"one of the greatest privileges I had in my early music years"
"Corey, taking drum lessons from you in my youth was one of the greatest privileges I had in my early music years. The fluidity and control you maintained at all times when playing never ceased to amaze me, but what I most valued about you as an instructor was your outstanding ability to take a challenging or new concept and break it down into something that even a child could begin to grasp.
I've been ferociously pursing my dream of becoming a better drummer ever since I ceased taking lessons from you due to your departure 5 or 6 years ago from Seattle, and while I am not currently seeking to turn this endeavor into a full fledged career, it is and probably always will be my number one hobby thanks to the wonderful foundation in drumming you gave to me, as well as a deeper appreciate for music. Continue to positively influence the lives of the young people of New York and to bless those around with your music."
Matthew Kumasaka
Student
Burien, WA
"..set the standard by which I measure all other drummers"
"Corey Colmey set the standard by which I measure the quality of all other drummers."
Benjamin Wright
Musician
Brooklyn, NY
"immediately finds the emotional trajectory of the music"
"Corey is one of the most talented musicians I've ever had the pleasure of working with. His intuition is informed by his deep knowledge music from around the world. His staggering technical proficiency is balanced by his remarkable sensibility and his attention to form. Corey immediately finds the emotional trajectory of the music and sculpts it to it's optimal awesomeness."
Luke Bergman
Musician
Seattle, WA
"...like a big brother to me"
"Dear Corey, I know I haven't spoken to you in a while and I'm sorry for that. I am in the 8th grade now and I have become a great drummer with your help, so I wanted to say thank you. In the coming months I will be auditioning for the High School Band. Larry is going to help me with that like how you helped me before. I do apperciate how you send me E-mails about your events and I wish I had gone to some of them. I hope things are going well for you. Keep on drumming.
P.S. You may or may not remember but my siblings are all sisters and you were like a big brother to me. That's why the last day I had you it was so hard to say good-bye. You are a great teacher, a great drummer and a great friend."
Timothy Gandley
Student
Baldwin, NY
"...wonderful rapport with the students"
"Our school, The North Shore Hebrew Academy High School, was fortunate to have Corey Colmey on its music conservatory staff. His knowledge, professionalism, and wonderful rapport with the students encouraged them to succeed and advance quickly and eagerly. It was our pleasure to work with him."
Sandy Sudberg
Director of Music and Performing Arts
North Shore Hebrew Academy
"...changing the face of music in central NY"
"Having a teacher of Corey's versatility and expertise is a tremendous boost a music program. Corey is respected around the world and has connections to performers and teachers from literally every style of percussion. I can see Corey changing the face of music and specifically drumming in central New York."
Scott Rutledge
Director of Music
Holy Cross Academy
"...has a unique an effective way of teaching"
"The City of Oneida Department of Parks and Recreation is thrilled to have forged a relationship with such a talented and diverse instructor such as Corey. Corey has instructed a winter and spring african drumming program here at the Recreation Center. Corey has a unique and effective way of teaching music to all ages, he is able to capture their attention and pass along his extensive knowledge of music to all participants. We look forward working closely with Corey on future music and culture programs."
Brandon Lovett
Director of Parks and Recreation
City of Oneida
"..brought out enthusiasm and smiles amongst all"
"The Staley YMCA Extended Day Program has been fortunate to have Corey come to our school this year to teach our children the African Drums. He worked with them weekly boosting their confidence as individuals and performers while also teaching them the basic skills of the art of African Drumming. Each week the kids and staff looked forward to Corey’s arrival and he brought out enthusiasm and smiles amongst all during each of his group lessons. He prepared them for 4 amazing performances this Spring that were huge accomplishments for the children he worked with, many of which have never played an instrument before let alone in front of an audience of their peers! Corey is an excellent teacher and role model for the students that he works with! Our program looks forward to working with Corey more in the future!"
Rhiannon Pysnik
School Age Child Care Director
Staley YMCA Extended Day Program
"exemplary in his performance as a teacher"
"Corey Colmey taught private drum lessons at New World Music Center & School of Music. I found Corey to be exemplary in his performance as a teacher. His wealth of knowledge, positive attitude, problem solving skills, communication skills, and patience made him a very effective teacher. His students have been very pleased with his instruction and he worked well with students of all ages, levels, and abilities. During his association with our school, Corey had always conducted himself in a very professional and responsible manner. He enriched many lives and I am proud to have had him associated with New World Music Center."
Michael Fincken
Director of New World Music Center
Baldwin, New York
"the mark of a great teacher"
“We were privileged in our Youth Mentoring Program to have Corey run a teaching session with African drums for small group of Mentors and the children they mentor. Many of these children are underprivileged in their opportunities and Corey was an excellent facilitator in giving them a great musical experience. He was captivating with the group down to the details of having learned these drums while living in Africa. Whether or not the children in the group had a musical background, Corey made their learning experience both fun and productive. I was able to watch, as the session progressed, the children gain more and more confidence that this was something that they could do too! Many of them left the session with the desire to continue to pursue music. I believe this is the mark of a great teacher.”
Dennis Hoover
Mentoring Program Caseworker, Community Action Partnership
Morrisville, NY
"one of the greatest drummers alive"
"Corey Colmey is one of the greatest drummers alive. His deep pocket and inventive creativity speak of a knowledge far beyond his time in this world. My time spent playing with him is remembered as one of the greatest learning experiences of my life!!"
G Koop
Music Producer
Gary Kooper Productions
Oakland, CA
