Drummer Claudio Silva: A Rising Star in Baltimore
Claudio Silva is a recent graduate of the Johns Hopkins Peabody Institute’s Jazz Studies Program, where he emerged as a talented and versatile drummer. Whether performing as a sideman with Peabody students and faculty, playing with local jazz musicians, or leading his own Chordless Trio—featuring Peabody faculty member Kris Funn on bass and Airmen of Note saxophonist Tedd Baker—Silva’s musicianship and signature groove have quickly made him a standout in Baltimore’s vibrant jazz scene. Regular appearances at well-known jazz jam sessions like those at R House and Keystone Korner offer local audiences frequent opportunities to experience his dynamic performances.
Originally from Miami, Florida, with Dominican and Brazilian roots, Silva’s passion for drumming began at a young age. While he briefly dabbled in violin, it was the drums that captured his imagination. His mother, also a drummer, recognized his natural talent early on and enrolled him in lessons at the local School of Rock, where he eagerly played everything from AC/DC to The Beatles. This early exposure to diverse musical styles laid the foundation for his future in jazz.
By middle school, Silva was determined to focus on drumming. After initially being assigned to play trombone, he quickly convinced his band director to let him take the drum chair, a role he would go on to excel in. His hard work paid off when he won the drum chair for the jazz band at The New World School of the Arts in Miami. There, he was thrust into the deep end, replacing the senior drummer and stepping into a high-pressure role in a band that had just won first place at the Essentially Ellington High School Band Competition at Lincoln Center.
Silva’s time at New World was marked by a steep learning curve, but he rose to the challenge, drawing inspiration from masterclasses with renowned artists such as Wynton Marsalis, the Marcus Roberts Trio, and Ron Carter. A pivotal moment came during a masterclass with The Emmet Cohen Trio when Silva’s band director remarked that drummer Kyle Poole “loves this music more than he loves the drums.” This realization—that the music was more important than any individual musician—solidified Silva’s commitment to his craft and his understanding of jazz as a selfless pursuit.
In 2020, Silva auditioned for the newly established Jazz Studies Program at Johns Hopkins Peabody Institute. After receiving a personal call from Director Sean Jones, Silva knew this was where he needed to be. Over the past four years, he has fully immersed himself in his studies, absorbing as much as possible from his classes, ensembles, and the distinguished faculty members. This dedication has not only honed his technical skills but also deepened his understanding of jazz as an art form.
When asked what advice he would give to incoming jazz students, Silva emphasizes the importance of being proactive and seizing every learning opportunity. “Peabody is a relatively small, close-knit community of students and faculty. There’s a lot of potential for one-on-one time with the faculty, and you have to take advantage of that. Prioritize it. You have to be persistent because this is your life, your future. Students need to let go of expectations and entitlement. Nothing is going to fall into your lap; you have to go out and make it happen. I also resisted the urge to become too comfortable with the faculty by thinking of them as peers. They are not our peers—they are our mentors and teachers for a reason. They are greats, they are legends, and they deserve our respect.”
Looking ahead, Silva plans to record an album with his Chordless Trio this fall, with the support of a local label. As a young musician already making significant waves, Claudio Silva is poised to play a key role in shaping the future of jazz in Baltimore!
by Anna-Lisa Kirby