About Can-Do Musos
On the 15h March 2013, 3 challenged musicians got together for a meeting of the minds at Dom Famularo's Wizdom Drumshed at Port Jefferson, New York. During this meeting it was discussed how frustrating it was to be a musician with a disability trying to get accepted as a musician and receive a fair go.
That meeting was attended by Andrew Hewitt from Sydney, Australia, David Segal from Conneticutt, Mike Mignogna from Tennesee together with Drumming's Global Ambassador, the late Dom Famularo. At the meeting it was decided something needed to be done to change the way people perceive a musician with any kind of disability.
That was when Can-Do Musos was born.
In March 2018, Can-Do Musos became Can-Do Musos Inc, a 501c3 registered non-profit charity.
Can-Do Musos supports over 350 musicians from 36 countries across the globe.
L-R: David Segal, Andrew Hewitt, Dom Famularo, Mike Mignogna
at Dom's Wizdom Drumshed, Port Jefferson, New York - 15th March 2013
Mission Statement
Can Do Musos want to provide guidance and hope to all musicians with challenges. Music is empowering and has no limitations and everyone should have a chance at their dreams.
Having a "Can Do attitude" is the first step toward success!
Remembering Dom Famularo
Dom Famularo - was known as "Drumming's Global Ambassador", travelled the globe preaching the gospel of drumming for over 30 years. An intense performer, Dom is one of the most respected solo drum artists in the world, with a career built solely upon his unique skills as a drummer, educator, author and motivational speaker.
Sadly, Dom passed away on September 27, 2023 from a long battle with Pancreatic Cancer. He will be missed.
Board of Directors
Andrew Hewitt from Sydney, Australia - has earned the title of "Australia's most inspirational drummer" from his drumming peers both locally and overseas through the tireless work he has done to prove that anything is possible.
For those who are unaware of Andrew, he was born with Cerebral Palsy which affects movement in his arms and legs, and he uses a wheelchair to get around. However this hasn't stopped Andrew from having a successful career as a drummer spanning more than 30 years.
David Segal - started drumming in 1983, trying to play the opening beat for U2's Sunday Bloody Sunday.
One of the things that David had to figure out was how to hold the drumstick with his left hand. He was born with a disability that made his hands clubbed. His right hand had normal strength, but his left hand had virtually none and he couldn't make a fist.
Joe Hardy - has been playing the drums for over 30 Years. His experience and past bands have included everything from Heavy Metal to Country Rock. And even a little bit of Jazz. His drumming style has been described as hard hitting and powerful.
What makes Joe stand out from most drummers is the fact that despite being born with a no legs he has managed to still becomes a successful professional musician.
Darren Williams is a drummer from Springfield, MO was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at the age of 8 months with the prognosis of being told that he would never walk and be limited to at best and electric wheelchair. With being taught a no quit attitude from day one, and what the help of different family members and loved ones, began his percussion and drum set Journey at the age of 8 years old.
Today, Darren Williams jr, better known as the Handidrummer, continues to dedicate his career not only to creating drum set covers and drumming videos for social media, but with the main mission of inspiring anyone and everyone that will listen that anything can be done no matter what the obstacle.
George Layton was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. He got his first cb700 drumset in 1975, after his foster father put him behind one. George says he doesn't let his Cerebral Palsy slow him down. His uncle used to say he was 'Handicapable' instead of handicapped. He also plays bass and guitar.
Andrew Fairbairn from Perth, Western Australia - is a professional reed specialist, being trained as a classical clarinettist and oboist, but now focusing on saxophones. He currently plays in a high-tech duo with his vocalist wife, Kaye, and music directs a 7-piece ensemble, Eclectic Groove. He holds qualifications from the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA), classical, and the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, WAAPA@ECU, jazz and contemporary.
In his other profession, he has held multiple influential board roles in the disability advocacy space, reflecting a deep and sustained commitment to equity, inclusion, and systemic change. He has served as Interim Executive Officer, President, and Co-Vice President of Physical Disability Australia (PDA), as a board director with the Australian Federation of Disability Organisations (AFDO) and as a current board director of the Western Australian Youth Jazz Orchestra (WAYJO). He has contributed to various national advisory committees focused on accessibility, policy reform, and human rights, and is widely recognized for his inclusive leadership style and his ability to align mission-driven objectives with sound governance practices. His strategic insight, lived experience, and cross-sector engagement make him a highly effective and values-driven board contributor.
Darrell Craig Harris from Las Vegas, Nevada - is a professional musician and touring bassist who's had the opportunity to perform around the world with a variety of artists. Music has been a lifelong passion, and over the years, it's opened doors to collaborate with talented people across different genres. Alongside his music career, Darrell also enjoys capturing moments through photography, contributing images to Sports Illustrated and other publications with a focus on the energy and emotion in sports.
