Tambourine 101 with Herlin Riley
The church-born technique, explained for Jazz at Lincoln Center's Essentially Ellington.
Clinics & masterclasses
Pass the torch
A former adjunct drum professor at the University of New Orleans, The Juilliard School and Northwestern University, Herlin teaches the rhythms he learned at the kitchen table and in the church.
What he teaches
Three ways to bring him in
- 01New Orleans second-line drummingStreet beats, bass-drum language and the parade pocket — the rhythms behind jazz itself.
- 02Tambourine & hand percussionThe sanctified-church technique he learned watching the ladies of the congregation.
- 03Ensemble residenciesBig band and combo coaching for schools, universities and festivals.
Teaching history: Zildjian artist profile (opens in a new tab).
See him teach
Lessons & conversations
From the Drummer's Perspective — with Ulysses Owens Jr.
An Open Studio deep-dive on craft and career.