Miles Damaso

Miles Damaso is a percussionist, music educator, and composer, and arranger based out of Nashville, Tennessee. His versatility as a musician allows him to play in a large variety of settings as a drum set player, jazz vibraphonist, classical percussionist, and marching percussionist.

Miles has most recently been the drummer for the Hickey-Shanafelt 9ollective and The J.C. Clements Band. He also plays with various musicians throughout the south and midwest. He’s had the chance to perform at world renowned venues, such as the Grand Ole Opry and the Lincoln Center, and alongside great musicians including Clayton Anderson, Dick Oatts, Emmet Cohen, Yasushi Nakamura, Heather French Henry (Miss America 2000), Damani Phillips, Charlie Ballantine, John Raymond, Greg Ward, Frank Glover, Mark Buselli, and Kevin Burt.

Miles’ teachers have included Steve Houghton, Sean Dobbins, Sherrie Maricle, Dr. Brian Mueller, Cody Collings, Joe Perea.

Miles has had the privilege of receiving the award for outstanding instrumentalist at Kirkwood Community College, the Marine Corps Semper Fidelis Award for Musical Excellence, being a 2 time All State musician, and being a featured performer at the Czech Village Blues Festival.

Having completed his undergrad at the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University, Miles is currently pursuing a master’s degree as an associate instructor at Middle Tennessee State University.

When Miles is not playing music he enjoys playing chess, eating food, and watching the Pittsburgh Steelers.