Arts Directory

About

Artist Bio

Jeff Holland is a multi-ethnic percussion instructor who uses his travels and experiences to create ‘Our Musical Journey Around the World’ for the participants in his Teaching Artist Residencies and a variety of motivational programs. Through more than 20yrs of presentations, these programs have proven to reduce stress in the body, improve focus in the mind, and create connections in each community. He branched into the field of Vibrational Wellness, developing Sonic Energy Tour by using specific frequencies, textures, and therapeutic applications. He has performed with symphonies, choirs, multi-ethnic percussion ensembles, dance troupe accompaniment, and almost every genre of music you can imagine. Jeff has performed and collaborated with multiple grammy award-winning artists, and toured stages around the world with some of the biggest names in modern music. His recording portfolio is extensive, and he has released a few solo albums, along with many recordings used in broadcast and marketing. He’s composed music for Carolina Ballet Theatre, and he produced 2 albums recorded in Guinea by Bolokada Conde. The organization he founded, Our World Festival, supports cultural and healing artists, helping produce music to help archive their rhythms of life. Jeff plays corporate gigs with the Emerald Empire Band, The Grateful Brothers, and many others. Discover more about his work: DRUM4WORK.com, Our World Festival, Sonic Energy Tour, DRUM234, YouTube channel, Instagram, Facebook, etc. The knowledge from his traditional teachers, techniques of classical training, award-winning personality, and decades of team-building all come together to ‘Motivate People With The Rhythms of Life.’

Artist Statement

“Sometimes it’s a lot of work, but I’m so thankful get to play every day!” My artistic goal is to share the joy I discover with each sound. I truly believe music helps make our world a better place to live, learn, work, heal, and play well together! My passion for percussion expands many cultural influences and hybrid instrument creations. I literally play anything you can shake, rattle, scrape, roll, etc. I learn traditional instruments, study how they are used historically, create new improved sounds, and I’m always on a “Found Sound Treasure Hunt.” For over four decades, I’ve shared the best of everything I’ve found in our world of music. I will always consider myself to be more of a student than a teacher, and with every joy I discover, I’m inspired to share with those who are curious to learn.

I’ve always shared the rhythms and techniques I’ve learned from teachers around the world, because I believe that my mission here on earth is to “keep the rhythms going.” Younger generations have the whole world at their fingertips, and our job as experienced artists, is to inspire them to respect traditions, while learning to create a future for their legacy. I started teaching drum set and percussion very early, and my sonic artist goals are to help others find more vibrational wellness, creative expression, connection, communication, and celebration skills that can motivate everyone to lead their best life. Music is a universal language, and with every instrument, I can create conversations of peace and understanding, with students and audiences beyond my native tongue.

Music serves my life, and I use my life to serve others. I’ve always tithed 50% of my livelihood back into the community and educational system. For every hour I spend on a stage, in a studio, or teaching environment, I give an equal hour in free community programs, teaching in Title 1 schools at reduced rates, volunteering with high-risk youth, senior action, and other high-poverty areas. I believe everyone should have access to share their joy through music and other artforms. I’ve spent my entire life encouraging others, not only to find their joy, but also how they can use music to be more productive, focused, motivated, and inspired to share their rhythms with others, so the cycle continues. Many people that need music the most, can least afford it. My lifelong goal has been to help make interactive percussion more of a recreational activity than a passive musical performance. Onstage with audiences averaging over 60,000+ people per year, I facilitate call and response drumming exercises in every show, whether they have instruments or not. I encourage people to play along. In short, music is my life. I’m a sonic artist. I’m also a teaching artist. I share what I love, and hope everyone finds the right sounds to compose their successful song of life. I will always do my best to keep the rhythms going!