Elliot M. Fine

Elliot is still very much in my drumming world. I get asked often how I learned to play at the level I do. My answer is always "my teacher Elliot Fine showed me the path and more importantly imbued me with the JOY of pursuing excellence and the excitement of discovery. Elliot always had my back when others done harshly of me. He never stood for anything like that from anyone. Thank you Always Elliot!!!!

It never ceases to amaze us, how Eliot & Marv's 4-Way is studied all over the world. It is such a wonderful ice breaker anywhere that evolves into long discussions and new relationships! I was able to discuss the book with Walfredo Reyes Jr. a few years ago. Eliot, thanks for being a global inspiration!

When I sat down at my 5 pc blue sparkle drum set, (that I bought from Mr. Fine in 1974), yesterday, I was reminded of my greatest percussion instructor, once again! After myself teaching, at one time, 60 students/week, and, playing professionally for 50 years, I can´t think of any one person who, inspired, guided, and yes, even scolded me, when deserved, more than Mr. Fine. Being far from his, "best," student, Mr. Fine would be thrilled to know my enjoyment factor, as a musician, was OFF THE...

David, John, Milo, Leo, Keith, Bissonette, How awesome, this blessing! The Drum Circle of Life is truley a remarkable, spiritual miracle! The many drummers influenced by Elliot is so uplifting & encouraging! What a gift that he shared with us! My 2 greatest influences, huge jazz lovers. Without them. I'd be lost. Onward, & upward to Pearl, perhaps Ludwig gates of Rhythm & demeanor. 5/4 ! Ken Fischman, Elliot Fine!

Greatest teacher ever. I played professionally for 40 years and I owe it to him

I often think of Elliot -- fondly. He was a phenomenal percussionist. As a tandem, Marv Dahlgren and Elliot Fine of the minneapolis Symphony/Minnesota Orchestra was one of the best in the business. My direct contact with him was as one of his percussion students. He was a superb pedagogist, who was not above cracking a joke to help clear the cobwebs in order to get his point across. I miss him greatly. Rest in peace, Elliot.

Another memory of Mr Fine occurred during a visit to Floyd Thompson's drum store. Inside the store somebody had pinned a picture of Elliot Fine, Marvin Dahlgren, and I believe Floyd Thompson on the wall, photographed from the side. The caption read..." Profiles in Courage." (Punning the JFK Biography) I mentioned it at my next lesson, he was all smiles.

Here is Picture #3. I had an idea to get the drummers together. Scott Simpson helped me make the calls and we met at a Cafe on Hyw 100...or some such. I drove Elliot to and from the event. Fun times were had by all.

Here is Picture #2