Andrea Zamengo

Which musician has influenced you the most? 
I have several artists and bands that have influenced me in different ways... 

Definitely bands like Metallica, Iron Maiden and System of a Down played a major role a decade ago in my early days as a musician by playing over their songs and growing a passion for drums.
At the moment the artists that are influencing me the most are probably Tool in terms of songwriting and sounds, Animals as Leaders for their extreme difficulty, heavy sounds and Matt Garstka's intricate patterns pushing the level of drumming higher and higher, but also Tigran Hamasyan, J Dilla, Nate Smith, SOPHIE and Justice.

What can you teach me about your instruments different than any other teacher?
I think my background as an orchestral percussionist is reflected in the way I play and perceive music.

When playing in an orchestra, it is essential to develop attentive listening to dynamics, to attacks of other instruments, to sound balance, to interpretation of the music, aiming to merge with the other musicians creating a cohesive and harmonious sound.
Being aware not only of what you are playing but also of what is happening around you is a key element for quality music and can obviously be transferred to a less classical and more rock context. Being able to analyse and pay attention to what is happening around you while you play drums will definitely enhance your playing!

How did you learn to play your instrument?
When I was 13/14 years old, my parents bought me the Wii Console with the music video game Band Hero. In addition to the CD, Band Hero provides “toy" instruments such as a guitar and drums and through a score follower that indicates when to play at the right time simulates the experience of being part of a “virtual band” and performing popular songs by famous artists.

Basically, I was introduced to my instrument while having fun and playing, but still developing coordination, a sense of rhythm and an understanding of basic musical notes. 

As far as I am concerned, it was one of the most effective learning experiences. It all started from there!

How do you go about writing a song or composing a piece yourself?
I'm probably not the best person for this as I've definitely played more existing music than original music... In my small way I've been part of some collaborations for original music creating drum parts and the method I use is basically looping some guitar or bass parts and playing over them as much as I can while improvising and recording. Then I listen back and decide what might work and what might not and then eventually create the final part.

On what equipment do you play today?
I still own my first drum kit, a Mapex Meridian Maple. I prefer to invest mainly in cymbals, my favourite brands are Sabian and Meinl.
The quality of the instrument definitely helps, but as I was taught: “a good musician knows how to adapt to any situation, achieving the best possible results”.

What personal trait has helped you the most when it comes to practicing?
In general I consider myself a pretty precise, organised and meticulous person in most of the things I do. With the instrument it's the same thing, I always try to aim for precision in my strokes, cleanliness of sound, tempo, correct posture, etc... investing time in self-analysis and trying to figure out if everything is working as I would like or, eventually, identifying problems and creating exercises in order to fix them.

What does your instrument have that others don't?
Drums is the rhythmic pillar of a band, it is groove, it makes you move, it gives you the possibility to make the music feel in different ways by changing rhythms and tempos, it helps the flow of a song by contributing to powerful build-up moments, it is physical activity, stress relief, it is fun and many other qualities that help body and mind!

What do you pay special attention to when you teach?
Technique is fundamental, it is the means that allows you to advance on the instrument and I therefore think it is of utmost importance. I understand that sometimes it can be boring to beat a practice pad by repeating the same exercise over and over again, especially to someone who is perhaps just starting to play. However, for me it's important to make people understand that playing drums, or any other instrument, is not just about having fun and playing over records or in concerts, it's also about hard work, hours spent repeating patterns and exercises to get a precise goal.

How do you build up your music lessons?
Not always in the same way, depends on the student. At the beginning it is important to get to know each other, to understand what goals one wants to achieve and from there to build together a path towards achieving them. If a person wants to play the pieces of their favourite artist, we will do so, trying however to pay attention to the more technical part and working on any critical points and difficulties.
Basically we may have a sort of guideline to follow but there will still be the possibility to improvise during the lesson by changing topics and seeing different things.

If the student wishes, it will of course also be possible to play more classical percussion instruments. 

How does your approach differ when teaching children? 
The points I focus on are fun, keeping them interested and variety.
I myself have been introduced to the drums in a fun and playful way and I must admit that it works! Through some rhythmic and coordination games the basis for an awareness of pulsation and rhythmic stability will be established, perhaps even unconsciously. We will try not to spend too much time on one single subject and they will be able to play, in addition to the drums, other kinds of percussion instruments such as cajons, maracas, triangles, tambourines, glasses, balloons and other objects. With percussion there is no limit as far as instrumentation is concerned, everything can be beaten!

What was your greatest experience as a musician so far?
I have many beautiful memories, but probably one of the most unique ones was playing outdoors in a mountain hut at 2500 meters.

What was the largest stage that you've performed on?
Unfortunately, with the drums I never had the chance to play on big stages... always in clubs or bars.

With the orchestra on the other hand I had the honour of playing at the Teatro La Fenice in Venice, an incredible experience!

Which musician would you like to play with?
Ever since I started I've always imagined how cool it would be to play with System of a Down. I love their songs and the energy they had on stage. Top band!!!

Which record would you bring to a desert island?
Fear Inoculum by TOOL! Although fairly recent it is probably the album I have listened to the most, I can't get enough of it!

On which stage do you prefer to perform?
I have never played at an Openair Festival, so probably I would love to do that!

Besides music, what else is important in your life?
I really like plants, I have a lot and I am very dedicated to them. I also like to cook some very good Italian specialties for my friends!