Meet Davis Rowan of Boulder

Today we’d like to introduce you to Davis Rowan.

Hi Davis, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Boulder Drumworks is a private drum lesson studio right in the heart of Boulder, CO. It is my way of sharing the love for music and community that has shaped my life. I’ve been lucky to live a somewhat successful life as a performer. Along the way, I discovered teaching, and it quickly became just as important to me. Music has given me so much over the years, and I aim to pass along what was so freely given to me. At its heart, it’s about connection and building community.

Drum lessons, for me, are more than just learning an instrument or reading notes. They’re a way to help others find what I found—a sense of purpose, creativity, and connection. The drum kit is just the vessel. What I’m really offering is a chance to tap into something bigger, both in music and in life.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Every profession comes with its own unique challenges, and the arts are no exception. If anything, those challenges feel a little more pronounced in this field. Over time, I’ve come to embrace the path I’m on, even when it’s not all about creativity and performance. One of the biggest realizations for me was that being an artist also means being an entrepreneur—running a small business, essentially. It took me a while to fully understand that, but I’ve reached a point where I can embrace, and actually get excited by that side of the work too.

What keeps me grounded—and inspired—is seeing what’s possible through my students. Watching them grow and connect with music gives me a sense of purpose that carries me through the less glamorous parts of the job. Whether it’s poring over a spreadsheet or planning out a marketing strategy, I know those tasks are part of something bigger. It’s all connected to the same mission: sharing the transformative power of music and helping others grow their community.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’ve been fortunate to play in a variety of bands, contribute to numerous recordings, and tour internationally.. You can check out a playlist of records I’ve contributed to below.

Now based on the Front Range, I’m available for recording sessions, live gigs, and touring opportunities.

With Boulder Drumworks, I offer weekly, one on one, private drum lessons.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I started playing drums when I was about eight. It all began with a chance discovery: while playing with Legos at a neighbor’s house, I stumbled upon an old drum kit in their attic. From the moment I picked up the sticks, I was hooked. But the real shift came when I started playing with other people. As a pretty quiet kid, the drum kit gave me a voice—a way to connect with others. There was something deeply empowering about making all that noise and watching it bring people together.

Growing up in a town where high school sports reigned supreme, I was a bit of an outlier. – all I really wanted to do was play music. By middle school, I was completely consumed by it. I played in punk bands with my friends and jazz groups with musicians my parents’ age, diving headfirst into the freedom of improvisation. With the guidance of some incredible teachers (shoutout to Frank Russo and Larry Rodbell) I followed that passion to Boston, where I studied music at Berklee College of Music, and started to meet some folks that I still collaborate with today.

After school, I moved to Brooklyn alongside a crew of classmates. For the next decade, I worked as a session musician and educator in NYC. I’ve been lucky enough to tour the world, playing with various bands. Those experiences shaped me—not just as a drummer but as a person. What stays with me the most isn’t the moments on stage but the connections: late-night diner conversations, the downtime between gigs, the friendships built on a shared love of music.

Pricing:

• FREE Trial Lesson

Contact Info:

• Website: www.boulderdrumworks.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boulderdrumworks/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564902593776
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/46qraFUDGzvH39ryx2yT3p?si=34fdee48e57a4590

Image Credits
Jane Jimenez Photography