Who Is Chad Jackson?

           Born in northern Virginia, raised in Florida, Chad spent his middle and high school years in St. Augustine and Naples. He studied concert snare drumming and tympani under

James Perronto at St. Augustine High, and marching drumming under Oliver Phipps at Barron Collier High School. He attended Florida State University where he refined his marching drumming chops with the FSU Marching Chiefs, played drumset with the FSU Chiefly Brass Basketball Band in front of thousands at the Leon County Civic Center, and learned about R&B and Blues-based drumming from Blues piano legend Charles Atkins.  While at FSU, Chad sang and drummed with many original and cover groups playing rock, blues, jazz-fusion, and improv rock in the vibrant Tallahassee music scene in the 1990’s.  While performing most nights of the week and gaining valuable live experience, he honed other parts of his craft including writing, recording, engineering, and producing for his bands and other groups. 

           In 2000, Chad relocated to Atlanta with some friends for more teaching, playing, and recording opportunities. After leading a few original projects, he joined the band Ancient Harmony and toured with them from 2001 to 2010 playing clubs, theatres, and festivals across the country.  With Ancient Harmony and other groups, Chad has performed over 1500 times and got to share the stage with the likes of Jeff Coffin, Randall Bramblett, Chuck Leavell, Jimmy Hall and the late, great Kofi Burbridge.  He has also played on many studio sessions over the years and can be heard on Tommy Talton’s “Live Notes From Athens”, Mark Michaelson’s “In This World But Not Of It” and Lingo’s “Someday”.  

            In 2003, Chad began teaching lessons at Classic Winds, Strings, and Percussion, a music store in the East Cobb area of Marietta, GA. In the summers of 2005, 2006, and 2007, Chad organized and ran three successful Rock 'n Roll Band Camps for middle and high school students with the help of Classic Winds owner, Bob Haley, and some choice fellow instructors. After 13 years plus teaching in the Atlanta area and sharing his passion and love for music with students of all ages, Chad relocated to Daytona Beach, FL in 2016 to be closer to family.            

        Recently, Chad released his first solo album called Full Circle, that was recorded, produced, and mixed at his studio, Minds Eye Sound. Minds Eye Sound provides full service recording, producing, and mixing for artists and bands. Chad is also playing and singing with Daytona Area local bands like The Payne Brothers Band, Tommy Mac Band, JW Gilmore and The Blues Authority, and Up4it.  His other musical interests include playing guitar, writing music, mentoring young artists, and singing.

My current and former students and their parents, Bob Haley,  

​Matthew Cohen - photography, Moma and Family

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