Meet Richard 'Gus' Guastamachio, Owner of Gus' Drum Pad

I received a message from Manchester Chamber of Commerce President Sue O'Connor that a new business had opened in the former carpet store at 185 Middle Turnpike West called Gus' Drum Pad. When I called Richard "Gus" Guastamachio, he agreed to an interview and told me that he teaches percussion. “Anything you can hit, shake, rattle, or roll is percussion,” Gus told me.

Timothy Becker: Gus, when did you first get interested in playing percussion instruments?

Richard "Gus" Guastamachio: From age three I knew that this is what I wanted to do. I started playing piano at age four, Mom and Dad insisted. In fifth grade I started taking drum lessons in school and private lessons. I went on to play in the East Hartford High School orchestra, concert band, marching band, and jazz band. I also played in a rock band and began playing professionally in a wedding band at age 16.

Timothy Becker: What inspired you to open your own shop and teaching studio?

Richard "Gus" Guastamachio: I have a love for percussion. I started with one student in 1976. By 1986 I was teaching professionally.

Timothy Becker: What background and education do you have in music?

Richard "Gus" Guastamachio: I am a graduate of the Peabody Conservatory of Music, which is part of John Hopkins University in Baltimore, MA. I have a double degree, percussion performance and music education. After college I enlisted in the Army's Old Guard Fife and Drum Corp. I was a senior soloist musician from 1982-86.

Timothy Becker: Do you do live performances as well as teach percussion?

Richard "Gus" Guastamachio: I am the resident percussionist at the Spirit of Broadway Theater in Norwich. Every Wednesday through Saturday evening and Sunday matinee I perform brand new musical theater. I also present an annual recital of percussion at the theater.

Timothy Becker: What instruments do you teach?

Richard "Gus" Guastamachio: I teach all drum and percussion instruments: drum set, snare drum,timpani, marimba, vibes, and xylophone. I also do ethnic hand drumming.

Timothy Becker: What age groups and skill levels do you teach?

Richard "Gus" Guastamachio: My youngest student is four, my oldest is 67. I teach all ages, all levels and all styles.

Timothy Becker: What do you offer in your store, and what percentage of your sales are instruments and equipment?

Richard "Gus" Guastamachio: We have Ludwig, Sonor, Taie, Zildjian drums and cymbals. Retail sales are about 50 percent of my business.

Timothy Becker: Do you teach Native American drumming and steel drums like I have seen in the Caribbean?

Richard "Gus" Guastamachio: I do teach drumming circles and the steel drum too. I want to offer a steel band opportunity for students.

Timothy Becker: I read on your website that you have the largest private percussion studio in Hartford County. It seems to me that your time is booked up with teaching and performing. Do you have plans to expand your business?

Richard "Gus" Guastamachio: Last Wednesday I purchased on Main Street. I will be keeping the business name because it is a well known name in the industry and a tradition in town. I am buying all the inventory and will continue his excellent sales and products. I will be inviting all his students to continue with the present teaching staff that will be joining me. I am renovating the lower level into very large teaching studios. Dynamic Percussion will be here by Jan 12.