Playing drums on stage, in the studio and at church since the age of 8, Skip Strong has nearly 4 decades of playing and tuning experience.

Starting out performing in 2nd grade with his Mom’s country & western band full of seasoned veterans quickly taught him the importance of professionalism and a well maintained instrument.

Skip had private lessons at a young age from various teachers and was also under the direction of Mr. Milton Owens during his Woodmont middle and high school band years.

At the age of 20, he started teaching private lessons at Phil’s Music in Mauldin and did so for 6 years, teaching up to 45 students per week and often being invited to tune his student’s drum sets in their homes. During this same time, Skip also tutored the Hillcrest High School drum line during marching season.

Studio doors of opportunity were opened once word got out of his solid timekeeping and knack for tone, resulting in over a dozen different recordings and still counting.

In 1994, Skip was asked to accompany Ozzy Osbourne guitarist, Zakk Wylde, on stage to do a Gibson Guitars sponsored clinic at Phil’s Music.

Skip joined beach band giants, The Grand Strand Band, in 1996 complimenting their already established sound with his classic set of 1965 Ludwigs. “Drums that ‘sing’ are imperative in a band full of horns and vocalists”, he says. “They need to be tuned not just for the stage that night but for the room, as well. Drums respond differently to room size. I have a 14″ floor tom that LOVES to be played outside or in a large ballroom but needs a little tweaking for a smaller country club dining hall.”

Playing and tuning in houses of worship is not foreign to Skip either, having done so for over 20 years and he understands the importance of giving your best in this setting.