Michael Carvin is a drummer of extraordinary talent, inventiveness and technique. His mastery affords him the ability to handle any musical situation and to skillfully pass on his knowledge of the instrument to an ever increasing number of students internationally.
Born in Houston, Texas, Carvin's musical training began at age six with his father, one of the top drummers in Houston. By the age of twelve,Carvin began playing professionally and won what would be the first of five consecutive Texas rudimental championships. Mr. Carvin's diverse career has included two years as a staff drummer with Motown Records and extensive studio and television work on the West Coast.
Joining Freddie Hubbard's band in 1973, Mr. Carvin moved to NewYork where he quickly gained a reputation as one of the most formidable drummers on the jazz scene. A prime example of his work with Hubbard can be seen on the Mosaic Records/Jazz Icons DVD released in fall 2011 featuring Carvin with Hubbard’s very first touring group.
In addition to leading his own bands, Carvin's vast playing andrecording experience includes work with Dizzy Gillespie, Dexter Gordon, Jackie McLean, Hank Jones, McCoy Tyner, Illinois Jacquet, Pharoah Sanders, Bobby Hutcherson, James Moody, Hampton Hawes, Ruth Brown, Johnny Hartman, Abbey Lincoln, Jimmy Smith, Hugh Masekela, Alice Coltrane, Cecil Taylor, Charles Brown, Terumasa Hino, Bobby Watson, Billy Bang, and many others.
Michael Carvin has established himself as one of the world's most respected drum teachers and clinicians. He's attracted students from Europe, South America, Australia, Japan and India. The alumni of the Michael Carvin School of Drumming in New York are among the elite drummers in music today. A list of some of his students is available here.
Mr. Carvin has recorded on over 250 albums. He endorses PearlDrums, Istanbul Cymbals, and Evans Drumheads. The Michael Carvin Signature Drum Stick, which he designed, is available through Pro-Mark.