Aquarian Family

Peter Varnado

Peter Varnado is an experienced musician and educator based in New Orleans. Born and raised in the city, he has a deep understanding and appreciation for the diverse musical styles that have emerged from the region. Peter attended NOCCA and The University of New Orleans, graduating with a Masters degree. While pursing an education, Peter honed his skills across various genres, including jazz, blues, r&b, gospel, and funk. He is a sought-after drummer in the New Orleans music scene; performing regularly at local venues and festivals with some of the biggest names in the industry, such as Ellis Marsalis, Nicholas Payton, Chief Xian aTunde Adjuah, and The Jordan Family among others. As a musician and educator, Peter has traveled across the United States, Europe, and South Africa, Asia performing, giving lessons, and master classes. He is currently the BAM Director of Applied Music at Tulane University with teaching experience for over 15 years. Peter is also a member of The Oscar Rossignoli Trio, POV, and 95MP

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Upcoming tour

Peter Varnado

Peter Varnado with Various
  1. Toronto, CanadaNeta Quartet
  2. Washington, D.C.Amina Scott Quintet
  3. Northern CaliforniaOscar Rossignoli Trio
  4. Fairfield, CAGabrielle Cavassa
  5. Atlanta, GAGabrielle Cavassa
  6. Washington, D.C.Oscar Rossignoli Trio

Biography

About Peter Varnado

Peter Varnado is an experienced musician and educator based in New Orleans. Born and raised in the city, he has a deep understanding and appreciation for the diverse musical styles that have emerged from the region. Peter attended NOCCA and The University of New Orleans, graduating with a Masters degree. While pursing an education, Peter honed his skills across various genres, including jazz, blues, r&b, gospel, and funk. He is a sought-after drummer in the New Orleans music scene; performing regularly at local venues and festivals with some of the biggest names in the industry, such as Ellis Marsalis, Nicholas Payton, Chief Xian aTunde Adjuah, and The Jordan Family among others. As a musician and educator, Peter has traveled across the United States, Europe, and South Africa, Asia performing, giving lessons, and master classes. He is currently the BAM Director of Applied Music at Tulane University with teaching experience for over 15 years. Peter is also a member of The Oscar Rossignoli Trio, POV, and 95MP

These drumheads are beautifully made, with an obvious attention to detail and care that really comes through in the way they perform. They consistently bring out the sound I’m looking for, performance after performance, session after session. I can move from brushes to sticks without losing the subtlety and sensitivity I want, yet when it’s time to really dig in and play aggressively, I don’t have to worry about the heads wearing down. That combination of tone, versatility, consistency, and durability makes them incredibly reliable. These are heads I can trust every time I sit down behind the kit.

Rig rundown

The heads behind Peter Varnado's sound.

Modern Vintage II SUPER KICK Aquarian product
Bass batterModern Vintage II SUPER KICK
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Regulator RSM Offset Hole Gloss Black Aquarian product
Bass resonantRegulator RSM Offset Hole Gloss Black
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Jack DeJohnette Aquarian product
Snare batterJack DeJohnette
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Classic Clear Snare Resonant Aquarian product
Snare resonantClassic Clear Snare Resonant
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Modern Vintage Medium Aquarian product
Tom batterModern Vintage Medium
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Classic Clear Aquarian product
Tom resonantClassic Clear
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Featured video

Latest from Peter Varnado