Rehearsal Studio: CDR Studios offers a professional yet relaxed environment where artists - singers, songwriters, and bands - can write, rehearse, and prepare for live shows or recordings. Chris is passionate about helping artists grow and bring out their best performances. In addition to facilitating rehearsals, Chris can act as your Musical Director (MD) - helping you communicate effectively with your band, run rehearsals smoothly, and even book top-tier musicians from his extensive network.
For younger artists or emerging bands, Chris can serve as a music coach, helping you with song arrangements, tempo selection, dynamics, and performance consistency - and sharing valuable insight into the music industry along the way.
Drum Tracking Studio: Chris has realized his dream of building a cutting-edge drum tracking facility right in NYC. At CDR Studios, he can create and record custom drum and percussion parts for your album, demo, jingle, or film - then deliver them to you via secure file transfer, wherever you are in the world.
When you hire Chris, you're not just getting a session drummer - you're getting a creative partner. He brings years of experience and musical insight to every session, offering fresh perspectives that can elevate your sound. Whether it's a 3-minute pop track, a 30-second jingle, or a progressive album side with complex time changes, Chris will find the right part, lock in the perfect take, and bring your project to the next level. Here's what some people say about Chris:
"Chris - I freaking love it. Literally was sitting in a doctor's office and started involuntarily smiling and dancing in my seat during your first drum fill. I think you get what I'm looking for, I'm really happy. I love that you're doing your own thing while also fitting inside and amplifying the groove I'm trying to get at. Many many thanks! You're a terrific drummer!" - Jeff Ourvan
"Hey Chris, these performances are absolutely terrific! Words don't suffice for describing the life that you've brought to this part of the project man. This is exactly what I was looking for. I really dig the creative drive behind the overall vibe and fill material." - Tommy West (Nashville Recording Artist)
"Chris, You did an amazing job on the album. I couldn't be happier with the drums! Thank you!" - Renee Ruth (HyperBlue)
"Hey Chris. Digging your sounds... Nice!!!!" - J. "Barry DIA" Long (Mgr HR/Bad Brains)
"Chris, I love the tracks you sent. I am taking my time with overdubs because I want to make sure the songs do justice to the drums!" - Mike Power
"WOW!!! That was an amazing piece!! I love what you did with it. You're a very talented drummer. I loved how you played around with it and still kept it simple. That was super impressive!! I'm loving it!! I particularly like the fills in between. Great great job!!! This sounds perfect!!" - Nate Greene CEO of Solar Perfect Technologies
"Chris! Wow! All three of these takes are stellar. I really love the groove you got going on with these. You knocked it outta the park Chris! Thanks again." - Emelyn Parker
"You caught the mood and sound on point. That's why I love working with you." - Alec (FoS)
"Kill Ass Drumming!" - Roland Ruby (Damn You Roland Ruby!)
"Thanks Chris, you are magic!" - Jason Dennie
"Awesomeness!" - James G Barry
Private Teaching Studio: As a lifelong musician and educator, Chris DeRosa is passionate about passing the torch to the next generation. His one-on-one private drum lessons go beyond the traditional weekly format. Rather than simply assigning material and waiting for your return, Chris focuses on teaching you how to teach yourself - empowering you with tools for long-term growth and independence. Whether you’ve been practicing all week or haven’t touched the drums, you’ll leave each lesson as a stronger drummer and more complete musician.
Chris’s teaching method is a personalized, systematic approach built around independence, dynamics, song form, and understanding how you best learn and absorb information. Lessons are tailored to each individual, and students of all levels are welcome. Not in NYC? No problem - virtual drum lessons via FaceTime or Zoom are available from CDR Studios.
Soundscape Creation For Film And Dance: With years of experience collaborating with top choreographers in New York City and abroad, Chris brings a unique sensitivity and creativity to the world of soundscape creation for dance and film. His ability to connect movement with sound comes from a deep understanding of how audio can elevate visual storytelling. Chris believes that when sight and sound come together, both mediums are amplified - creating a more immersive and powerful audience experience. His drumming can be traditional or completely outside the box, depending on the artistic needs of the project. He thrives in this space and welcomes new creative challenges. If you're working on a film, choreography, or multimedia project, feel free to reach out and explore the possibilities.
At CDR Studios, Chris has built a comfortable, inspiring environment equipped for recording, rehearsing, teaching, and creating. The space features top-tier gear, a variety of high-quality mics and amps, and everything needed to support professional-level musical work (see gear list below). With decades of experience as a performer, teacher, and recording artist, Chris works patiently and passionately to help artists achieve their musical goals and find success on their own terms. Please feel free to contact Chris to learn more about any of the services he offers.
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Chris has a huge array of custom made and stock drums, cymbals, percussion, and hardware to choose from. Some manufacturers include Eames, Sabian, Yamaha, Brady, Drum Workshop, Sonor, Gretsch, Slingerland, Wuhan, RhythmTech, World Max, Meinl, and Latin Percussion. |
To hire Chris for live or studio work send an e-mail to: chris at chrisderosa dot com