One would think that a drummer of high enough caliber to play with Pat Metheny, Dave Samuels, Steve Swallow, Jaco Pastorius, Abe Laboriel, and Gary Burton would be in the middle of an exciting playing career. One would also think that this same drummer would be crazy if all he really wanted to do was be a teacher. Gary Chaffee is such a drummer. Although he is an outstanding performer, Gary’s main interest lies in teaching. As one of Boston’s most in-demand educators, his credits include students such as Steve Smith, Vinnie Colaiuta, Casey Scheuerell, and Kenwood Dennard. When Gary and I sat down to talk about teaching, I found him to be warm, reserved, and modest. His musical knowledge is far reaching, and his dedication to education is such that, if more teachers were of his mold, the world would be over-run with dedicated and inspired musicians. His goals […]

July 1986 Issue