Morris Co. Drummer, 10, Is A Finalist In NJ’s Top Talent Show

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — A local young drummer is taking his sticks to New Brunswick soon to compete as a finalist alongside some of the Garden State's most talented.

Antonio Brucchieri, a student at the School of Rock in Chatham, will be competing against nine finalists as old as 25 in Jersey Talent, a statewide talent show.

Antonio says he’s been drumming since he was six years old, and is inspired by bands including Led Zeppelin, Rush, and Black Sabbath, all of which he was introduced to by his father. That being said, he has a clear favorite when it comes to drumming idols.

“John Bonham has been my idol since I started listening to Led Zeppelin as a little kid,” Antonio told Patch. “I love his rhythm and fast playing. His solo in 'Moby Dick' was the song that inspired me to play like him.”

The upcoming finals aren’t the first time Antonio has played for an audience. He says he often performs at open mics at several venues across the state, including Ocean County Music, Crossroads, Alpha Wave Studios, and Debonair.

The road to becoming a finalist in Jersey Talent wasn’t an easy one, Antonio says, as he was both “excited and nervous.”

“Most people don’t realize how hard it is to play the drums, and drummers are overlooked a lot, but I still wanted to try,” he said. “Also, my parents forgot to pack my seat, so I panicked. The tech crew found me a chair, though, so it worked out.”

The young musician often incorporates improvisation into his playing, especially during live performances. During the Jersey Talent finals on May 16 at the State Theatre, audiences can expect an original improvisational performance that highlights both “his musicianship and his instinct for creative expression.”

"I’m looking forward to competing! I think it’s going to be a lot of fun,” Antonio told Patch. “I just want to say thank you to my family and my drum teacher, Brian, who has encouraged me to work harder every day.”

When asked about what he wants to be when he grows up, Antonio said, “It would be cool to be a professional drummer in a rock band,” adding, “I want to be the best, like John Bonham.”

Jersey Talent is a statewide talent show that features performers from ages eight to 25. The winner of the 2026 Jersey Talent will be given the opportunity to perform at the New Brunswick Heart Festival in August. Click here to learn more about the talent show.