I had the chance to study with the great Jim Chapin during the last four years of his life. Jim passed away at 90 years of age on Independence Day (July 4, 2009). Ironically, he has been referred to as the ‘Father of Independence’ in the drumming world. After my four years of intense study with Dom Famularo, during a lesson he suddenly said, “Steph, you are now ready for Jim Chapin!” He picked up the phone and called Jim. Jim came and we started our first lesson. It was moving to watch him having a hard time getting out of his car, yet impressive to see him sit at the practice pad and play like he was still 20 years old. From that day, almost every month I was in Long Island taking lessons with Jim. We did technique on the pad for a long time, and ended up […]

September 2023 Issue