Joey Glassman is a professional percussionist, timpanist, drummer, jazz vibraphonist, educator, and composer. Joey’s studies in music began at a young age, born into an already musical family. Those studies progressed into his formative years, resulting in a Bachelor of Music in Classical Percussion Performance from The University of Denver’s Lamont School of Music under scholarship. During his undergraduate studies, Joey received awards such as Outstanding Undergraduate Senior in Performance (awarded to only one senior in the music program), Outstanding Senior Percussion Recital, Outstanding Junior Percussion Recital, as well as a Downbeat award for Best Classical Group as a part of the Lamont Symphony Orchestra. In May 2019, he completed his graduate studies at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). He received a full tuition waiver, majoring in Jazz Vibraphone performance under the direction of Chip Stephens. Chip Stephens always boasted Joey’s “artistic spirit” during performances and lessons. During his time at UIUC, Joey was also a teaching assistant for the music theory department, overseen by Heinrich Taube, Stephen Taylor, and Carlos Carrillo. As a non-composition major, this is quite atypical. The choice was made based on Joey’s exceptional Music Theory and Aural Skills entrance exams results.
Joey has over 10 years professional classical percussion experience. His most recent endeavors have led him to win the Principal Timpani and Percussion position with the Arapahoe Philharmonic in 2019. In 2020, he joined the Denver Brass, serving as Percussionist, Timpanist, and Drummer. He has played substitute and extra percussion with leading ensembles, such as The Colorado Symphony, Sinfonia da Camera, Champaign-Urbana Symphony, Greeley Philharmonic, and Fort Collins Symphony. Joey has played under the batons of Andrew Litton, Christopher Dragon, Brett Mitchell, Jeffrey Kahane, Scott O’Neill, and Bobby McFerrin, and in concerts featuring soloists such as Bela Fleck, Victor Wooten, and Bobby McFerrin. He has played in prestigious venues including Red Rocks Amphitheater, Boettcher Concert Hall, Gates Concert Hall, and Foellinger Great Hall.
As a Jazz musician, Joey has played with artists such as Chip Stephens, Chip McNeill, Tito Carrillo, Larry Gray, Joel Spencer, Donnie Heitler, Kevin Matthews, Tom Amend, Alex Heffron, and Hunter Roberts. Joey’s most recent endeavor is his quartet dedicated to the music of Radiohead. As well, he performs nationwide as a soloist with Louis Colaiannia.
As an educator, Joey currently is a Drumline Instructor at the United States Air Force Academy Cadet Drum and Bugle Corps, under the direction of Scott Crump. Scott has said this is the best drumline he’s had for seven years. Joey continues to see success in his private studio, drawing from previous experience as a private and ensemble instructor at Rock Canyon High School, The Conservatory of Central Illinois, Performance Play Music School, Eaglecrest High School, Cherry Creek Academy, St. Edward High School, and Dakota Ridge High School. He has taught ages 3-74. Please note: Joey is not accepting private students at this time. Thank you!
Composing music has always been very important to Joey, with beginnings as early as grade school. His most significant works include his latest album, On My Mind, the score for Carrie O’Toole’s documentary Forfeiting Sanity: What if Love is Not Enough, the score for her short film Little: A Bullying Story.