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Dio Santos

Available to hire

I am Dio Santos, a dedicated drummer and percussionist with over 35 years of experience.

About

I am Dio Santos, a dedicated drummer and percussionist with over 35 years of experience. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege to work with a wide array of talented artists and bands, performing extensively both locally in South Africa and internationally. I actively play jazz, funk, latin, pop, rock & roll, and am involved in theatre productions, maintaining a busy freelance schedule.

My educational background includes studying privately in South Africa, followed by graduation with honors from the Musicians Institute in Los Angeles in 1994. Over the years, I have also shared my knowledge with students while teaching at several institutions. I am passionate about music performance and education, and I continue to contribute to the vibrant music scene in various capacities.

  • 38 years' experience
  • Joined March 2025

Industry experience

  • Education
  • Manufacturing
  • Other
  • Media & Entertainment
  • Travel & Hospitality

More experts in Johannesburg, South Africa

Work experience

Drummer · Self employedJan 1995 – Present · 31 yrs 11 mos

Professional since 1995, both player and lecturer.

Drum Instructor · Various InstitutionsJan 1995 – Present · 31 yrs 11 mos

I have taught drumming and percussion at various institutions including Academy of Future Stars (1995), The Drum Studio (1995-1996), Allenby/Damelin Campus (1998-2011), Saheti (2000-2005), Beaulieu College (2004-2007), Southdowns College (2008-2024), T.U.T (2004-2014), and WITS University (2006-2008 and 2012-2024), as well as St. John's College (2011-2024). Private teaching experience spans over 30 years.

Freelance Drummer and Percussionist · Self-EmployedJan 1988 – Present · 38 yrs 11 mos

As a freelance musician, I maintain a busy live performance schedule across jazz, funk, latin, pop, rock & roll bands, and theatre productions. Regular gigs include Big Band Jazz at the Zoo Lake Bowling Club, the Piano Jazz Trio at Cnr. Café in Craighall Park, as well as performances at the Saxon Hotel in Johannesburg. I have performed extensively in South Africa and internationally in the USA, UK, Germany, Portugal, Australia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. Notably, I played at the North Sea Jazz Festival in Cape Town in 2002 with Jazzworks featuring prominent South African artists. Theatre work includes numerous productions such as Cliff Richard - The Musical, Tribute to Janis Joplin, and Beethoven Rocks Again, among others. Additionally, in 1996/7, I completed a 6-month season aboard the cruise liner MS Symphony.

Education

High School · Escola Secundária de Alb-a-Velha1976 – 1982
Certificate · Musicians Institute, Los Angeles1993 – 1994

Certifications and awards

Musicians Institute P.I.T Graduate1993 – 1994

Graduated with honours

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