JON DI FIORE

DRUMMER • COMPOSER • EDUCATOR

Jon Di Fiore is a drummer/composer performing throughout greater New Jersey/New York City. Major projects include three albums of his own compositions: Two Sided Truth (2017) & Yellow Petals (2014 Third Freedom Music) featuring the Jon Di Fiore Trio, and Patience (2012) for mixed ensemble featuring saxophonist Rich Perry and trumpeter Joe Magnarelli.  His music is a fresh yet insightful take on the jazz tradition, influenced by classical, modern, and world music. Jon has had the fortune to perform as a sideman with NYC greats such as The Steve LaSpina Group, Joel Frahm, Rich Perry, Billy Drewes, Randy Brecker, Matthew Fries, Steve Davis, Scott Robinson, and Paul Meyers. Di Fiore earned a B.M. from New Jersey City University and an M.M. from William Paterson University.

Di Fiore spent his childhood learning to play the drums through replication.  Lacking a formal education on the instrument, Jon imitated the drummers he heard on his parents cd collection.  He moved on to study music in college and gained an interest in composition.  Aside from his own groups and freelancing as a jazz drummer, Jon freelances as a percussionist making his Lincoln Center debut at Avery Fisher Hall performing with the Park Avenue Chamber Symphony in May of 2011.  He is also an Adjunct Professor of Music at Essex County College & Union County College, an instructor for the William Paterson University Summer Jazz Workshop, and an instructor of drums and percussion at Serrano’s Music Academy in Belleville, NJ.