He's also the host of the Music Matters Podcast, where he enjoys having real conversations with fellow musicians, creatives, and industry professionals. The podcast is a space to share stories, challenges, and insights from behind the scenes. Whether through music, photography, or podcasting, Darrell simply aims to stay curious, keep learning, and connect with others who share a love for creativity.
Frank Perry from Islip, New York - is a drummer, educator and clinician. He holds a Bachelors Degree in Music Education from Five Towns College, a Masters Degree from Stony Brook University. He has studied with Charlie Perry, Mike Sorrentino, Mike Lauren and Dom Famularo and currently studies with Stephane Chamberland, Joe Bergamini and Craig Blundell. Frank has played and recorded drums for almost 40 years and has taught countless students. Over the last decade he has worked closely with Drumming's Global Ambassador Dom Famularo to help him bring his passion for drumming to the world.
Social Media Manager
Dominique Gabriella from Missouri - life has been shaped by music from the very start. Growing up in a family with a jukebox business, she was immersed in all genres, laying the foundation for a career spanning singing, piano, band management, marketing, artist scouting, event DJing, and behind-the-scenes radio work. Her love for understanding artists beyond the music was fueled by the golden era of MTV and VH1, leading her into music journalism with Branson After Hours, where they spotlighted Branson's thriving late-night music scene.
Transitioning from Branson to Springfield, Dominique took the reins of the Springfield branch before venturing out to create her own online promotional platform, *On The Scene*, dedicated to uplifting local musicians. This deep-rooted passion, combined with her own lived experience as an above-elbow amputee with a traumatic brain injury, drives her unwavering commitment to CAN-DO MUSOS.
As the Social Media Manager, Dominique plays a key role in amplifying the voices of disabled musicians worldwide, ensuring their talents, stories, and resilience are seen and celebrated. Inspired daily by the artists they support, Dominique continues to champion inclusivity and representation in the music industry. Her contributions have been recognized in publications like *The Local Ear* and *Deitra Mag*, further cementing her place as a dedicated advocate for musicians of all abilities.
International Advisory Board
Gregg Bissonette - United States - Gregg has become known as one of the most versatile drummers in the business, his broad experience ranging from big band, blues, and rock, to Latin, fusion, and much more. Gregg's warm, easy-going down-to-earth manner is refreshing from one of the top drummers in the world.
Known for performing and recording with David Lee Roth, Carlos Santana, and Ringo Starr, Greg not only is a remarkable drummer, but also is very passionate about helping other artists thrive.
Mark Schulman - United States - Mark's resume reads like a "Who's Who" of international Rock n' Roll royalty including acts such as FOREIGNER, SHERYL CROW, STEVIE NICKS, DESTINY'S CHILD, BILLY IDOL, CHER (Mark was drummer on the 'Believe' and 'Farewell' tours, two of the most-attended tours in music history) UDO LINDENBERG and EIKICHI YAZAWA. He has drummed with VELVET REVOLVER at Ozzfest and for crowds of 200,000 at Glastonbury Festival with SIMPLE MINDS. Mark is the recipient of numerous Gold and Platinum discs and has appeared on nearly every American and European variety show on television including The Grammys, David Letterman, The Tonight Show, Conan O'Brian, Jon Stewart, American Idol, Paul O' Grady, X-Factor, Wetten Das and more.
He is best known for being the touring drummer for PINK.
Phil Heuzenroeder - Australia - Phil works as a community artist and community cultural development leader. He works extensively across Melbourne and Victoria with people with a disability, people living with mental illness and in community singing.
Phil is the founding Artistic and Executive Director of Wild@heART Community Arts, a position he has held since 2002. Wild@heART is one of Australia's leading community arts organization creating accessible and inclusive community arts making with people with disabilities and mental illness. He has also worked extensively as a musician and led rock band Bipolar Bears, video artist, event manager and facilitator over the past 15 years. Phil has led many workshops in singing, song writing and music, film and music video clip making, event management and technical production.
Doug Meola - Canada - Doug is an independent drummer, educator, and clinician. With a strong focus on drum education, Doug has a large roster of drum students that he works with regularly at his DrumSpot Drum Studio, he also conducts master classes and educational programs for schools and retail music stores, etc.
As an educator and clinician, Doug is very passionate about helping drummers be their best in all areas of their drumming. Doug conducts clinics and educational events in partnership with Tune-bot, Vic Firth, Aquarain Drumheads, Q Drum Co Drums, ProLogix Percussion, Drumtacs and Pads and also leads Kickport International's Sound Specialist Drum Education Program.
