Rob Garcia

“A prime mover in the current Brooklyn jazz scene” (Time Out-New York) and “one of New York’s great jazz drummers and composers.” (Capital New York), Rob Garcia continues to be a strong presence in the New York and international jazz scene as a sideman and bandleader. He has performed and/or recorded with bandleaders such as Wynton Marsalis, Joseph Jarman, Anat Cohen, Kris Davis, Woody Allen, Howard Alden, Lynne Arriale, John Benitez, John Bunch, Dena DeRose, Chris Cheek, Daniel Kelly, The Ghost Train Orchestra and Vince Giordano. Rob has also collaborated with other top musicians and groups such as: Joe Lovano, Sheila Jordan, Dave Liebman, Diana Krall, Myra Melford, The Kronos Quartet, Ben Monder, Donny McCaslin, Marty Erhlich, Jerome Richardson, Reggie Workman, Bob Berg, Ken Peplowski, Scott Robinson, Howard Johnson, Sonny Fortune, Bruce Barth, Wycliffe Gordon and Chris Potter, among others. He has played on over 70 albums including Grammy winners.

Rob has released 8 critically acclaimed albums as a bandleader and 5 as a co-leader which feature such artists as Joe Lovano, Noah Preminger, Kate McGarry, Dan Tepfer, John O’Gallagher, Gary Versace, Joe Martin, John Hebert, Dave Kikoski and Mike Formanek. His most recent album “Illumination” was released on Fresh Sound Records in December 2020. His albums have been on “top albums of the year” lists and have received praise from publications such as Downbeat, The New York Times, Jazz Times, and Time Out New York. Rob has also self-released a solo drums album called “Drum Solos For Dancers Only” in 2018. Rob’s groups have performed at venues such as The Ottawa Jazz Festival, The Toronto Jazz Festival, The Kingston Jazz Festival, Birdland, Iridium, Kitano, Smalls, The Rex and Firehouse 12. His group has toured Europe, the northeast and west coast of the U.S. Rob has received grants from Meet The Composer, DCA and NYSCA to support his performances. He is also a member of the BMI Jazz Composers Workshop.

“…one of New York’s great jazz drummers and composers.” - Capital New York

“Thoughtful original music delivered with rare conviction.” - Jazz Times

“Garcia is a drummer of invention, grace and considerable fire.” - Downbeat

“…an elastic, adventurous statement from the drummer Rob Garcia.” - New York Times

“like all great frontmen he puts the music first, not his instrument. And like fellow drummer/leaders Bill Stewart and Jack DeJohnette, Garcia always serves the music, but with that extra inner sparkle and finesse coupled to crackerjack time sensibilities that are constantly delightful.” -NYC Jazz Record

“remarkable drummer” - Village Voice

“A prime mover in the current Brooklyn jazz scene…” - Time Out-New York

“There are drummers who keep time and there are drummers who make you listen, whose shifting rhythms, exhilarating time feel and inventiveness make the music dance

Primary Instrument

Drums

Location

New York City

Willing to teach

Beginner to advanced

Credentials/Background

Rob has a Master of Music from SUNY Purchase and a BA from NYU. Scheduling for lessons is flexible. The lesson rates are $60/hr, $40/half hr. Lesson can be in person or online via Skype (or something comparable). I teach at my studio in the West Midwood/Ditmas Park section of Brooklyn (near Newkirk Plaza and Ave H). I will also travel to the students. I teach my students to play the music they like. I encourage self-expression and creativity as well as learning the necessary skills to read and play music with other people. My teaching studio is equipped with two drum sets, piano (I often play piano with the student on drums) and a stereo system. I'm well versed in many popular and not so popular styles of music/drumming (jazz, Latin, Brazilian, swing, dixieland, rock, pop, funk, hip-hop and reggae to name a few).