Richard "Gus" Guastamachio knew that he wanted to be a drummer from age three. His parents insisted he started playing piano at age four. Recalls Richard: "In fifth grade I started taking drum lessons in school and private lessons. I went on to play in the East Hartford High School orchestra, concert band, marching band, and jazz band. I also played in a rock band and began playing professionally in a wedding band at age 16."



Richard "Gus" Guastamachio graduated from the Peabody Conservatory of Music, which is part of John Hopkins University in Baltimore, MA. He has a double degree, percussion performance and music education. After college Richard enlisted in the Army's Old Guard Fife and Drum Corp. He was a senior soloist musician from 1982-1986.



Currently Richard "Gus" Guastamachio is the resident percussionist at the Spirit of Broadway Theater in Norwich, and teaches all kind of drum and percussion instruments.