André Gonzales

Origin

São Caetano do Sul, SP

Years Active

1982–present

Genres

rock, country rock, funk, hard rock, pop rock, progressive rock, black music

Instruments

drums, bass, acoustic guitar, flute, electric guitar, piano, keyboards, vocals

Biography

André Gonzales is a Brazilian musician, teacher, and author with a multifaceted career spanning over four decades. Born in 1973, he began his musical studies at age nine at the Fundação das Artes de São Caetano do Sul, where he learned drums, orchestral percussion, and theater. His musical training deepened at CLAM and with renowned teachers such as Duda Neves. From an early age, he demonstrated versatility, working professionally and teaching at 14, in addition to composing and playing various instruments such as bass, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, and piano.

Throughout his career, Gonzales has been a member of various bands and projects, including the children's group Turminha Patati Patatá, Devotos de Nossa Senhora Aparecida (invited by Luiz Thunderbird), Pornograffitti, Junkie Box, O Terço (on the "Tribute to Raul Seixas" tour), Funkacid (where he remained for over 20 years), Montana Country Rock, and Sr. Gonzales Serenata Orquestra. He has also participated in projects with artists such as Andy Timmons, Sydnei Carvalho, Ricky Furlani, Jane Duboc, Egberto Gismonti, and Gilberto Gil, demonstrating his ability to move across different musical genres.

As an educator, André Gonzales is the author of several books on drumming, including the "BEAT" collection and "Bateria Para Crianças". He was a pioneer in online drum teaching in Brazil, with a YouTube channel featuring hundreds of educational and musical videos. He teaches classes at his own institute, IAG, offering private in-person and online instruction tailored to each student's needs. Gonzales is endorsed by Paiste and supported by several musical instrument brands.