Chris Roberts – Drummer, Percussionist & Music Educator

Chris Roberts is a Los Angeles-based drummer, percussionist, and music educator with over 20 years of experience performing, recording, and mentoring musicians of all levels. From punk rock beginnings to deep immersion in classical and world percussion, his career has been a journey of discovery, collaboration, and storytelling through rhythm.

A Musical Journey Built on Passion & Exploration

Chris’s love of music began with the sound of his grandfather playing the organ. One defining moment came when his grandfather learned Somewhere Out There from An American Tail just for him. That heartfelt gesture sparked a lifelong fascination with music. Inspired, Chris explored the organ himself, teaching himself dozens of Christmas and children’s songs by ear. By age 10, he had picked up drums and percussion in his middle school band. By eighth grade, he was marching snare at Epcot Center. At 12, he began guitar lessons with Fred Capitelli in Jupiter, FL.

Though he opted out of high school marching band to avoid football games and summer camps, he took a DIY approach. He formed his first punk band, recruiting a bassist, guitarist, drummer, and singer. When the drummer left, Chris set out to find a replacement—until he realized, Maybe I should just play drums. Working after school, he saved up to buy his first drum set, and from that moment, his path was set.

Moving to Gainesville, FL, he pursued music academically while gigging relentlessly. He earned an AA in Music from Santa Fe Community College, then transferred to the University of Florida, where he studied percussion performance. His time at UF exposed him to a wide range of styles, performing with:

UF Orchestra & Concert Band
Agbididi Africa (West African dance & drum ensemble)
Jacaré Brazil (Brazilian ensemble)
Marimba Ayin (Guatemalan marimba ensemble)
Theater productions (Cabaret, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Anything Goes)

After earning a Bachelor of Arts in Music, Chris worked as a stage tech at the Phillips Center for the Arts before deciding to hone his drum set skills at The Collective School of Music in NYC. There, he studied intensively for two years, earning a Certificate of Completion and the Director’s Award.

With a strong foundation in both classical percussion and drum set performance, he made his next big move—to Los Angeles, where he has been teaching, recording, and performing since 2009.

Chris Roberts’ Performance & Career Highlights

Chris has worked with renowned artists, producers, and ensembles, including:

Notable Performances & Achievements

VNV Nation – Performing at The Wiltern during their Noire Tour was an unforgettable milestone. Playing in his favorite LA venue, a space he had admired since first moving to the city, made the experience legendary.
The Insect Surfers & Surfer Joe – In San Francisco, Jello Biafra (Dead Kennedys) introduced himself after Chris’s set—an unexpected but memorable moment.
Mirabell Palace, Salzburg, Austria – Performing a body percussion piece with his professor and a fellow student at this historic site was a defining experience.
Smoke Season – Recording Opaque became a breakout moment, reaching over 7 million listens on Spotify.
Sejo Navajas & Daniel Jiménez Afanador – Winning a Telly Award for their work together marked another milestone.
Jim Wirt & Andrew McMahon – Collaborating with these industry veterans was a true gift.

Chris has also performed at major festivals and industry events, including:

PASIC (Percussive Arts Society International Convention)
Surf Guitar 101 Festival
Hi-Tide Summer Holiday
Sundance Film Festival
SXSW (South by Southwest)
AM Fest
Southwest Invasion
The Long Beach Grand Prix
CMJ Music Marathon

His career spans rock, punk, classical, world percussion, and experimental music, showcasing his versatility and depth as a musician.

Music Education with Chris Roberts – A Conversation, Not a Lecture

Chris’s approach to teaching is rooted in the belief that music is a conversation—between the musicians playing together, between the music and the audience, and between student and teacher.

“Music education should be a space of discovery, experimentation, and exploration. Some lessons require strict structure, while others thrive in total freedom. My favorite moments are when learning becomes a mutual experience—when both my student and I uncover something new together.”

He has had the honor of mentoring students who have gone on to:

Berklee College of Music
Work as a singer and actor for Disney

Teaching is not just about technique—it’s about helping students build confidence, creativity, and a lasting connection with music.

The Legacy of a Musician Who Cares

Above all, Chris wants to be remembered as a musician who cares:

He cares about the music itself.
He cares about the connection between people and music.
He cares about his students.
He cares about the artists he works with.

If that also means being known as someone helpful, knowledgeable, and skilled, even better. But at the core, it’s about making music that matters and helping others do the same.