Sam Ulano began playing drums at age thirteen. Sam started teaching others right from the beginning - while he was still a teenager. He opened his first drum studio four years later.

Over the course of 76 years, Sam wrote over 4000 drum instruction books, and taught nearly 10,000 students.

He spent four years playing in an Army band and then attended the Manhattan School of Music. He began working clubs in New York City and the Catskills, and played in jazz, swing, Dixieland and show bands throughout his career, including 15 years at the Gaslight Club.

He appeared on several television programs and studio records, working with diverse artists ranging from Moondog to Johnny Lydon's PIL.

But it was as an educator that Sam made his mark on the national drum scene.

In what is perhaps his most controversial teaching philosophy, Sam denounced rudiments as having nothing to do with playing a drumset. Instead, Sam always focused on reading, timekeeping, and providing the foundation for a band in a musical situation.

Another controversial recommendation from Sam was regular practicing with metal sticks to strengthen your hands, wrists and arms.

Sam's approach was mostly a practical one, based on years of experience within the music business and a desire to prepare drummers for that kind of work.

But no matter your opinions on Sam's visions, you should absorb Sam’s fundamental, overriding message: you need to learn to play the drums.