Philosophy
"Through rhythm we can connect, make new discoveries and spread joy."
Brian Shankar Adler works with students to develop their innate sense of rhythm and creativity. His teaching centers on the premise that rhythm lives naturally within our bodies and our environment. Drawing on a lifelong study of percussion, composition, and improvisation, Adler synthesizes these disciplines and approaches each student individually. With a focus on technique, repertoire, and listening, he helps students develop their ears, embody music, and break through perceived limitations.
Frequent Areas of Study
Rhythm
Improvisation
Composition
Jazz
Hindustani Tala
Global Rhythms
Conducting
Instrument Building
Master Classes / Workshops
The Art of Rhythm
The Art of Composition
The Art of Improvisation
On Faculty
photo by David Murray
Master Classes / Workshops / Residencies
Barranquilla Jazz, Bates College, Brooklyn Conservatory, Carnegie Hall, Colby College, The Cooperage, EMC Argentina, Hoff Barthelson Conservatory, Jersey City University, Mar del Plata Institute of Contemporary Art, Jazz Halifax, National Guild For Community Arts Education, New York University, Portland Conservatory of Music, Seacoast Jazz Society, University of Maine, University of New Hampshire, University of Oregon, and Vermont College of Fine Arts
Testimonials
"Capturing an entire audience is a cherished skill of the experienced performer, and blowing the minds of every student in the class is the reward of the accomplished educator. Brian Shankar Adler accomplished both tasks with ease as he mesmerized everyone in the room with his amazing knowledge and skill.” ~Tom, workshop participant
"It is rare to find a course (and a teacher) that engages each member's creativity in an ongoing way. Brian's teaching fuses intellect, technique (at whatever level), and emotion and creates powerful memories. We will neither forget our constructions nor many others within the group." ~Carol Anne, workshop participant