Biography

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                                                                       New, play  a drum solo from Bob

  Bob Oliver was born in New Bedford, Massachusetts, USA. He studied drums, music theory and composition at the Berklee School of Music in Boston. He moved onto private tuition under Alan Dawson who had headed the percussion department at Berklee for over 10 years. Alan has notched up over 40 years of teaching some of the world's finest drummers. His peformance credits include stints with some of America's finest: Oscar Peterson, George Shearing, Dave Brubeck, Quincy Jones and Lionel Hampton. To receive a handwritten, personal reference from Alan Dawson is no mean feat. Alan has written such a recommendation for any teaching position for Bob Oliver. This is truly a high accolade.

Bob has been playing drums professionally since 1973 and teaching since 1976.
In Australia, Bob has been the driving force behind John Farnham, Sir Harry Secombe, Kamahl, Gina Jeffreys and many other high-calibre performers. He has also worked and recorded with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra. Back home in the USA, Bob has worked with Donnie & Marie Osmond, the Jack Gomes Trio, The Platters and Dr.Hook.

As well as being a sought-after drummer, Bob is also an accomplished composer. In 1985 he won the prestigious Australian Jazziety Award for an Original Jazz Composition.

Bob is also an active clinician, currently endorsed by Pearl drumkits and Zildjian cymbals.
Bob recently played for Debbie Zidljian at the April 2002 launch of their A Custom cymbals.

To quote:

"As a teacher, I can draw upon my different schools of playing.."
"I teach rock, jazz, country, latin, sightreading, technique and style, but above all that I teach music...."