Jeremy Noller

As a jazz drummer and world percussionist, Jeremy Noller represents both sides of a rare musical coin. Since his arrival in New York City in 2003, Jeremy has taken full advantage of the city’s diverse music scene, performing with many of the finest jazz musicians, contemporary percussionists, and West African drummers. For his debut album, Music Notes, Jeremy has brought together artists from these different musical realms to perform his original compositions and arrangements, which combine contemporary jazz and traditional West African rhythms. The result is an expression of Jeremy’s unique musical journey that reaches across boundaries to audiences of all walks of life.

As a jazz drummer and world percussionist, Jeremy Noller represents both sides of a rare musical coin. Since his arrival in New York City in 2003, Jeremy has taken full advantage of the city’s diverse music scene, performing with many of the finest jazz musicians, contemporary percussionists, and West African drummers. For his debut album, Music Notes, Jeremy has brought together artists from these different musical realms to perform his original compositions and arrangements, which combine contemporary jazz and traditional West African rhythms. The result is an expression of Jeremy’s unique musical journey that reaches across boundaries to audiences of all walks of life.

Originally from Libertyville IL, Jeremy began studying percussion at the age of nine. A standout musician in high school, he won a music scholarship to the University of Illinois, where he studied classical percussion with William Moersch. He went on to the University of North Florida, where he explored his deepening love for jazz with pianist Kevin Bales and legendary saxophonist/educator Bunky Green. While at UNF, Jeremy won numerous scholarships and awards including a Downbeat Student Music Award for Outstanding Instrumental Group in 2002. After graduating with honors in 2003, he was awarded a scholarship to attend the Manhattan School of Music. There he completed a master’s degree in jazz studies under the tutelage of world-renown drummer John Riley.

Diving head first into NYC’s diverse and multicultural music scene, Jeremy has worked extensively with the Ethos Percussion Group and the Drum Café. Both groups have offered him an opportunity to study and perform music from around the world, including West Africa, India, the Middle East, and South America. A particular love of West African drumming inspired him to further his studies with Guinean master drummer Mangue Sylla, who Jeremy tapped for percussion on Music Notes. He continues to seek out new influences and learning opportunities to inspire his playing and composing.

In touring extensively throughout U.S. and Europe, Jeremy has performed with jazz groups led by Chris Madsen, Erica VonKleist, Brian VanArsdale, Sherisse Rogers, and Gordon Webster, and has shared the stage with many notable musicians such as Kevin Bales, Donny McCaslin, Dick Oatts, Wycliffe Gordon, Wynton Marsalis, and Dr. Eddie Henderson. In NYC, Jeremy has performed at top venues such as Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, The Highline Ballroom, The Jazz Gallery, Cornelia Street Café, Symphony Space, and Joe’s Pub. Additionally, Jeremy has served as an accompanist for The New School University dance program since 2008.

An experienced music educator, Jeremy Noller has been actively teaching for over 10 years. He is currently on faculty at the Bloomingdale School of Music in Manhattan. He performs in educational outreach programs with both the Drum Café and the Ethos Percussion Group, and has taught as a resident artist for Midori & Friends and Young Audiences New York. Jeremy has also worked with Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Jazz in the Schools program bringing jazz workshops to schools throughout the New York City area.