Jason McGerr is a performer, educator, and drummer with Death Cab For Cutie. He teaches at The Seattle Drum School of Music. He has taught there for years. Each week, he teaches 40 to 50 students, ages 4 to 60. His students range from beginners to advanced players, including local and touring professionals. Schools and music stores invite him to give clinics. He also serves as a judge for the Guitar Center Drum Off Regional Finals.
McGerr began studying music in 1992 at The Seattle Drum School with Steve Smith. “Steve taught me independence. He also taught me how to teach myself. Now I teach at his school because I believe in his method.”
McGerr later studied technique with John Fisher, a solo drum champion and clinician from Vancouver, B.C. Fisher played in the Shotts and Dykehead Scottish Pipe Band. McGerr studied with Fisher for three years and still visits him. “John Fisher helped me improve my stick motions and focus on my hands.”
Jim Kilpatrick also influenced McGerr. Kilpatrick is a solo drumming champion from Glasgow, Scotland. He has won 13 solo titles and 12 band titles as the leader of the Shotts & Dykehead Pipe Band. McGerr attended his school and took private and group lessons in Scottish drumming.
Current Kit Setup
Touring Set: Broadkaster 9×13” Rack Tom, 16×16” Floor Tom, 14×22” Bass Drum, 6.5×14” Bell Brass Snare Drum
Studio Set: USA Custom 9×13” Rack Tom, 16×16” Floor Tom, 14×22” Bass Drum, 6.5×14” Brooklyn Snare Drum, 5.5×14” Brooklyn Snare Drum, 6.5×14” Solid Aluminum Snare Drum
Photos by George Burrows at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC).