Dave Weckl: For more than 20 years, Dave Weckl has developed and maintained a reputation among fans, peers, and the international music community as one of the great living drummers. For this, he has received numerous accolades and honors; Modern Drummer inducted Dave into their Hall of Fame and named him "one of the 25 best drummers of all time."

Peter Erskine: Peter Erskine is best known for his versatility and ardent love of working in various musical settings. He began his career at the age of 18 with the Stan Kenton Orchestra, and has since played with such groups as Weather Report and Steps Ahead; the big bands of Maynard Ferguson, Bob Mintzer and Kenny Wheeler; ensembles such as the BBC Symphony Orchestra, Ensemble Modern London Symphony and L.A. Philharmonic; Steely Dan, Joni Mitchell, the Yellowjackets, Diana Krall, plus many other musicians, recording over 400 albums.

Buddy Rich: Arguably the greatest jazz drummer of all time, the legendary Buddy Rich exhibited his love for music through the dedication of his life to the art. His was a career that spanned seven decades, beginning when Rich was 18 months old and continuing until his death in 1987. Immensely gifted, Rich could play with remarkable speed and dexterity despite the fact that he never received a formal lesson and refused to practice outside of his performances.

Steve Gadd: Steve Gadd is one of the most sought-after studio musicians, in the world. Regarded as the most influential drummer in contemporary music, Gadd can play anything, easily bridging different musical styles. His feel, technique, and musicality on such tunes as Paul Simon's "Fifty Ways", Steely Dan's "Aja", and Chick Corea's "Nite Sprite" were so awe-inspiring and his concepts so innovative that they instantly assured his special position in the history of the percussive arts.

Vinnie Colaiuta: Vinnie Colaiuta is the drummer who, more than any other, embodies the spirit of the musician devoted to the music, not to his instrument. This is his major focus nowadays, and it is this quality more than any other that has assured him a splendid career, still on his way up. He posseses an incredible technical lexicon, of which he is largely unconcerned. He has the extraordinary capacity to immerse himself in the most varied and extreme musical styles, playing each of them with the experience of a specialist.

Rick Latham: (author of Advanced Funk Studies): Rick Latham is a drum set artist performing, recording, producing and teaching in the Los Angeles area, since 1984. Rick is recognized by fellow musicians the world over for his signature drumming style and his creative approach to the instrument. As one of music's top session drummers, Rick has recorded several top television theme scores, as well as a number of hit singles and motion picture soundtracks.