275 – Peter Retzlaff: Teaching at The Collective School of Music in NYC, Exposure to Multiple Cultures Through Music, Important Mentors in His Early Years

Peter Retzlaff is a New York City-based drummer. As a performer, Peter is equally at home in jazz, rock, funk, Brazilian, Afro-Cuban, Afro-Caribbean, odd meter, and New Orleans drumming styles. Peter has played with Kenny Werner, Greg Osby, Diane Schuur, Ray Vega, Maynard Ferguson, Pete McCann, Kim Bock, Loren Stillman, The BMI Big Band, The Jamie Begian Big Band, and his own group, Steeplechase recording artists Flow. 

 As an educator, Peter is Director of Curriculum and a full-time instructor at The Collective School Of Music (formerly known as The Drummer’s Collective). In addition, Peter teaches at the New School in New York City.

 Peter is the author of two books, Turn It Up And Lay It Down: Baby Steps To Giant Steps and Contemporary Jazz Styles For Drums.

 Peter received a B.A. in Jazz and Commercial Music and a B.A. in Business Administration from Capital University. He has also received a M.M. in Jazz Studies from the Manhattan School of Music and is the recipient of three National Endowment for the Arts Grants. 

Check out Beier Snare’s here – https://www.beierdrums.com

Featured Beier snare recording is Eddie Bayers drumming for Scotty Simpson

In this episode, Peter talks about:

* Why he moved from Columbus Ohio to New York City* Teaching at The Collective School Of Music* The books he published* The influence and inspiration of growing up in Columbus Ohio* The influence of diverse cultures in music* Teaching in New York in the midst of Covid-19

Peter endorses Innovative Percussion, Zildjian, Remo, and Canopus