James Abate
Lecturer in Music (Jazz Percussion)
James Abate has been playing and teaching percussion for over 20 years. During that time, he has played in various musical venues in Western and Central NY, North Western Pennsylvania, Ohio, Las Vegas, Northern Nevada, Idaho, and Utah. Abate has performed with entertainers/ bands including, Sandy Hackett’s Rat Pack Show, Syracuse Stage, UNLV Jazz Ensemble, Crane Jazz Ensemble, Crane Wind Ensemble, Crane Percussion Ensemble, Eastman Trombone Ensemble, Nancy Kelly and many more.
As a teacher, Abate has taught private percussion lessons for 18 years in Upstate NY, Las Vegas, and Twin Falls, Idaho. He has also taught public school instrumental music and is currently teaching instrumental music for Syracuse City Schools (Syracuse, NY).
Abate’s earned a B.M. in music education from SUNY Potsdam and M.M. in jazz studies from UNLV.
Appointed to the Faculty
2025Educational Background
M.M., University of Nevada, Las Vegas
B.M., SUNY Potsdam
