JIMMY GAVAGAN
Jimmy Gavagan is an up-and-coming jazz drummer and current student at the Jackie Mclean Institute of Jazz within the Hartt School (University of Hartford). Currently living in Hartford but originally from Framingham, Massachusetts.
Also in 2014 Jimmy attended the Summer Youth Music School (SYMS) at the University of New Hampshire to study with Les Harris Jr.
Jimmy made a strong impression as a member of the Rotary Club and received a Community Service award for most volunteer work at his middle school. Music was also something he frequently gave back to the community, joining his peers to perform at the Heritage senior living center. He continues to use his musical abilities to volunteer in similar ways, twice a year as part of the global Make Music Day Jimmy has worked as a sideman with musicians like Chris Casey, Matt Dowonszyk, and colleague Jeremy Galloway. He also led his own band composed of Framingham musicians that he has known since high school.
At the moment Jimmy studies with Professor Eric Mcpherson and Jason Tiemann, two phenomenal drummers and inspirations. With their guidance Jimmy continues to strive towards innovation from behind the drumset.
Jimmy currently plays a Sakae Trilogy Drum set.
Jimmy’s early developmental ears were exposed to the music his parents were listening to, finding the beat and tapping the rhythm always came natural to him. His percussive instincts were quickly seen by his parents and teachers as he beat on his desk almost constantly. At the age of 10 his dad bought him his first drum set and he quickly fell in love. Growing more as a musician in his middle school Jazz band and Concert band, The Framingham Middle School Jazz ensemble placed first overall at the regional competition in 2012.
In High School, doing well in the Jazz Ensemble was of top priority for Jimmy. In the summer of 2015 he attended The Rivers school Conservatory Summer Program, here he learned what it meant to play jazz. Studying with drummer Mike Connors and under the direction of saxophonist and educator Philippe Crettien.