ABOUT GUSTEN

I started taking drum lessons when I was four. The child of two musicians, music was always in my life and from my earliest memory I was drawn to drumming. I kept playing and practicing through middle and high school (where I was in the jazz band and led the drumline) and graduated from Rutgers University with degrees in Jazz Performance and Music Education.

Now, my career consists of playing professionally with different ensembles throughout the Tri-State area and working with students of all ages helping them experience the joy and challenges I so greatly appreciate about the process. I offer private lessons (that’s probably why you’re here!) and also teach in various middle and high schools in the area, including the Strath Haven drumline during marching band season.

Professionally, I have been fortunate to be featured on some incredible recordings and to have toured Asia and across the United States playing with different groups. Music is universal and offers us so much, whether it is connecting with others, expanding our own skills, understanding ourselves better, or simply building passion and resilience through learning. My philosophy includes a focus on teaching the musical skills while fostering the life lessons that will help my students be successful in all of their endeavors.

If you’d like to hear me play, I have been featured on the following albums: 

• Jeff Dingler - In Transit 

• Jeff Dingler- Taking Root 

• Jon Saraga- First Vision 

• John Petrucelli- Presence 

• John Petrucelli- The Way

• Rev Chris- Live at The Mermaid Inn 

• Nicholas Krolak- Chicory Root 

• Laura Lizcano- True Love 

• Stereo league- Natural Mystery 

• John Bickel- Vox Animo (select tracks) 

• V. Shayne Frederick- Lovesome (select tracks) 

• Three oranges - Dry Water 

• James Santangelo- The Odyssey (select track) 

• Adam Machaskee- Vection Band