About Me

J. Durrell Gibbs is a professional percussionist and music educator with more than 35 years of experience playing drums and percussion. Over the years, he has had the opportunity to play in just about every kind of musical situation, from musical theater and orchestras to accompanying choirs and holiday ensembles. He has also recorded and performed jazz, rock, folk, Latin, and world music.

That variety is a big part of what Durrell enjoys about being a musician. Every style has its own language, and every group has its own way of making music. He enjoys listening, finding his place in the sound, and being able to adapt when the music takes an unexpected turn. Improvisation and playing by ear are a big part of his approach, and he believes some of the best musical moments happen when you are paying attention and responding rather than simply playing what is written on the page.

Percussion is his primary instrument, but his interest in guitar, bass, piano, and other instruments has given him a broader understanding of how musicians interact and work together. After more than three decades of playing, Durrell still finds plenty of reasons to pick up a pair of sticks and learn something new, and has spent enough time behind a drum kit to develop a healthy respect for earplugs.

For Durrell, being a musician means never really being finished learning. There is always another rhythm to discover, another instrument to try, or another musical problem to solve. That curiosity and experience are what he brings with him as an educator.