Patrick Van Belle is a multi-styled, solid, dependable drummer who can easily move from straight-ahead jazz to rock to funk to hip-hop and back again. He plays hard softly, enhancing but never overpowering, demonstrating that sometimes less is more. A true artist that plays for the moment, Patrick believes that "You always play for the song."

In 1976, a family musical outing took Patrick to the Latin Casino in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, and a seat before the legendary Buddy Rich. At the end of the show, Buddy approached the family's table and asked Patrick if he was a drummer. Patrick replied, "Not yet, but I'm going to be." Mr. Rich handed Patrick his drumsticks.

Patrick began playing drums at age eight. Influenced by his teachers, veteran Atlantic City drummer, Ray Dealey, with emphasis on technique and Temple University's Percussion Head, Joe Nero, with emphasis on Jazz, Patrick started his pursuit of a musical career in High school. His determination to excel and master drumming earned him several awards as first chair drum set. He graduated from High School with a Music Excellence Award. College brought him to West Chester University where he held first chair throughout. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in liberal arts and music. During Patrick's teenage years he started doing session work and to date has recorded in virtually every major recording studio in the Philadelphia area.

Drumming isn't Patrick's only passion. His skill as a teacher is crowning. Patrick began teaching in 1987. He currently instructs over 70 students, with help from assisting teachers, at his 2 private studios. In addition, Patrick instructs clinics at local High schools and Music stores with support of his endorsements.

When not teaching, Patrick is engaged in many creative activities. He keeps a busy schedule as a freelance artist, session musician, and touring drummer. He has worked with many wonderful artists like Platinum selling artist Dean Davidson (Britny Fox) and Grammy Award winning producer John Rollo (Whitney Houston, Joe Cocker). Currently, you can see him with Veteran Blues man Georgie Bonds ( Look out for the current PBS documentary "Georgie Bonds sings the Blues" featuring Patrick ) and local sax hero Eric Haltmeier's Jazz trio. Be sure to catch him playing live and stop and Hi.