Jeremy Hummel
Jeremy Hummel is a professional drummer and instructor who began playing at the age
of three and got his first drumkit on his fifth birthday. Jeremy was surrounded by music
practically since birth as his father, Vaughn, is a guitarist. "I used to love going to my dad's band rehearsal. I thought it was the coolest thing and
realized at a very early age that music was what I wanted to do with my life," Jeremy said.

In addition to his father's influence, Jeremy was also drawn to the larger-than-life theatrics of KISS. "I was just in awe of them," Jeremy recalls. "My mom and dad would wake me up after I went to bed whenever they were on TV." During his formative years, Jeremy played in a band called "Lightning" with his cousin Adam handling the guitar duties. Ironically enough, it was Adam who led Jeremy to the drums - although not intentionally. When Jeremy was very young he attended a birthday party for Adam. One of Adam's gifts was a toy drum. As the family took turns passing the gifts the drum came to Jeremy and the rest is history.

Throughout his early to mid-teens, Jeremy continued to play with Adam and also practiced on his own. He would often work on coming up with original beats or playing along to his favorite records. Def Leppard's "Pyromania" album was a staple back then. Over the years, Jeremy spent time in a variety of bands ranging everywhere from blues and jazz to reggae and funk. Jeremy also spent time in a 50s-60s-era theme band.
     
His biggest success came with Breaking Benjamin. Jeremy co-founded the band in late 1999 and in addition to achieving platinum status in album sales, Breaking Benjamin also had two #1 songs at the Active Rock Radio Format.After spending five years with the group, Jeremy is now focusing his attention on session work with a variety of artists. He also has a wealth of drum students in his home state of Pennsylvania.

In the studio, Jeremy's reputation has been built on a detailed ear and a quick study of new material. However, his strongest attribute is his versatility. Jeremy not only covers a broad range of musical styles but does so in convincing fashion. In addition to providing a solid foundation on the drums, Jeremy is like a chameleon and adapts to the musical situation. Whether it be laying down a simple groove, busting out chops, playing with electronics, etc., Jeremy rises to the occasion.

Collectively, Jeremy has five years of teaching experience and enjoys sharing his knowledge with others.  "Teaching is one of the most rewarding things I've ever done," Jeremy said. "Not only do I get to talk about something I love, but it's interesting to work with a variety of people. Everyone is different. It's almost like being a coach in sports - figuring out ways to get the most out of each individual." Sometimes people are surprised by his approach to teaching. "I like to treat a drum lesson more like a workshop than anything else," Jeremy says. "Not many people want a teacher who will just point something out of a book, fold their arms and say 'Here, play this.' I like exchanging ideas and catering each lesson to the individual's needs."