Mike Papagni

Californian drums player and teacher. From Nova (98) bios' page: "-Mike Papagni was raised in Ventura, CA and is a multi-talented drummer, percussionist, composer, producer and engineer. He played his first drum groove in the 8th grade and hasn’t looked back. Within a year of learning the drums, he was playing shows locally in Ventura County as well as Los Angeles in various bands. Initially focusing on rock and funk, he soon became interested in jazz. - Mike attended the Musicians Institute’s PIT Program in 2002, immediately after graduating high school. He attended Ventura College for one and a half years, playing in the college’s Big Band Ensemble and earning his Associate Arts Degree. Wanting to continue his musical education, he completed the Bachelor of Music program at Musicians Institute where he studied drums with Chuck Flores, Tim McIntyre and Chuck Silverman. - Mike is one of the founding members of NOVA, but he plays in many other contexts as well, ranging from studio sessions (www.cinemasters.com , Emmylou Harris tribute album - http://www.toemmylou.com/) to original music projects (Obliques, Interstellar Galacticator, Chuff Puppy). Mike also composes and produces original music and sound design for video games and visual media. When Mike is not writing for or performing in his bands, he has a full schedule of students both privately at his studio and at Rhodes School of Music in Los Angeles. - Mike is endorsed by Bosphorus Cymbals and TAYE drums."