James Dreier

James Dreier is a drum set-Latin percussion specialist, educator, clinician, and performer. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Berklee College of Music (Boston, MA) and a Master of Arts degree in music theory from the University of Iowa.

As an Associate Professor of Instruction (jazz) at the University of Iowa, Dreier’s duties include teaching Jazz Improvisation for Drum Set, Jazz Cultures in America and Abroad, and directing the Latin-jazz Ensemble. He also performs frequently with a variety of bands and ensembles, including Three Dogs and a Bone, the UI Jazz Faculty group, The Beaker Brothers Band and his own Latin jazz band, Ritmocano.

Dreier published his book, Latin Jazz Guide, A Path To Authentic Percussion and Ensemble Performance (Hal Leonard Corp.) in October 2015 as well as two CDs, Familia (2014, Realtown Records) and Iowa Friends/Cuban Music (2020, self-released).

Dreier will publish his second book, Standard Tune Learning Sequence, A Musical Approach to Improvisation for Jazz Drummers, in August of 2021.