Welcome to the Discussions section. Here you can leave me a message or post a question. I'll do my best to respond in person. If you'd like to contact me directly, feel free to email me at the address below.

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Hi Mr. Riley, I am auditioning at SUNY purchase on March 6 on drumset, and I was just wondering if you are going to be at the audition, and do you teach full time at SUNY purchase. Thanks
by John Meeske (rochester, NY)February 12, 2009 6:18 PM
Hi John, your books have helped me to become a better teacher and player. Thanks! As a big Billy Higgins fan, I always saw him on a borrowed drumset. Do you know if he typically used a specific brand of drums? The picture of him in your book looks like the drums he used on the Ron Carter/Art Farmer video I have, but I can't tell the maker. I've always known what kind of drums my musical heros play, but it just ocurred to me I've never known that about Billy. I would appreciate any info you might have on this matter. Thanks again! Tim
by Timothy Rap (Portland OR)February 12, 2009 4:04 AM
Hi John, I'm trying to find recordings of some samba, songo, or afro-cuban style tunes with drum solos on them to transcribe for a jury. Are there any recordings of yourself that you could recommend?
by Ben Pham (Arlington, TX)January 30, 2009 5:12 PM
hey John , Just wanted to say thank you again for sharing your DVD with me. It will be a huge success!!! I'm sure. And the great thing about your DVD is that you show the whole picture (musical aspect) of the function of a drummer and not only one single aspect like technique or coordination or one style, like so many other DVDs.
by clemente (nyc)January 25, 2009 5:25 PM
Hello John, well first I would like to wish you a blessed bountiful new year and would like to thank you for all you have done for the community as a player/educator, and student. I had just seen the the new Steve Smith DVD and I have to say this video would have lost the degree of education if you had not been there to uplift and break down such expression and information. you saved this dvd and opened it up to better inform and educate the community. You are a gift to the drum community and I thank you. So after watching this DVD and being a student of your books and music I could not get the thought out of my head that you should of been the one to do this DVD you are the most (to my EARS) experienced one to share and PLAY such valuable information. Steve is a great player and his efforts on educating the community are so welcomed. however I believe you are most educated and experienced in how these masters played phrased, accompanied and soloed on their instruments with color ,texture and form, these legends had special tuning and space that shared an atmospheric attitude. AgAIN thank you for interviewing and wonderfully educating the community on this DVD, but I can't help but wonder WHEN or if you will put out a DVD of your own, your education and talent is a GIFT to us all THANK you Will Iam
by WillIam Frost (boston)January 12, 2009 2:36 AM
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