Allen Muckle, Percussion Teacher:

Allen Muckle is a classically trained percussion instructor who has enjoyed many adventures and accolades over decades of performing and teaching thousands of students.

Having started his professional career at age 11, Allen earned his way to national recognition as one of only two Pennsylvania high school seniors chosen for the McDonald's All American High School Band, playing in both the Macy's Thanksgiving Day and Tournament of Roses Parades that year. Allen went on to attend Carnegie Mellon University School of Music and has toured nationally and played professionally on various levels ever since, while always continuing to teach.

Allen's style of teaching is well-rounded, from rudiments and reading skills to complex work on the full drum kit. He loves encouraging his students by tapping into what motivates them, even teaching songs or styles of music to aid in their pursuit of world stardom. One example of his approach paying off is for his former student Dylan Wood, a graduate of Pine Richland High School, who now tours and plays regularly with Blackbear, a famous singer, songwriter, and producer.

As one might expect, when Allen is not teaching and investing in the future of drumming, he remains active in the Pittsburgh music scene, playing with acts such as Kenny Blake, The Aces, and InTransit Band to name a few. He also enjoys being a part of the Sunday morning worship team at Bellfield Church in Oakland.