Gabriel Hammer

Gabriel Hammer is a multi-instrumentalist and composer who has been making music for over 25 years and teaching privately since 2005. Gabriel plays and teaches drums, piano, guitar, and bass guitar as well as instruction in music theory and composition. He graduated with a BA in Jazz Studies & Percussion Performance from Columbia College of Chicago in 2007. Teachers of note include drum set with Chicago’s Tom Hipskind and New Orleans legend Johnny V, congas with virtuosos Rubin Alverez and Giovanni Hildalgo, vibes with studio vibraphonist Rick Embach, and organ/jazz piano with international organ player Tony Monaco.

Gabriel has played in a variety of different projects, covering many styles, including Rock, Jazz, Funk, Latin, Hip Hop, Classical, Orchestral, Reggae, and Country. He has a strong understanding on the specifics of many styles, which plays a big part in his lessons. Students are able to study the style that they most enjoy and have the option of trying a different instrument if they choose. Gabriel also regularly plays along and accompanies students on multiple instruments giving them the “full band effect” in lessons.

Gabriel has recorded with and is currently involved in a number of music projects on piano, organ, and drums including: Smoke N’ Mirrors, Cabaret Milwaukee, O’Brien Reggae Band, Jazz Gallery Jazz Jam host, Bad Bread, Eponymous, The Moonlighters Orchestra, The Hammer 4tet, Sweet Pick, About A Girl, Artist X, David Radford of American Idol, and more. Gabriel was featured in 2016 as a guest solo Jazz Pianist with the University School of Milwaukee high school band. He was also awarded Best Film Score of the 2011 Milwaukee 24 Hour Film Fest for his original composition/collaboration “Chess Life.”

Gabriel is currently offering drums, guitar, and piano lessons in Milwaukee and is accepting new students.