John Riley is a critically acclaimed performer, author, teacher, and recipient of the Percussive Arts
Society’s Lifetime Achievement in Education Award. He is a faculty member at the Manhattan School of Music, and previously taught at Kutztown University, Purchase College Conservatory of Music, and William Paterson University. Mr. Riley is also an Artist in Residence at the Amsterdam Conservatory in Holland, and has presented master classes around the world. He earned a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies from the University of North Texas, and a Master of Music, also in Jazz Studies, from the Manhattan School of Music.
A four time GRAMMY award winner and 14 time nominee, Mr. Riley has performed on hundreds of recordings and at major venues with such Jazz luminaries as: Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Stan Getz, Woody Herman, John Scofield, Joe Lovano, Bob Mintzer, The Carnegie Hall Jazz Band, and the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra to name but a few. Moreover, he is the author of The Art of Bop Drumming (which is currently published in five languages), Beyond Bop Drumming, The Jazz Drummer’s Workshop, and The Master Drummer.
When did you begin studying music?
I began studying the drums at the age of nine so I could play in a band.
Who were your primary teachers?
My primary teachers were: Tom Sicola, Joe Morello, Ron Fink, John Gates, and Paul Guerrero
When did you decide to pursue a career in music and what was your goal?
I was 16 and my goal was to perform with my idols.
Was your focus always on the drum set?
Drum set has always been my love, but I was a percussion major my first two years at the University of North Texas.
Who impacted your musical growth the most?
I would have to say it was Joe Morello.
What teaching positions have you held?
For over 30 years I have been a faculty member at the Manhattan School of Music. I previously taught for 15 years at William Paterson University and the Purchase College Conservatory of Music, and for 10 years at Kutztown University. I also taught at New York University and the New School.
What percussionists have inspired you the most?
It would be all of the legendary drum set players because of their technical fluency and musicality.
Is there a specific genre you enjoy performing the most?
Definitely Jazz.
What composers do you identify with?
All of the major jazz composers.
Do you get nervous before you play?
I have found that preparation is the key to not getting nervous. After years of varied experiences, I rarely find myself in completely new situations. When I do, I slow down my breathing, increase my focus and ask myself, What’s the worst thing that can happen? The answer is always that I don’t play up to my own expectations.
Do you ever make a mistake while performing?
Mistakes are inevitable, and resolving them in the moment is almost impossible. The key is to not dwell on it and keep powering forward.
Has your practice regimen changed from when you were a student?
It has, but I still practice the fundamentals daily. In addition I always work on challenging concepts that I’m curious about.
How do you define a good musician and a good teacher?
A good musician is someone who makes the players around him/her sound better. A good teacher inspires the curiosity and work ethic of his/her students.
Has teaching made you a better musician?
Yes, having to demonstrate and articulate concepts helps me clarify my understanding of them.
Knowing what you know today, would you change how you prepared for your career?
Looking back on it now, I would have spent more time developing my piano skills.
What words of wisdom would you share with students?
Find a great teacher; study recordings of great players; take every opportunity to play in rehearsals and in public; move to the city where you hope to have your career; don’t miss a day of practice; and focus on what you love.
If you would like to learn more about Mr. Riley, please visit his website at: johnriley.org
