"Nando Pettinato studied with me while I was living in Sydney. He was a serious, organised student who improved very rapidly and took to heart everything that I showed him. I'm very proud that he's now passing on the system to his students. I highly recommend Nando as a teacher and drummer"
Chad Wackerman - Former Teacher
Drummer (James Taylor, Barbra Streisand, Frank Zappa)
"Nando has impeccable timing"
Doug Parkinson - Australian Music Legend
"Who's the drummer??..........he's on the money"
Glenn Shorrock - legendary singer of Little River Band after hearing a live recording of Nando.
"When the Robertson Bros are asked if they can recommend any professional drummers a name that is always up the top of our list is Nando"
The Robertson Bros (Sony Recording Artists, Home & Away Theme 2000-2006)
"Nando is a beautiful drummer "
Jim Gannon-Guitarist (Jon English, Renee Geyer, Sherbet, Marcia Hines, FOX (UK)
"No one drums more powerfully in a big arena and more tenderly in a tv studio than the master Pettinato"
George Ellis - Conductor - The Beatles Orchestrated National Tours 2016, 2017, 2018
"I thought you were playing along to a click tonight. I knew you were good....but not that good ! Amazing timing Nando". - Evelyn Duprai
leading Sydney session singer (James Morrison and others)
"After working with hundreds of drummers Wavefile recently had the fantastic opportunity to start working with Nando Pettinato (the human musical metronome)!!"
As an engineer it's a real joy and privilege to know that the drums will be musically perfect for the style of music for each song.. I wish all drummers were as dedicated as Nando. The drums are the most important instrument in the band as everyone else follows the drummer and when it's Nando the entire band will be solid. Highly recommended if you get the opportunity to work with Nando sit back and enjoy'
Dean Lovell - Owner Wavefile Productions
'Nando Pettinato on drums is simply the best of the best'
Ben Maiorana, Owner Ben Maiorana Entertainment
"Sharing the stage tonight again with the drumming legend that is Nando Pettinato. I look over at him a lot, to be together musically, but mainly in admiration of his superb talent"
George Ellis - Conductor Australian Symphony Orchestra, Conductor Sydney Olympics Opening Ceremony (2000)
"Hi Nando, I just wanted to thank you for your time backstage in Brisbane last Saturday, and for giving my son Darcy the set list. In his words he had "the most amazing night - EVER". Darcy has been obsessed by drums, and the Beatles, for a number of years now. I think he got drumming from me as I re-newed my love of playing when I took it up again a few years ago with the Weekend Warrior program through a local music store. This led to playing at pubs, parties and weddings for a couple of years, and Darcy always wanted to come along. Sadly that has come to an end as I couldn't dedicate the time. Darcy has been taking lessons since he was about 5 years old, and the passion hasn't faded a bit. He is doing very well, and it was great for him to see where his passion could lead when he met you all last Saturday. Thanks very much for the experience, and we both look forward to catching up again for The Beatles Orchestrated III.
Simon R - Beatles Orchestrated audience member
A good compliment from last Saturday night (18/3/16) at State Theatre. The keyboard player who is the Head of Music at Ravenswood said this after the show:
"Playing alongside Nando made me realise what level I need to be performing at"
M.V Head Of Music Ravenswood School For Girls.
"I started lessons with Nando at age 57 never having played a musical instrument in my life! I was always interested in drums and was also interested in improving my co-ordination and challenging independence exercises at this stage of my life. I found Nando to be a patient and easygoing teacher but above all an expert in what he does. His knowledge of music from the 50's,60's and 70's (my era) is mindblowing.
I now play drums in my community jazz band and it is only with the help and guidance of Nando that I now have the confidence to do this (and having a ball!) My co-ordination and independence has really improved and I can't recommend Nando highly enough".
A.C Haberfield
Thanks for your amazing teaching ability. Archie wouldn't be where he is today without you. You are phenomenal in teaching drums.
S.T - St Ives
"Nando is a well organised professional. He possesses great timing and sensibility. He applies his craft tastefully, with enthusiasm and a positive attitude. Nando is punctual and reliable with a great work ethic".
M.T Greystanes
'I have been having weekly lessons with Nando since 2009. There is a reason why he has been my teacher for nearly a decade. He is incredibly knowledgeable in terms of drumming technique and practicing skills. His musical tastes are more broad than anyone I have ever met and he is always patient and kind, willing to help improve your skills, no matter what level of expertise you have with the drums. Whether you want to learn to play or have been playing for 20 years, Nando is the ideal teacher for anyone within the Sydney district to help improve their drumming skills and have fun along the way'.
W.B Lane Cove
"I'm a mature age student and I am the drummer for a community concertband. I had never played the drums before learning from Nando.
Nando has a good teaching method that gradually builds up the skills so that each step feels achievable. He believes in the importance of reading music which is very important for concert band playing. He has an amazing ability to select a CD track to illustrate a rhythm and draws from his professional experience to help explain and break down the rhythms. Nando has a friendly but professional manner who I think can relate well to all ages.
I continue to have lessons with Nando because he provides me with exercises to stretch my abilities in different ways from the music I play in the band, but all of the exercises help me to be a better player for the band".
P.M Lane Cove
"Simply a professional".
R.F Lane Cove
"Nando has helped my son with his drumming and the improvement has been outstanding. My son, Calum looks foward to every lesson".
