Sam Ruttenberg is a highly sought after drum teacher and performer, and has taught professionals as well as some of the most promising talent in the Philadelphia and New York area, including Justin Faulkner (Branford Marsalis Quartet), Shakoor Sanders (Tim Warfield), Shirazette Tinnin (Tia Fuller), and Zach MaMa, who made the move from Paris to study with Sam after seeing Justin Faulkner play. Sam helped Zach make the move from Paris, and taught him at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia.

With a background in both drum set and percussion performance, Sam has performed with artists such as Dave Brubeck, Count Basie, Lionel Hampton, Lena Horne, and Al Martino.

He has performed with the Pennsylvania Ballet, the Opera Company of Philadelphia, Orchestra 2001, Salute to Vienna Orchestra, and the Philly Pops. He also performs with his own jazz trio and is an active drum set clinician, presenting clinics in the U.S. and abroad.

Sam has also toured and recorded with the Houston Symphony, Ballet, and Pops Orchestras, and has performed at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Radio City Music Hall, and the Kennedy Center. He also teaches at the Settlement Music School in Philadelphia, and has taught at Camden County College and Rutgers University Camden. Sam is also on the board of the Professional Drum Teachers Guild.

Sam has written articles for PAS Percussive Notes and Modern Drummer Magazine. He also transcribed and worked closely on the creative aspect with Joe Morello on his Master Studies II book.

Sam wrote his own book entitled “Drum Tips” (HoneyRock 2009), which is designed to help drummers develop better technique and coordination through increased musicianship.

Sam also created the Vic Firth HingeStix® practice drumsticks, which help 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 Sabian Cymbals, Vic Firth, Taye Drums and Remo drumheads. Named as one of Dom Famularo‘s Best Drum Teachers from Modern Drummer Magazine.