Solutions that celebrate culture and excellence
From world-class training for aspiring music educators to turnkey school programs and inspiring performance experiences, we deliver solutions for schools and clients who value culture and excellence.
School drumline classes
Structured, school-based programs that teach musicianship, performance, and Social/Emotional skills through engaging drumline instruction. Perfect for schools looking to expand enrichment offerings.
- Weekly instruction
- All skill levels welcome
- Performance readiness in 3 months
Emerging teacher training
Comprehensive professional development for musicians transitioning into teaching roles. We provide training by experienced mentors in classroom management and pedagogy, with a focus on Socail/Emotional Learning.
- Ongoing mentorship
- High-paying teaching work while training
- 70+ teachers trained
Drumline performances
Impress your guests: book a high-energy, HBCU-style drumline performance by the amazing students of Mad Beatz Philly's #djdrumline Honors Program for events and celebrations.
- Customizable performances
- Punctual, professional, and exciting
- Phillys best young drummers
Opening doors for diverse educators since 2013
Mad Beatz Philly launched in 2013 when founder Jesse Mell and a group of committed high school drummers set out to create professional pathways for aspiring performers and educators. From 2014–2019, we trained more than 200 students across six Musicopia drumline programs before expanding our mission citywide.
Today, Mad Beatz Philly leads a network of HBCU-style school drumlines powered by an intergenerational teaching model that helps address Philadelphia's teacher diversity crisis. With 11 Teaching Artists, 2 Teacher-mentors, and 12 Apprentice-teachers serving 266 students at 8 sites, we partner with The Highmark Mann Center for the Performing Arts, Musicopia, and Philadelphias best schools to advance equity in music education.
Learn more →What our partners are saying
Mad Beatz Philly's programs and teachers have made measurable impact in the city and beyond. Hear from school administrators, aspiring educators, and event organizers who have experienced the results of our programs firsthand.
"Mad Beatz Philly’s focus on introducing students to the historically significant and culturally rich tradition of HBCU drumlines is not only a musical endeavor, it is an educational experience that connects students with an essential aspect of African-American heritage. With this intent, Mad Beatz Philly is providing students with more than just musical training - they are helping them form identities rooted in pride, discipline, teamwork, and cultural appreciation. Mad Beatz’s team of professional educators are passionate about their work and fully committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment."
Dr. Darcy Russotto, Principal & CEO
Pan-American Academy Charter School"Mad Beatz gave me an opportunity to earn competitive wages teaching while learning how to teach at the same time. The work is never done; you always have something in the back of your mind about what you can do better. Mad Beatz not only prepared me to be a teacher, they helped widen my spectrum on how music is taught to chilren. There is no one way to teach music, there are reonly creative ways...and I was able to explore them with Mad Beatz."
India Fenner
Teacher trainee, cohort 2"Mad Beatz Philly’s performance at our festivals and events was always the highlight of the day! Their tight sound and infectious energy always stole the show, but seeing the crowd engaging with the Mad Beatz drummers and connecting with each other through a shared rhythm is truly unique. Providing Philly’s best students the opportunity to showcase their extraordinary talents, and have so much fun doing it, was a win-win."
Joshua Mann
Former GM, Frankford Hall