Extreme Drum and Guitar School

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“EXTREME” SCHOOL WILL EMPOWER KIDS THROUGH MUSIC

Buffalo musician is unleashing a vision

By Christian

It was 2006 when notable western New York drummer, Johnny Misso, arrived in Orlando, Florida to teach a 12-year old kid the drums.

That kid, King Van den Burg, was the only minor in a band called Through You. King had a lot to learn, but Misso guided and educated King on everything from the very basics of drumming to advanced techniques of professional performers. Today, King is still in the band and Through You has performed at top venues including Hard Rock Café Orlando, House of Blues Orlando, and, in 2007, was the opening act nationwide on the Family Values Tour featuring headline bands, Korn and Evanescence.

Since then, Misso has never stopped teaching drums. He opened his home to kids and adults at various stages of experience and skill level and now he’s aiming to open Buffalo’s first full service drum and guitar school. The Extreme Drum and Guitar School (ED&G School) is scheduled to open in Buffalo in January 2009.

“Finally we’ll have a place in Buffalo where people can gather to express their music and learn from each other…telling their “stories” through music and gaining knowledge of the music industry overall,” says Misso. “Its just going to be so great to teach the young and the experienced, alongside each other, and witness the progress of students on a daily basis.”

Misso, 36, has been a fixture in western New York bands since 1988. He is currently drummer for the Billboard-charting local favorite band, Seven Day Faith. In various bands throughout his adult life, Misso has also always shared a passion for teaching.

“As long as I can remember, I have wanted to be a positive influence on everyone around me,” says this father of two. “Teaching has always been in my blood and I have always wanted to find the means to express my talent and promote that positivity. I’m not meant to do anything else with my life besides being a loving father and being around music.”

ED&G School is enrolling students now and seeks 80-100 students by January before actually opening the doors to the school. Right now, Misso and his team of other notable music industry associates, are offering online information, lessons, free gifts, and answers to questions that any potential student--or parent of a potential student--has.

“Music is proven to help in many aspects of children lives,” says Misso. “It helps build self-confidence, expands the mind, and builds focus and self-discipline which can help improve school grades and self-esteem. Music is a great stress reliever too. ED&G will have after school programs with well organized classes and time schedules to help busy parents.”