Born and raised on Long Island, New York, John LaMattina started his playing career at the age of seventeen with the music of the Beatles as an early influence.

He first studied at the Amato Music Studios in West Islip, N.Y. with Bob Brown as his first teacher. Three years later he studied with Al Miller in Plainview, N.Y. John credits Mr. Miller with the insights to project him into a musical career. Recently his friend, advisor and encourager, Dom Famularo, has influenced him in the application of skills and communication as a musician and teacher.

A drum instructor for over five decades, John teaches in his drum studio in Lawrenceville, Georgia teaching many students weekly. Many of his students have continued to study in various colleges and universities. Many have pursued careers in teaching and performance.

A local musician in the Metro-Atlanta Area, he is a free lance drummer playing in combos and big bands, performing all types of music from society to jazz to contemporary Christian to the Opening Ceremonies of the 1996 Olympics. He currently is the leader of the Atlanta – New York Connection and drummer for the  Junction Band.

John enjoys listening to drummers from all eras and lists Chick Webb, Buddy Rich, Louis Bellson, Sonny Payne, “Philly Joe” Jones, Elvin Jones, Tony Williams, Ringo Starr, Chad smith, Steve smith,  Peter Erskine, and Steve Gadd as some of his favorites.