About

Vince Caiafa is a professional drummer, percussionist, educator, and recording artist based in New York City. He has been playing drums since the age of three and performing professionally since his early teens. His career is rooted in both formal training and extensive experience on stage, in the studio, and in the classroom. Vince studied classical, world, and Afro-Cuban percussion at The Hartt School of Music in West Hartford, CT, followed by drumset and contemporary performance at Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. His teachers include Dom Famularo, Mike Mangini, Michael Savage, Kim Plainfield, Ralph Peterson, Claus Hessler, Sergio Bellotti, and other respected educators and artists who shaped his approach to time, feel, and musical responsibility. As a performer, Vince has worked in a wide range of settings, from orchestral and ensemble work to live bands across multiple styles. He has performed throughout the country and continues to stay active as a live and recording musician throughout the Northeast. As an educator, Vince works with students of all ages and skill levels, both in person and online. His teaching philosophy is straightforward: Clear goals. Honest assessment. Efficient practice. Musical accountability. He focuses on helping students understand what to practice, how to practice, and why it matters, so progress actually shows up on the bandstand, in auditions, and in rehearsals. Whether he is teaching a beginner their first groove, coaching an advanced player through auditions, recording and producing drum tracks, or supporting an artist on stage, Vince brings preparation, consistency, and professionalism to every situation. He lives in Staten Island, New York with his wife and their two dogs.