Bob Nitkin, a New Jersey independent drummer, began playing in 1957 in the grammar school band and studied with Mr  Diddamo in Paterson , NJ . He later joined the Lakeland Goldenaires drum and bugle corps based out of Pompton Lakes , NJ and was promoted to drum captain, where he gained substantial physical endurance. In 1963, Bob joined the world champion Garfield Cadets where he was instructed by Les Parks, a great drum line instructor, who put out a winning drum line for years. Between drum corps competitions, he continued to play with local wedding bands, polka bands, and various rock groups. Finally, after a long thirty years of listening to the world famous drummer Joe Morello, he had the opportunity to study with him; in one lesson they played "The Downfall of Paris," a drum solo from the 1920s, and would talk about all the famous drummers Joe was friends with, like Louis Bellson and Buddy Rich.

Currently Bob works with New Jersey freelance musicians and judges for the annual Guitar Center Drum-Off. He belongs to the Garfield Cadets Alumni Corps and would like to organize a new active performing group and is working on a drum studio where students and drummers can come together, share ideas, and learn from each other. Bob is available to play promotions of all kinds through Shelly Productions, Inc., a New Jersey based entertainment company.

My equipment includes a 14x22 bass drum, 9x13 tom, two 16x16 floor toms, a 5x14 five-ply maple lightweight snare, 20" custom brilliant crash ride, 14" custom high-hats, 10" sweet splash, 17" hand-hammered crash, 18" custom brilliant crash. I am proud to be endorsed by DC California Soultone Cymbals and look forward to performing for you.