sound poet. storyteller. dreamer. capturer. human.

If I could summarize what I’m trying to do, it would be to play and create music that is understood and felt universally, and to make art that has a lasting comment on the nature of existence- to be another voice that represents what it means to be alive and an artist. Through playing and composing music and creating works of other mediums I hope to express my complete inner truth and document the world I see through my eyes- to share the one thing that everyone has- their own perspective. I want to make music that reminds one of the innate value of being an individual.

Gabe Rupe is a Bassist, Composer and educator based in Baltimore MD. Although specializing in Jazz, Gabe finds his way into other genres as well, most notably in hip hop/ art music fusion ensemble Shout House, as well as with singer songwriters/ folk bands, like the Summer Children, a 3 piece based in NYC. Gabe has performed as a sideman with Wynton Marsalis, Greg Gisbert, Hugh Ragin, Paul Romaine, Eric Gunnison, Brad Goode, Stafford Hunter, Rico Jones, Colin Stranahan and other wonderful artists. Gabe Has preformed all over the US in various settings, including Carnegie Hall, Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola, Yoshi’s Oakland, Dazzle in Denver, Nocturne Supper Club, La Poisson Rouge, Tribeca New Music Festival, the Bluebird Theatre, Rockwood Music Hall, among others. 

As a composer, Gabe writes in a variety of mediums, he’s written classical music, including voice/piano works, and chamber ensemble music, but mainly composes in the Jazz/ BAM idiom. You can hear some of his compositions on his record. 

As an educator, Gabe fundamentally believes music is a gift that’s meant to be shared exponentially. First and foremost in teaching, Gabe’s goal is to help his students remember why they started playing music in the first place— because it’s fun and makes people happy!! Gabe has taught at a few summer camps, including the Brubeck summer Jazz colony, CCJA Jazz in the Sangres, Aspen Jazz camp in Carbondale, the CCJA boot camp, and more. Gabe accepts Private lessons for students of all levels as well!

Gabe grew up learning music in Colorado from incredibly supportive mentors, which has fundamentally shaped his view on jazz education. After high school, Gabe left Colorado to do a year long tenure at the Brubeck Institute, followed by a 4 year undergrad at Juilliard. Gabe now lives in Baltimore and is working on his masters at Peabody. Gabe really believes in the power of music to uplift and heal, and so he’s very excited to be performing for you some time soon. 

Gabe is passionate individual; he strives to use this passion not only in his music, but also in his desire to better humanity and learn from those around him. Gabe has participated in many benefit concerts and programs aimed at improving lives, including El Sistema, and a cultural exchange with Habitat for Humanity in Paraguay. As a deeply spiritual and open-hearted person, Gabe believes that it is an artist's duty to be a messenger of joy and unity. Through his art and his outreach, he hopes to reflect this.