Nick Costa
University of the Arts, School District of Philadelphia
Nick Costa is a Music Educator for the School District of Philadelphia, a Master Lecturer at the University of the Arts, a percussion consultant for Villanova University, and a National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) candidate. He is also an independent drummer, clinician, and drum technician with both national and international touring experience. As an educator, Nick has focused on providing ways to integrate drum set studies into K-12 music curriculum to bridge the gap between general and instrumental music studies. He has also played a pivotal role in integrating “Modern Band” curriculum for the School District of Philadelphia by creating relationships with Conn-Selmer, Zildjian Cymbals, Vic Firth Sticks, Remo Heads, The Recording Academy (Grammy’s), and Little Kids Rock to outsource all 220 schools with drum sets. Nick has also written and recorded lessons for Modern Drummer Magazine.
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My students - They're my #1. They're the reason I'm in the classroom, and the reason why I push myself to continue to get better. I enjoy learning from them as much as I do teaching them, which helps me keep an open mind.
PLAY. FOR. YOURSELF. Not the trends, and not for social media fame. Create your own voice and always, ALWAYS play for the song.
It varies on the gig, but I tend to lean towards A Customs when I need cymbals that cut, otherwise I'm using various K series cymbals. Every gig is different and I need to make sure I use the right tools for the song. A customs have that signature bright tone, while the K series provide darker tones. Either way, Zildjian has it all covered!