We are shining the spotlight on Chris "Kaz" Kaszuba ahead of his performance at BACKBEAT: A Night of Drums! Kaz has begun his 4th and final year as a Commercial Music Performance - Drum student and is certainly one of the hardest working students at DIME Detroit with a bright future in the music industry. Read his interview below to learn about his musical influences and where you can watch him perform.
What is your background in music education? What brought you to DIME?
- I attended both Wayne State University and Schoolcraft Community College in hopes to pursue a degree in music and neither program was what I was looking for. When I heard about DIME from a co-worker and now alumni of DIME, I knew this was the place for me. I realized I ultimately wanted to perform since I had been drumming for 21 years at the time I had found out about DIME. I wanted to expand on my drumming abilities and musicianship.
Who are some of your favorite drummers?
- Some of my favorite drummers are Buddy Rich and Dennis Chambers who I started listening to at the age of 5. Years later I really got into Dave Garibaldi who is the drummer for Tower of Power.
You’re in your final year at DIME – congratulations! How has your time here influenced your drumming and musicianship?
- My time at DIME influenced my drumming and musicianship by continuously pushing the boundaries with my technical development and improvisation skills. I’ve also learned ways to interact, network and connect with fellow musicians and industry professionals.
What can we expect to hear from you at Backbeat: DIME’s Night of Drums?
At this year’s Backbeat I’ll be creating a mash up of some fun upbeat songs to play over which will incorporate a variety of techniques, concepts, style and grooves which I’ve learned while attending DIME.
What bands do you currently play in? Any gigs coming up?
- Currently, I play in Holly and the Johnnies and Ask Mary. Both bands are cover bands in which I play drums and sing. Upcoming gigs include November 22nd and November 23rd at The Morrie in Royal Oak and Birmingham with Ask Mary.
Aside from being a drummer, you are also a Facilities Assistant through the Work Study program. How has that experience been for you?
- In addition to being a drummer, I’m also a Facilities Assistant through the Work Study program. This has been a very rewarding position and experience. I’ve learned how to stage manage events and act as the stage tech. I really enjoy being able to help out around the school with regular maintenance of instruments and making sure students have the gear available and ready to use for both rehearsals and performances in the Underground.
Where do you see yourself after graduation?
- After graduation, I could see myself possibly teaching. My ultimate goal is to tour and get into studio and session work. I’m also working on starting an original project which will mesh together the aspects of my favorite genres including rock, funk and Motown.
What advice would you give someone considering DIME Detroit?
- I would encourage any musician who is considering a professional career in the music industry to attend DIME Detroit. In addition to the musicianship and technical developments I have gained during my time at DIME Detroit, I have also made some very good connections with professionals in the music industry. DIME really helped me to start to make a name for myself. I’ve grown as a musician, performer and a person through my instructors and the staff at DIME. I look forward to see what’s next!
Come watch Kaz and several other talented drummers at BACKBEAT: A Night of Drums on Friday, November 15th at 8PM. Our next semester begins on January 21st, 2020. Start your application for a Bachelors program in Guitar, Bass, Drums, Vocals, Songwriting or Music Industry Studies today!
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If you’re interested in in finding out more about DIME Detroit, contact info@dime-detroit.com or check out the homepage: www.dime-detroit.com
