Meet Dustin Kaufman

Dustin Kaufman moved to NYC in 2005, just out of high school, ready to start a whole new chapter at The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music. Coming from Houston’s prestigious High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, Dustin felt more than confident in his abilities as a young jazz drummer.

It quickly became clear, he wasn’t in Texas anymore and the small pool of musicians in Houston had turned into an ocean in New York of different cultures, playing styles, and most importantly personalities. His education had begun.

Dustin quickly worked his way up the ranks and by his senior year had made some musical connections that would eventually lead to many incredible opportunities long after graduation. Dustin then went on to receive a Master of Music Degree from the Manhattan School of Music, and a Master of Arts Degree from Columbia University. 

After graduation, Dustin embarked on a whole new challenge, making a living! Thankfully the connections he made in school began to pay off and Dustin quickly began playing regularly all over town. In 2013, he was even chosen as one of 12 worldwide finalists to compete in the Thelonious Monk Jazz Drum Competition in Washington, D.C.

Soon after the Monk Competition, Dustin got a call to audition for the popular indie pop band, St. Lucia. Two friends that he attended The New School with were already members and they needed a new drummer! Dustin got the gig and the next 6 years were spent touring the world. The band was featured on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Late Night with Seth Meyers, Jimmy Kimmel Live, Good Morning America, as well as Coachella, Hollywood Bowl, Lollapalooza and many other major festivals and venues.

Then in 2020 everything changed. Covid hit the world and all touring stopped overnight. Dustin had always been passionate about teaching and saw this as an opportunity to really dive into the craft. Things began to take off and his schedule quickly began to fill up. This was especially exciting because in this new virtual world, Dustin was gaining access to students from all over the world!

One day while talking to one of his good friends who attended the Manhattan School of Music he realized that if this worked for the drums, this could work for all instruments. Dustin decided to tap into his network of incredible musicians that he met over the years to see if they’d be interested in joining his school. These musicians attended schools like the Manhattan School of Music, Juilliard and Berklee College of Music, just to name a few. 

Dustin Kaufman Music quickly expanded into an online music school that offered drums, piano, guitar, vocals, bass and even acting lessons. All of his instructors have degrees from the top music conservatories in the country and also have a ton of professional experience. 

Dustin couldn’t be prouder to offer some of the best music instruction in the world and the best part is, you never have to leave the comfort of your own home!