JIMMY GAVAGAN
Jimmy Gavagan, an up-and-coming jazz drummer, composer, and educator, is a recent graduate of the Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz at the Hartt School of Music (University of Hartford). Currently living in Hartford but originally from Framingham, Massachusetts, his percussive instincts were quickly seen by his parents and teachers and at the age of 10 his dad bought him his first drum set and he quickly fell in love.
At age 12, he joined the Framingham Middle School Jazz Ensemble, which placed first overall at their regional competition in 2012. In high school, doing well in the Jazz Ensemble was Jimmy’s top priority. He played drums in the marching band, as well as leading a student-operated after-school program, F Cubed. This program screened talent and formed ensembles culminating in a one night show for members of the school and community. He also attended the highly prestigious Rivers School Conservatory Summer Program in 2015.
Jimmy made a strong impression as a member of the Framingham Rotary Club, receiving a community service award for his volunteer work. As a volunteer, he realized that music gave him an opportunity to give back to the community. In 2022 and 2023, Jimmy attended the Boysie Living Jazz Residency in Wilmington, Delaware. This program selects applicants from all around the world with the goal of performing original compositions at the annual Clifford Brown Jazz Festival. During the residency, Jimmy spent time learning from local musicians like drummer Matt Scarano and also world-renowned artists like drummer Ari Hoenig. Jimmy was extremely proud to perform his own original compositions in the festival.
Education has always been an important aspect of music to Jimmy. He currently teaches piano and drums at the Charter Oak Cultural Center in downtown Hartford, which provides free arts classes to low-income families. He has also built his own private studio of drummers, taking great pride in helping his students achieve their particular musical aspirations across many genres.
Performance through improvised music is Jimmy’s passion. He has performed all across the East Coast at venues such as Chris’s Jazz Cafe in Philadelphia, Black Eyed Sally’s in Hartford, and Cafe Nine in New Haven.
Two major influences on Jimmy’s musicianship are Eric McPherson and Jason Tiemann. During his study at the Hartt School of Music, he also had the great fortune of studying with professors Javon Jackson, Renee McLean, Steve Davis, and Nat Reeves. With their guidance, Jimmy continues to strive towards innovation from behind the drums.
Find out where Jimmy is playing next!