craig pilo, b.m
drum program chair
Originally hailing from Connecticut, Craig Pilo received his Bachelor of Arts degree in music from the University of North Texas. Immediately after college, Craig moved to L.A. to chase down work as a drummer for sessions and tours. His first major gig was with famed trumpeter Maynard Ferguson on the One More Trip To Birdland tour in 1997, and he hasn’t stopped working as a professional drummer since. Craig’s other credits include Bob Seger, Deniece Williams, Billy Vera, Blue Magic, and Heatwave. He can be currently seen touring worldwide with legendary pop singer Frankie Valli of the Four Seasons.
Craig attributes the success he achieved early in his career to the technique imparted by his mentors, namely Alan Dawson, Ed Soph, Dave Weckl, and Jeff Hamilton. Craig’s list of film and TV credits includes Sex and the City, Ally McBeal, CSI Miami, Malcolm in the Middle, Boston Public, Sabrina, the Osbornes, and the motion pictures Basic and Dirty Dancing II: Havana Nights.
“My teaching philosophy is a direct result of my personal and professional growth as a musician. Sight-reading, impeccable timekeeping, independence, overall musicianship, and discipline are all at the forefront of what I pass on to my students.”
B.M. in General Music (Instrumental/Band), University of North Texas
Watch Craig in action below!