Jim Piesse career overview

Jim’s broad musical experience includes playing and touring with a who’s who of Australian and international artists, including David Hobson, Tim Draxl, The Seekers, Spike Milligan, Ronnie Corbett, Ross Wilson, The Four Kinsmen and Marina Prior.
As Musical Director for The Kinsmen, Jim played an extended season in Las Vegas, leading a band of first-call local musicians. Jim has toured extensively in the U.S.A., at the same time taking the opportunity to learn from some of the world’s great teachers.

Jim has had extensive experience playing improvised music as a member of the acclaimed Nolan/Buddle quartet, and as a member of Galapagos Duck. He has also played concerts with bands led by Al Cohn, Barney Kessel, and Paul McNamara.

Jim first studied at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, later going to the U.S.A. to learn from the famous Murray Spivack (teacher of drummers Louis Bellson, David Garibaldi and Chad Wackerman).

Jim has also studied with celebrated teacher Ed Soph. (Who has taught many of today’s leading drummers, including John Robinson and Keith Carlock)

Jim won an Australian PPCA grant to continue his studies with the legendary Joe Morello. Morello taught the techniques that are used by Dave Weckl, Neil Peart, Steve Smith, and many others.

Having studied with Morello for an extended period, Jim now shares this material in his acclaimed workshops, with the blessing of Morello himself. These contemporary techniques, which include the Moeller technique, allow drummers to play with more speed, fluidity and relaxation.

Leading Australian players come to Jim for help with developing and refining their technique. Amongst the many drummers who have benefited from Jim’s knowledge are Gerry Pantazis, Tim Firth, Hamish Stuart, Glenn Wilson, Andrew Gander, Jamie Cameron and Craig Simon. Six of the ten finalists in the Australian Jazz Competition, 2011, had had lessons with Jim, including Tim Firth, the winner, and Dave Goodman, who came third.

Jim has also played for the Australian seasons of shows such as Company, Little Shop of Horrors, 42ndStreet, Charlie Girl, No,No Nanette and Joseph’s Technicolour Dreamcoat.

Most recently Jim’s musicianship has won him gigs with David Hobson and Marina Prior.

Jim endorses DW Drums, Sabian Cymbals, Pro Mark Sticks, Evans Heads, and QuietTone practice pads.