Layton Weederman, Professional Musician
Thom Callan was my first drum teacher and now I am a Berklee College of Music Graduate and Professional Musician.
Thanks to him, I've acquired a vast array of skills and techniques to help me be one of the best working drummers in my field. You'll learn a lot from this talented musician!
Ralph Carthan, Professional Musician 
Thom Callan is a fantastic teacher, mentor and friend. He has enhanced my playing ability to a new level and has helped me prepare for shows with artists such as Howard Hewett (SHAMAR), Bunny Sigler (Philly International Recording Artist), Instant Funk (R&B Recording Artist) and Amazing Grace Little (Philly International Recording Artist) Check out Ralph's band Black Frost at www.blackfrostband.com
Dr. Robert Thompson, Professional Musician/Student
"Although I now work as a clinical and forensic psychologist, I previously had a career in professional music. At about age 20, I attended the Berklee College of Music, Boston, MA, and earned a 4-year professional diploma. I traveled playing music for about four years and played locally for a while after that. Only recently, not having played in 20 years, I decided to take up drumming again. I knew that I needed to find a teacher who could, in effect, help me “rehabilitate” my chops. I was delighted to find Thom and have been studying with him for several months...he is a wonderful, persistent, patient, and competent teacher. He is just the kind of teacher I wished I could have had (but didn’t have) in music school! I look forward to working with him well into the future.
He gets my hardiest endorsement as a teacher!"
Eric Smith, Performing as Ringo Starr in the international tour Beatlemania Now
Thom is a great teacher, very professional and very patient. His passion for drumming shines bright not only in his own performances but in his desire to help drummers of every skill level reach their full potential. Tom is consistently upgrading his own skills with new techniques demonstrating the fact that a great teacher never stops learning himself. I've seen him tutor many different age groups of students and I can honestly say he meets and works with the students on their level, never making them feel inadequate and ALWAYS demonstrates patience, which to me as a student myself is something you can't always find in an instructor. He's simply fantastic!
Jeremy Noel, Musician/Student
“I took lessons from Thom for 8 years, and not once was I ever let down. Thom teaches with an incredible passion that makes each lesson exciting and fun. The amount of effort he puts into each lesson allows him to get the most out of his students over and over again.
Not only is Thom an excellent instructor, he is also a great person and I’m glad that I’ve had the privilege to learn the world of drumming from him. I’ve recommended Thom to several musicians and everyone feels the same way about him as I do.”
Helina Hal, Parent of Student
Callan Music Studio provides a great and fun learning experience for the beinner and more seasoned drummer. The very first time I took my son, Dennis, to his studio, I knew right away this was the place for him. My son never took drum lessons before, but to listen to him play in less than a year, you would think differently. The creative teaching techniques and diversity in music makes Thom Callan one of a kind. Thom has encouraged my son to find his own creativity while playing which has helped my son academically. Instead of my son getting frustrated in subjects that are challenging, he utilizes the “you can do it” philosophy that Thom promotes.
What I love most about Thom’s Music Studio is that he teaches musicianship, which will enable the student to have more opportunities in the music industry.
I highly recommend Callan Music and Drum Studio to anyone thinking about taking drum lessons for themselves or their child.
John Knight Student/ Actor/ Model Thom is the ultimate professional. With a deep passion for his craft and patience for the student, each lesson is fun and worth every penny!!"
John Knight is a student as well as an actor/model whose credits include: (Movies) Invincible, The Lovely Bones, The Happening, American Gangster; (Television) As The World Turns, Without a Trace and Hack.
John has also appeared on numerous billboards, and in magazine and newspaper ads and offers acting classes in association with Jo Anderson Model and Talent Agency in Marlton. N.J.
Mark Kelleher, Musican/Student
Working with Thom has been such a great experience for me. He is a great teacher and is teaching me different styles of music.
He has taught me to be open with my playing and how to relax and enjoy playing. He knows what he is talking about and I am very confident every session I leave there and pretty much can’t wait to go rock again. I highly recommend him for anyone that wants to learn how to play the drums and have a lot of fun while doing it. Like Thom has told me before, he doesn’t do it for the work; he does it because he enjoys it. He does a darn good job of it..." Check out Mark's band Volume Runner here.
Frank Collinsgrove, Musician /Student
"I play bass guitar but always wanted to play the drums. I witnessed Thom Callan sit in on drums at an open mike night and I was blown away!!! I started taking lessons right away. I did not own a drum set for the first six months of lessons but I was learning so much I kept up on lessons. His drum lessons had also improved my bass playing tremendously! I have had a lot of instructors on various instruments but Thom has been the most educated, inspiring, patient and influential teacher yet. He is definitely a master of the drum set. I would not be having the success of my band The Rooftops without Thom’s instruction. He has been an instructor for three of my friends and also my fiancé/band member Patty. We would travel over two hours to our lessons!
