Dustin May

Dustin May has established himself as one of Northeast Ohio's most versatile and accomplished drummers, building a career that spans performance, education, and creative collaboration across multiple musical contexts. His work demonstrates the kind of musical versatility and professional reliability that characterizes the most successful contemporary jazz musicians.

May is best known for his role as drummer for Pulse, a Cleveland-based jazz quartet that features Anthony Fuoco on piano, Aidan Plank on bass, and Brad Wagner on saxophone. This ensemble represents May's primary creative outlet, where he contributes to the group's exploration of original compositions while helping to cultivate their distinctive midwestern sound. The quartet's collaborative approach allows May to showcase his abilities as both a supportive ensemble player and a creative contributor to the group's artistic vision. Their debut album, also titled "Pulse," was released in early 2025, marking a significant milestone in the group's development and May's recording career.

Beyond Pulse, May performs with the trio OHM, which features Dan Bruce on guitar and Jordan McBride on bass. This smaller ensemble format provides a different musical context that likely emphasizes interplay and improvisation, allowing May to explore different aspects of his drumming style while working with a more intimate musical configuration.

May's freelance career in Northeast Ohio demonstrates his versatility and professional reputation within the regional music scene. He has performed with various notable musicians including Teddy Pantelas, Jeff Grubbs, and Bobby Selvaggio, associations that speak to his ability to contribute meaningfully to different musical projects and his standing within the local jazz community. His involvement with groups like the Youngstown Percussion Collective and the Youngstown Jazz Collective further demonstrates his commitment to supporting and participating in regional music initiatives.

As an educator, May serves as adjunct jazz faculty at Kent State University's Hugh A. Glauser School of Music, where he shares his expertise with the next generation of jazz musicians. His teaching appointment reflects his recognition within the academic music community and his commitment to advancing jazz education. He has also taught applied percussion at Youngstown State University's Dana School of Music, expanding his educational impact across multiple institutions.

May's educational background includes a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies from Youngstown State University, which he completed in 2012. This formal training provided him with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for his professional career. His drum set studies with Jim Curlis and Jim Rupp gave him exposure to different approaches to the instrument and helped shape his distinctive playing style.