Andy Ziker

Andy Ziker is a veteran drummer, educator, author, and program creator with more than three decades of experience in performance, teaching, and music education. Inspired at age 13 by the vibrant street music of New Orleans, he began playing on a pieced-together Slingerland kit and quickly progressed to professional gigs by 14 after studying with Billy “Stix” Nicks. He later earned a music degree in 1991 after attending Arizona State University and Mesa Community College.

Ziker spent 25 years teaching at Linton-Milano Music in Mesa, Arizona, while also earning a master’s degree in Elementary Education. He taught both elementary and middle school students and developed innovative music programs, including a preschool drumset curriculum and an electronic drum lab for young learners. He is also the creator of “Bucketeers,” a hands-on drumming program designed to engage children through accessible, bucket-based percussion.

An accomplished writer, Ziker has contributed to leading publications such as Modern Drummer, Drum! Magazine, Percussive Notes, and Drummer Café. He is the author of multiple instructional books, including Drumscapes, Drumcraft, Drum Aerobics, Daily Drum Warm-Ups, Drumset for Preschoolers, and The Jazz Waltz, along with the Funk Up Your Hi-Hat series. He has also written and illustrated children’s books in his Nobody Sounds Like You series.

In addition to his educational work, Ziker co-designed two drummer-specific music stands manufactured by Manhasset Specialty Company and has remained active as a performer, including playing with the Santa Cruz–based rock group Spun. Known for his adaptable, multi-sensory teaching approach, he works with students of all ages and abilities, emphasizing that effective practice and personalized instruction are the keys to success in drumming.