclasses all over the world, sharing his knowledge and expertise with aspiring drummers. His teaching style emphasizes the importance of fundamentals, technique, and musicality. He is the first drum instructor in the world to give lessons via the internet.
He learned from the legendary greats Joe Morello, Papa Jo Jones, Jim Chapin, Ronnie Benedict, Charlie Perry, Al Miller, Shelly Manne, and Colin Bailey. He masterfully combined the techniques of the past, and the ever-changing, pushing through the limits of the music today to create a more highly and uniquely style of drumming.
Dom Famularo has been a strong advocate for music and drum education. He has worked to promote the importance of music education in schools and the benefits of learning to play a musical instrument.
In Dom’s own words, “I have studied with the Masters, and what they passed on to me was an enthusiasm for self-expression. The fun in my life has been in challenging myself to be the best I can be. But rather than limit myself to just playing in a band, I wanted to share my talent to pass on the musical and philosophical values I’ve developed, so others can find and enjoy themselves the way I have.”

 

The Author

 

He also authored several books and instructional materials on drumming, including “It’s Your Move” and “The Cycle of Self-Empowerment.” These books cover various aspects of drumming, motivation, and personal development.

 

 

 

 

The Inspiration, Motivator, A Fighter

 

It was May 2022 when the music community, students, fans, and followers were hit like a shockwave and felt devastated after Dom Famularo shared with the world that he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The revelation he made about his health struggles outpoured love and support from all the people who loved and admired him for his work, dedication, and being as himself.
Famularo fought the battle with the same vitality, and passion, that defined him as what he has become. He underwent surgery with his unwavering determination to overcome the battle he was facing. He continued to be an inspiration and motivation to the people who believed in him. He proved that with resilience and hope, the beat of life could still be played.

 

 

The End of the Battle

 

 

Famularo showed resiliency and strong determination during his battle with pancreatic cancer. And after he endured and survived six rounds of chemotherapy, a piece of astonishing news was delivered. CT scan showed no sign of cancer at all and was declared cancer-free! Tears of joy rolled down from the eyes of all his fans, followers, students, and fellow musicians after this triumphant moment. And this battle became an inspiration to many.
But cancer is a traitor. It ended the celebration of victory fast. On 27 September 2023, at the age of 70, Famularo lost the battle with stage 3 pancreatic cancer. Because of the unexpected turn, the music and drumming world mourns the loss of a simple yet true icon.

 

The Legacy Lives On

 

Famularo’s contributions to the drumming community have earned him numerous awards and accolades. He is often celebrated for his dedication to promoting drumming as an art form and his commitment to helping drummers of all levels improve their skills.

Dom Famularo’s passion for drumming and his tireless efforts to educate and inspire drummers have made him a respected figure in the world of percussion. His work continues to have a positive impact on the drumming community, and he remains an influential teacher and performer in the music industry.

 

 

 

Here’s the Eye of the Tiger drum cover played by The World’s Happiest Drummer, Dom Famularo

 

 

Here’s Dom Famularo demonstrating the Moeller Technique:

 

 

 

Thank you for spending your little time with me. Hope to see you in my next article. Stay safe! Stay healthy!