Nicolas Gachot

Nicolas Gachot is a drummer and composer currently living in Los Angeles. He began taking piano lessons at the age of six and classical percussion lessons at nine at the Zurich Conservatory in Switzerland. During this time, he performed in several symphony and chamber orchestras throughout Switzerland. In 2017, he won first prize in the percussion category at the Eastern Switzerland Solo and Ensemble Competition. Throughout his studies, Nicolas was also a member of various jazz combos and big bands at the Zurich Conservatory.

He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Jazz Drums Performance in 2023 from the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, where he studied with Gerry Hemingway, Norbert Pfammatter, Marc Halbheer, and Dominik Burkhalter.

He continued his studies at the prestigious California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), where he was accepted on a scholarship and completed his Master of Fine Arts in Jazz Drums in 2025. The CalArts jazz program, founded by bassist Charlie Haden and pianist David Roitstein, allowed him to be mentored by internationally acclaimed musicians such as Jonathan Pinson, Steve Lehman, Darek Oleszkiewicz, Vardan Ovsepian, Edwin Livingston, and Cathlene Pineda.

Nicolas is currently active in the Los Angeles jazz scene, performing in clubs and concert venues including Sam First and The Mint. He leads his own bands and is also an active sideman, performing with musicians such as Armenian pianist Vardan Ovsepian.

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