Background, professional training and performance history
Jesse Greenlee is a drummer, percussionist, and composer dedicated to performance and education. He started playing drums at age 11 when his father, who is also a drummer, introduced him to the instrument. He brings years of playing, private teaching, recording, and touring experience to the Shedd Institute. He received his Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance from the University of Illinois in Champaign, IL, where he played with multiple jazz combos and big bands.
He is influenced by all styles of music and art. He has shown deep musical instincts and a gift for playing music texturally, bringing that talent to national touring acts American Minor (Jive Records), Lorenzo Goetz (Innocent Words), and Sun Stereo (Independent). With over 15 years of touring experience, he has shared the stage with such acts as, The Zac Brown Band, George Clinton and Parliament, G Love and the Special Sauce, Chuck Berry, The Woods Brothers, and many others. He has also played music festivals such as: Bonnaroo, Gentlemen of the Road, Summercamp, and North Coast Music Festival. He currently resides in Eugene, OR and is working on his masters degree in Jazz Performance at the University of Oregon.
Artist statement and teaching philosophy
“My educational approach combines music fundamentals along with a relaxed and natural approach to playing the drums. I give the student the blueprints and they build the house while I offer suggestions to problems when they arise. I want to help my students find out what they love about the instrument and help them achieve their personal goals. Most of all, I want us to have fun in our lessons. Enjoyment is the number one reason we create and learn the language that is music."
Instruments & classes taught
Jesse teaches all styles of music: rock, jazz, blues, funk, latin, fusion, reggae, country, hip-hop, and sub-genres of these styles. He is most comfortable teaching drum set, concert snare, hand percussion, vibes, and auxiliary percussion.