Cary Nasatir

Cary Nasatir grew up in Chicago, surrounded by rhythm and the beat of his father’s drums, often visiting the iconic Frank’s Drum Shop. It was inevitable that young Cary would develop a love for percussion. He vividly recalls the vibrant atmosphere of the shop, where he took lessons from renowned drummers like Roy C. Knapp and Cozy Cole, and eagerly sought autographs from legends like Gene Krupa and Buddy Rich when they performed clinics at Frank's. But what stands out most for Cary is the sheer joy and exuberance he felt every time he played the drums. As his playing career progressed, performing in various ensembles by night, Cary dedicated his days to teaching. Working at Glenview Music House allowed him to attend his first NAMM Show in 1968, where he rubbed shoulders with titans of the percussion world, such as William F. Ludwig Sr. and Avedis Zildjian III. That experience cemented his passion for the music products industry. After moving to Oakland, California, Cary worked for several music retailers before founding his own company, the Nasatir School of Percussion in 1999, where he has inspired countless young musicians, introducing them to the electrifying world of drumming.