It was totally worth the drive. 5 out of 5 stars! "
Patty Kauka , Musician/Student"I have been playing the drums for 7 years and I am currently in a rock band called The Rooftops. I was very grateful to be introduced to Thom through my now fiancé and band mate, Frank. Frank told me how amazing Thom was and that I had to take a lesson. He was right! Thom knows so much about drums and music altogether. Many lessons later, not only have I learned an abundance of great information that I continue to apply to my drumming, I have a confidence in my abilities like never before. It feels great! Thom has helped me improve my drumming immensely, and I know I will continue to learn for the rest of my life thanks to all the tools Thom has given me. I only wish I met him sooner! "
Jeff & Callista Bowie, Students
"My daughter and I both have been taking lessons with Thom for a few years now...he relates to both my daughter and I on different levels.
We recently moved over an hour away from him, but we still spend the 2 hours on the road there and back to continue lessons with him.
"Thom is a awesome teacher and an inspiration to me and my daughter"
Mat McCormick, Musican/Student"Thom Callan has not only made me a drummer, he made me a percussionist. Through his guidance I learned how to play many different styles of music on many different percussion instruments. Thom’s musical knowledge strengthened my musical background and my love for music. Without Thom’s dedication and expertise I would not have been able to become a member of the Tri-M Music Honor Society while in high school. I thank Thom for helping me to become the musician I am today, adept in the field of percussion and in music as a whole."
Joe Lynch, Student" I never thought I would be able to play the drums at the level I am at but with Thom’s patience and diverse teaching methods I am confident in saying any inspiring drummer would also be able to. The methods and styles that I have practiced and learned not only apply to music and drumming but have broaden my horizon and taught me alot about myself.
I am very appreciative and thankful for having the opportunity to work with a teacher of Thom’s caliber and would highly recommend to any new student."
Jordan Levy, Student"Thom has been my teacher for about 6 years now and he has helped me grow in so many ways. I have now become an experienced drummer in all styles of drumming.
Thom has introduced me to so many styles and exhibits his mastery in every new thing he teaches.
He has showed me discipline and perseverance through the drums and I've taken that through into my life in school and everyday activities. He is a great teacher and a wonderful mentor."
Jaasiel Santiago, Student
"As a young boy, I was always fascinated with music and was eager to learn my favorite instrument, the drums. Though I was ignorant to every aspect of music, I decided to start taking classes with Tom. Through many years of lessons, he made me into the musician that I am today. I have played the drums in my local church for many years and am currently playing in a band that is producing their second cd. Tom has not only made me a better drummer but a better musician and band member. His lessons help me better express myself and inspire me to be a better overall drummer.
I would recommend him to any serious drummer desiring to take their drumming to the next level."
Eileen Wiley, Professional Musician/ Student
Thom's passion for all things drum and his unique approach to teaching his craft really helped me develop my conga playing to a professional level. He's the best!
Jack Beir, Student
"Thom is always pushing himself to learn new things, he has to be his own teacher, and his own student. I appreciate his ability to break down everything he does to the most basic elements of form and function. He can always explain what he's doing. You really couldn't ask for a better instructor, and more than that, Thom is a quality individual."
Tiziana Alberico-Hill, Parent of Student
“It is because of Thom’s ability to reach and empower the individual that my son has renewed his interest in playing drums. I am extremely grateful to Thom...he gave new life and energy to my son’s wish.”
Mat Robinson, Student
"...he opens doors to many rhythmic styles from around the globe. This allows us to understand how the drum influences various cultures as well as our own. Thom teaches that the drum is not just a wooden drum but rather a reflection of our own personality and individual self.”
Dr. Rasheed Khan & Mrs.. Michel Kan, Parents of a Student
"We are extremely pleased with the way our son has grown musically, in both drum playing and musical appreciation."
Jay Bruno, Arch Diocese School of Music Systems and
Instrumental Specialist/Author of Drum & Percussion Books
"Thom is an excellent musician and conscientious teacher."
John Crandel (Age 18), Musician/Student
"Playing drums has changed my life…Not only have I discovered my escape in drums, but I have also made a new friend, Thom Callan. Tommy is what I consider a great teacher. He helps students with all the skills at the perfect pace, there is no pressure to get ‘better by the next lesson…or else!’ He has a huge level of commitment, and most of all he has fun with it. I have never had a lesson where we didn’t laugh! Every lesson I learn something new and, more importantly, I have fun. I listen to music and I feel like a part of it, I know what’s going on, I know how to do that. Drums give me a release from the college world; it allows me to express myself. Thom is making a living at what he does best, not only drumming, but teaching.”
