Gus Costales Drumming Teacher

Gustavo (Gus) Costales was born in Cuba in 1951. In July 1957, he emigated to the United States, settling with his family in New York City, in Washington Heights. At age 14, he was introduced to the world of drumming, learning to play Congas, Bongos and Timbales. He was heavily influenced by Santana, Latin rock and Cuban style music.In 1978, he became exposed to the Rhumba style of playing from his older brother, Armando and from Armando’s friends. He became proficent in two specific styles of Afro-Cuban drumming: Conga and Cajon. In addition to pursuing his passion for playing, Gus has gone on to become a drum designer and drum maker - introducing new styles of Cajon instruments inspired by both his brother and his close friend, Pacheco. In the more than 30 years that Gus has devoted to drum playing and drum making, he remains honored to have been exposed to and trained by some very special people. Having served as an apprentice to those he viewed as masters, he seeks to repeat this cycle of inspiration and learning. Today he lives their motto, “You can’t keep it unless you give it away.”