Oceanside drummer Duncan Moore was born in Des Moines, Iowa and began learning the instrument at the age of eight. After scoring his first drum kit while in the seventh grade, percussion studies continued through high school and led him to the University of Iowa, where he majored in music and played with local jazz groups before moving to San Diego in 1977.

Since that move Moore has become the first-call drummer for dozens of local artists, and a veritable who’s-who of big-name traveling jazz musicians, including saxophonists Art Pepper, Joe Farrell, Gerald Albright, pianists Billy Childs, Mike Garson, and Geoffrey Keezer.

Versatility is one of the qualities that keeps Moore’s number on everybody's speed-dial. He doesn’t just play jazz, he’s also an accomplished pop musician who has kept time for the acoustic-folk trio America, country-popster Billy Ray Cyrus, and the Little River Band.

Locally, he’s primarily involved with several Peter Sprague ensembles and Mark Dresser’s Quintet. In addition to mentoring private students, Moore teaches the drum-set at Mira Costa College.

A prolific studio musician, Moore has appeared on well over 100 albums, including Mill Creek Road by the Geoffrey Keezer/Peter Sprague Band, a 2011 release.