Acclaimed rock drummer reflects on his time at Citrus College
Neil Young, Willie Nelson, Lady Gaga ... these are just a few of the artists that Citrus College alumnus Anthony LoGerfo has performed with throughout his three-decade drumming career.
After being featured in the November issue of "Modern Drummer" magazine, LoGerfo — who is currently playing drums with Neil Young and the Chrome Hearts — discussed his time as a student at Citrus College and how the experience helped prepare him for a career making music with the pros.
On his longstanding ties to Citrus College
A Glendora native, LoGerfo began playing drums at the age of 10. As a teen, he jammed to records and played in rock bands with his friends.
At 18, he decided to attend Citrus College to study music. In 2001, he met Alan Waddington, a fellow drummer who currently serves as an instructional technician III in the visual and performing arts division at Citrus College.
"[He] is the reason for all my music connections," LoGerfo said. "He introduced me to Gwen Stefani, which gave me a shot in the pro-music world. He also introduced me to Lukas Nelson, which led to working with Neil Young."
Bonding over their love of rock 'n' roll, LoGerfo said Waddington helped him understand the value of being a well-rounded musician.
"[Waddington] and I are big dreamers," LoGerfo said. "We like to make dreams come true."
Waddington, who still works closely with many student-musicians, shared that LoGerfo stood out in many ways.
"He has very little fear and is able to make quick, forward assessments, which is a big part of success," Waddington said. "He is very likeable, easy to work with and able to see all sides of a story."
Still a close friend, Waddington recalled the joy of seeing LoGerfo on set for "A Star Is Born," the 2018 film starring Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga, and in Pomona when LoGerfo was drumming with Neil Young during a soundcheck.
"We mostly talk about things in the future now, from finance to thankfulness and everything in between," Waddington said. "Strong connection, strong love."
LoGerfo, who later attended Azusa Pacific University on a scholarship, also praised others at Citrus College for helping him on his journey, including Dave Beatty, Bill Hoehne, Tom Hynes, Gino Munoz and Bob Slack.
On what he learned as a student
LoGerfo said he learned "everything" at Citrus College and credits the instructors with teaching him things that he still uses today.
"These folks gave a kid like me, with no chance of going to a university or even breaking into the music scene, a shot at the big time," LoGerfo said.
As a student, LoGerfo had positive results when he applied himself to the task at hand. He also saw the importance of having a great attitude and being a good person to work with.
Looking back, LoGerfo is grateful to the college's faculty and staff for committing their lives to teaching others.
"They are selfless," he said. "They all could have kept going in the business, playing all the big, high-paying gigs, but they choose to teach and give back. That's real love for the art and universal law of giving back once you hit a peak."
On his advice to student-musicians
As someone with many years of experience, LoGerfo has a lot of seasoned advice.
"Don't give up and don't give in," he said.
Additionally, he recommends musicians be wise with their earnings.
"Musicians don't get to retire, so find ways to make those big paydays last so you can keep making art the way you want to do it," he said.
Finally, LoGerfo said it's important to not lose sight of the big picture.
"Make sure to have fun and enjoy the ride," he said. "All of it. Even the tough times. It will add to your music, make you groove harder and with more soul. Enjoy each step of the way."
This student spotlight was originally shared in the December 2025 edition of the Citrus View.