Jake Sommers
BM '13
Network as much as possible, don’t turn down a gig because you never know what it’ll lead too, and always give it everything you got.
I was born and raised in New York and picked up my first pair of drumsticks at the age of three. For as long as I can remember, I’ve always loved music. Growing up, I played both drums and guitar. At some point, I wanted become a professional musician and decided that drums were my calling. I then spent my high school years fine-tuning my craft while studying with Dom Famularo and John Favicchia.
The four years I spent at UArts were some of the best years of my life. The people I met and studied under made me the musician I am today. I want to especially thank Marc Dicciani. I’m still close to my professors, who have now become my mentors.
After graduating I decided to move to Nashville Tennessee to pursue my career as a drummer. Once settled, I found a gig playing downtown in the honky-tonks—an area of downtown Nashville full of live music. I was working from 10 a.m.–2 a.m. depending on tips earned from a jar. I also made myself available to play cajon for Writers Round in town. At one of the Writers Round, I was totally blown away by an artist with incredible songs and an amazing voice. The voice happened to belong to Luke Combs and that night changed my life.
Fast forward five years later, I’m touring the world with Luke. I’ve performed at the CMA Awards, the CMT Music Awards and even had the opportunity to perform on Saturday Night Live. Coming up, I will be returning to Philadelphia to perform at Citizens Bank Park on September 12, 2020. Hope to see y’all there.