James Allen

Initially self- taught by grooving to classic rock records, James earned a BM in music performance from SUNY Purchase, did three national tours as a show drummer, then went on to complete a master's in music performance at Yale.
James studied Latin percussion at the Boys Harbor in Spanish Harlem, and honed his hand drumming chops by accompanying dance classes.
James obtained his teaching certificate from Central Connecticut State University and is now in his 21st year teaching music in Darien, Connecticut, focusing on the Orff Schulwerk methodology. He obtained his level 1 Orff training last summer.

James also plays middle eastern percussion (including frame drum, riq and dumbek) with a Sephardic group and presents workshops on applying frame drums in the music classroom.
He composes for the frame drum as well, having recently published a duet and a solo piece for the instrument.
James also plays drum set regularly with a jazz trio.