J.T Northbridge
"The guy learnt from Chad Wackerman. Enough said".
M.R Baulkham Hills
"25,000 lessons and still going strong!! Nando is the "go to" man for lessons".
S.C Chatswood
"I have had lessons with Nando for close to 5 years. He is enthusiastic, knowlegeable and very skilful. Thanks Nando for being a great teacher".
L.J Hunters Hill
"In a world where guys that can really play have an arrogance to match, Nando is a breath of fresh air. Articulate and encouraging. Thanks for all your help with our daughter".
S.C North Ryde
"Nando's range of experience is only matched by his cd collection and encyclopaedic knowledge of drum parts. Way to go Nando!!"
W.D Artarmon
"I have shared the stage with Nando on drums many times. I always feel that we are in safe hands when he is "driving the bus".
J.G Manly
"The incarnation of Jeff Porcaro! With the touch to match".
M.P Roseville
"The only drummer in Sydney that wears Armani!!"
D.M Annandale
My son Lachlan could not ask for a better teacher. Thanks Nando
R.C Middle Cove
" I learnt more in one hour with Nando than I did in 3 months with my other teacher. I am also using the term teacher very loosely for the previous guy. Thanks Nando. You are just the best"
T.P Belrose
"If there was a NAPLAN test applied to drumming students across Sydney, Nando's students would be at the top of the list!'
G.R Killara
"There is no better drum teacher in Sydney than Nando to help turn dreams into a reality".
G.P Newtown
"Nando is a supportive tutor that inspires me to be the best"
D.A Haberfield
"I was a complete drum novice when I started lessons with Nando. What impressed me from day one was his Zen-like approach, starting with the correct way to hold the sticks, and his obvious love of the instrument. I always enjoyed my lessons with Nando and came away from each lesson feeling enthusiastic about playing drums".
R.N Willoughby
"Nando is an expert at his craft and a professional. He is encouraging and has a friendly manner, and as a result my daughter really enjoys drumming and is good at it."
B.C Newtown
"My 12 year old son (Jake) has flourished as a drummer under Nando’s teaching. I’ve found Nando to be a passionate and highly competent drum teacher that has steadily developed Jakes skills and his enthusiasm for drumming since we enrolled him in lessons in 2010 through Annandale Public School".
"Jake now consistently attracts very positive feedback from more experienced musical types at his advanced (for his age) skills. As his father, the self-confidence this has given Jake as a person has been priceless. He now plays regularly outside of school with adult musicians and holds his own!"
"One of the things we like about Nando is that his interest and commitment extends beyond the half hour weekly school lesson. Nando has on several occasions attended Jakes “non-school” performances to offer encouragement and support. He communicates with me regularly to keep me updated on Jakes progress and he has also been great in providing me with advice on equipment and suppliers as Jakes improving skills demanded equipment upgrades (probably saving me a heap of time and cash!). I am very happy to recommend Nando".
D.E Stanmore
"Drumming has become a very important part of our home ever since our daughter joined her school band as a percussionist at the age of eight. She started lessons with Nando two years ago now, and she has benefited from the lessons in so many ways. She is becoming very technical in her playing ability; a key focus of her lessons, but most importantly she is just loving the music she gets to play for her lessons. Nando's friendly and patient approach during lesson time have helped her mature as a musician, and I am very grateful for the way he has helped her develop a love for music and the ability to play well. Many thanks Nando!"
MM, Lane Cove
"I have only had eight lessons with Nando but I have found him to be very professional and enthusiastic. I recently bought an electronic kit and thought I knew what I was doing but in a couple of sessions Nando has made a complete 360 in my approach. He is very skilful but also very down to earth about his accomplishments.
He has never made me feel like a beginner and I always leave ready to practice and learn something new.
Highly recommended (if you are lucky to find a spot!!)"
P.F Hornsby
"I am not a drummer but have known Nando for many years.Since I can remember everyone knew of how great a drummer Nando was.His influences were always the most elegant and of the highest standard. Recently I decided to use Nando on my soon to be released album "Lights Flash" and Nando showed his skill in not overplaying but playing what is correct for the song. I can highly recommend any student to study with Nando. A real professional".
R.P Northbridge
"At age 26, I was nervous to start learning an instrument. Nando proved to be the perfect antidote for that affliction. Within weeks I was able to play some simple beats and within a few months I had the confidence to jam with my friends.
Nando is a very proficient player but also an excellent teacher, which I think is quite rare. Having learnt from some amazing teachers himself, I always feel that I am learning some 'new secret' each week. I can't recommend Nando highly enough!"
J.M Willoughby
"Nando is my third drum teacher in Sydney and by far the best. Unlike the others, Nando was able to explain how to hold the sticks correctly and develop the right technique for bounce and drum rolls. I've progressed incredibly quickly since moving to Nando. We've covered a whole range of styles including pop/rock, jazz/swing, latin, marches and Nando is knowledgeable about all of these. He's also a nice guy and easy to get on with. He may be slightly more expensive than some other teachers but the extra cost is well worth it. Highly recommended".
R.N St Leonards
"No band can lose with you performing with them Nando"
T.D Paris, France
"If you look in the dictionary, Nando will be listed under the definition of perfectionist"
J.L Gladesville
"He played each song to perfection in a single session. Now I know why he's called one take Nando"
Head Producer - JLS Production