Timpanist Jeffrey Kautz is passionate about music, percussion, and timpani. A graduate of Mannes School of Music (B.M. with Honors) and NYU Steinhardt School of Music (M.M.),
Jeffrey distinguished himself at an early age by winning some 31 international timpani competitions in the U.S., Singapore, Canada, Germany, Estonia, Hong Kong, Greece, Spain,
France, and Switzerland.
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Jeffrey is a great champion of the timpani concerto repertoire, and he has performed as soloist with the Mannes Orchestra, NYU Steel Band, NYU Percussion Ensemble, South Shore Symphony Orchestra, Winters Center for Autism Percussion Ensemble, and the Centre Symphony Orchestra. He currently teaches percussion at Guitar Center in Commack, NY. He previously taught percussion at Music & Arts (Commack and Deer Park, NY) and The Music Academy for Special Learners in West Babylon, NY. A career highlight was his performance as an Actor Drummer on the HBO Series The Plot Against America, where he collaborated with John Turturro and Winona Ryder.
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Jeffrey has been a member of numerous orchestras and ensembles in the New York City region, including his current role as Principal Timpanist at Centre Symphony Orchestra and the Manhattan Symphonie, as well as former engagements with Massapequa Philharmonic Orchestra, Amore Opera, Apotheosis Opera, International Chamber Orchestra of America, and the Prague Summer Nights: Young Artists Music Festival.