Doug has also contributed to Modern Drummer magazine as an educator and product reviewer and is also a contributing member of the Vic Firth Education Team. Doug is excited about a new drum education program that he is designed specifically for other-abled drummers and potential drummers that have unique mental and/or physical challenges.
In addition to his educational endeavours, Doug is a busy, in demand recording and touring drummer working with several artists and bands. Some of the artists and acts that Doug works with and has toured with/supported include: The Secret Destroyers, Dead City Dolls, Saints and Lovers, Guitar virtuoso Greg Howe, Sexus, V, Skin, When Worlds Collide, Joan Jett, Dee Snyder, Widowmaker, Joe Perry, Marilyn Manson, Buckcherry, Gavin Degraw, John Legend and Maroon Five.
Karl Sloman - Canada - Karl is the conductor of the Canadian Super Disabled Group Trainwreck. He is a published author, inventor, music producer and has worked with those with disabilities since 2005. Karl invented a system for students confined to wheelchairs to play drum parts using the triggers in their headrests. Karl was the focus of episode 1 of the documentary series Walk-the-Walk released in 2012. Karl continues actively work and promote music for those with disabilities and is in the studio working with Trainwreck to create an 11 track CD of all original music. Karl was one of the early members of the Board of Directors and is very proud to be an active member.
Testimonials
"Can-Do musos is an exemplary organisation where people disadvantaged by a disability can showcase their ABILITY and express themselves through their chosen musical form, thus providing them with a platform from which they can make meaningful contributions to society."
Jeff St. John - Perth, Australia
"Can-Do Musos has been of great benefit to me in my ongoing challenge of an acquired brain injury. It has helped me to focus on writing songs and performing them because I am unable to focus on reading books or watching movies. The activity has helped me to maintain positive mental health. I enjoy performing my songs and playing music with other Can-Do Musos. It is very comforting to know that there are other people with disability who have found new skills and overcome their challenges. I have seen the positive benefits in networking with and socialising with other Can-Do Musos. This organization is unique and run by a dedicated group of musicians who understand the needs of people with disability".
Dave Rowlands - Sydney, Australia
"Can-Do Musos has made myself and my music so much more visible to others. They allowed me to post about not only my disabilities, but how I accomplish writing, performing and recording my music which is a great accomplishment. I had a library find out about my music and as a result, they asked me to play at their library for their patrons in a series of performances of 'Musician's with Disabilities Who Have Overcome Them' and I got paid very well. Their website has brought many other people to my Music Website and I have made any new contacts with other musicians in my area. On top of that, one of the founder's, Andrew Hewitt, has helped me delve into a new field (drums) with tips and assistance when I asked for it. He is very accomplished on the drums and it shows through his advice and the videos I have seen of his performances. If there was only one organization that I could belong to, it would be Can-Do Musos. They are geared for the Musician that has everything against him (or her) and gives his (or her) all into their music. They also are there for those that are struggling and need a little help... a little push... to progress in the field of music."
Gregory W Irish - New Jersey, USA
"Can Do Musos has helped me get gigs by sharing my fortnightly drum covers which I post on YouTube and I was featured in the newsletter for my drumming. It is wonderful to be part of a great team who are an amazing support network for musicians. Through their website it helps many musicians by giving them exposure. Thank you so much Can Do Musos."
Matt Mallardi - Townsville, Australia
"Can-Do Musos is an organisation whose work I truly believe in! As I am a blind musician, Can-Do Musos has allowed me to connect with other musicians with disabilities! by networking with other musicians with disabilities, I have gained invaluable knowledge and taken onboard plenty of excellent advice from hearing about their experiences whilst embarking on their music journey. Can-Do Musos via their weekly radio show has allowed me to share my original music to the world as well as exposing me to music from other musicians with disabilities! I think this is really an important resorce and showcases the wealth of talent out there provided by musicians with disabilities."
David Truong - Brisbane, Australia
"CAN DO MUSOS is a terrific website that shows what musicians with all types of disabilities can achieve with their musical prowess. Being a part of this group makes me feel quite proud of the fact that we all are following our dreams and passions, not letting anything get in our way!"
Greg Dodd - Melbourne, Australia
"Being a part of the Can-Do-Musos' community has helped with my self-confidence, built international connections, and opened my eyes for possibilities. My name is Emily Buresh and I am a singer/songwriter living in Worcester, MA USA. I am visually impaired due to optic nerve gliomas that have affected not only my vision but my internal temperature regulation. Despite my condition, I am a professional singer/songwriter and a performing/visual artist. Being a part of an international group of extremely talented people who face similar challenges is a blessing. We support each other and to hear my voice on the radio is a dream come true."
Emily Buresh - Massachusetts, USA