Artist Profile

Drummer

Tido Holtkamp is a versatile and dynamic drummer with experience covering jazz, latin, R&B, rock, and Americana styles. He’s known for his creative, original, and soulful playing, and has built a reputation as a musical drummer. Tido plays regularly with the Jim Argiro Quintet, Chris Casey Trio, the Kenn Morr Band, Last Fair Deal, the Hot Cat Jazz Band, and the Village Jammers. In addition, he leads the group Caravan and freelances regularly with a wide variety of musicians through out the Northeast.

Teacher

Tido teaches privately in the Greater Hartford area and also offers clinics in jazz drumming and drumming health. He is also a drum teacher and guest clinician with Paul Howard’s Valley Music School and a member of the Sabian Educators Network.

Author

Tido is the author of the book Drumming In Harmony. In addition, he regularly writes articles on music, drumming, and teaching.

Drumming influences:
I loved all the great studio drummers like Jeff Porcaro, Bernard Purdie, Jim Keltner, and Rick Marotta. They had such a great combination of precision, taste, and musicality. As far as jazz, I learned a lot listening to Philly Joe Jones, Elvin Jones, Tony Williams, and Roy Haynes. Jack DeJonnette has a great way of combining all kinds of musical styles and still sounding like Jack. I also love the drumming of Billy Higgins, especially the way he brought a sense of joy and deep spirit to the music he played.

First gig:
My first gig was playing 50's and early 60's rock & roll. The band leader, Tom Nazziola, used to make us play these crazy 2 hour sets -it was hard work, but the people loved us and we always had gigs. I still love the music from that era: the birth of rock & roll and doo-wop music.

Memorable gigs:
* Old Orchard Farm with the Village Jammers. The audience was so in tune with the music that the feeling was just electric.

* Carl Schurtz Park in NYC with the Kenn Morr Band. Playing alongside the East River with a view of the city skyline was so inspiring, the band really played together as one.

* Szechuan Tokyo with the Warren Byrd Group. It was so much fun playing that night with Warren, Steve Davis, Ray McMorrin, and Dezron Douglas. On really great gigs, you know from the first note that the music is going to be special...on those rare occasions, music is truly a magic carpet ride!

Musical philosopy:
I like to let the song play itself. I also try to play "underneath the music," so that there's room for the energy to expand and the song to evolve.

Tido Holtkamp – Drummer

Drummer

Teacher

Author

“We started our son’s lessons at 8 years old with Tido and Tido always is so patient and kind to him. In addition to teaching him how to read the rhythms really well, Tido allows room for so much creativity and fun. Our son looks forward to his lessons every week.”

-Michele

“Tido Holtkamp is a great drum teacher for our son. He’s knowledgeable, professional and patient. He’s flexible and listens to our son, so creates a stress-free learning environment. As a result our son enjoys his lessons and has fun while also learning.”

-Emma

-Nick

-Anna

“Tido has been teaching me for many years, and through those years I have learned many new techniques of drumming, and have become a better overall drummer. He has been very beneficial to my drumming level within school and playing at home as well.

-Will