I’m Chuck Parker, a drummer and freelance writer. I have written for Rhythm Magazine, DRUM!, and Modern Drummer. Some of the drummers I have interviewed include Travis Barker, Mike Portnoy, Danny Carey, Peter Erskine, Jeff Hamilton and Mick Fleetwood to name a few.
A native of West Palm Beach, FL, I was born December 4, 1961 and began playing the drums at age 14. In my formative years, I took lessons with local jazz drummer and renowned teacher, Frank Higgins. As an adult, I attended Palm Beach Community College as a music major from 1988-1989 and I studied with Berklee graduate Ronnie Ciago. I also studied briefly with area teacher Ronnie Benedict. In addition, I have taken master classes with Chad Wackerman, Dave Weckl and Zoro. This has inspired me in my own career in teaching. Since moving to Los Angeles, I have also studied with Greg Bissonette, Nate Morton and Dave Elitch.
For the last 14 years, I have given drum lessons to all ages and levels of drummers both privately, and for 4 years (2002-2006) taught at C-Sharp Music Center in Wellington, FL with great success.
I’ve performed and recorded with South Florida original and progressive rock bands Lady Sabre, Warinstoch, J.T. Ripper, Etherea, Loki, The Novas and with R&B/ funk bands Mr. Matthew and Klassique. I played drums for six years (1995-2001) with the orchestra of First Baptist Church of West Palm Beach, which included playing in their renowned Christmas pageant, “The Singing Christmas Tree”, for three years. During 2001-2005, I also played with the Hellenics, an authentic Greek folk band that played Greek festivals and weddings all over the state of Florida from Miami to Tallahassee. I was featured on local television station WFLX while in the band Etherea and also did a promotional commercial for them as well as doing some recording and drum machine programming for their “Riley Roam” children’s show. While in California, I have played and recorded with guitar-centric hard rock band, Sonic Vice.
I am also highly skilled at the intangible and sometimes mysterious art of drum tuning and tech work and have done studio drum tuning for noted producer Tony Bonjiovi.
I was employed at MARS music store from 2000-2002 and despite my part-time status, I was integrally involved in all aspects of the drum department and was one of the leading salespersons. This experience has given me extensive knowledge of most major drum manufacture’s equipment and I am familiar with a wealth of instructional drum books, tapes and videos. I also did demonstrations and mini-clinics on their “Drummer’s Night Out” promotions. I also made several large sales outside the drum department as a direct result of my people skills.
I have recently retired from my “day job” with the United States Postal Service where I have worked since 1982 in several positions using various organizational, logistics, and management skills. I also am a freelance writer, having published several interviews and features for Modern Drummer, DRUM!, Rhythm Magazine and Guitar Center. My wife Liz and I moved to Los Angeles in August of 2006 to be around a more creative, artistic, musical and geographically stimulating environment.
My goals are to continue to grow as a musician and write, record and perform a variety of music in addition to being involved in the music industry in some aspect. I also wish to continue to instruct players of all ages and skill levels because of the rewards I receive from teaching and watching other drummers grow in their knowledge of the instrument.