About

Jon Hill, originally from Raleigh, NC and currently residing in Wilmington, NC, is a talented drummer who embarked on his musical journey at the age of 5. Inspired by his brother, he quickly learned to play the drums and began jamming alongside him on the guitar. As he grew older, Jon immersed himself in the world of music, honing his skills by playing along to his favorite records and understanding the role of the drums.

During his middle school and high school years, Jon participated in the school bands, playing in the percussion section and gaining valuable experience in ensemble performance and reading music. It was also during this time that he collaborated with his brother, creating drum cover videos for his YouTube channel, which has now garnered over 1 million views.

Jon's musical journey took a significant leap after graduating from high school when he was accepted into the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA to pursue music performance. Under the guidance of the renowned drummer Alberto Netto, he studied and collaborated with exceptional musicians, contributing to numerous projects, recordings, and performances.

Following his time at Berklee, Jon transferred to the University of North Carolina - Wilmington (UNCW) to continue his performance studies. Upon his arrival in Wilmington, he swiftly integrated himself into the vibrant local music scene. He played jazz alongside esteemed musicians such as Benny Hill (saxophone) and well-known jazz educator Jerald Shynett (trombone), while also collaborating with local indie, rock, and hip-hop groups. Throughout his tenure at UNCW, Jon established himself as a working musician, leading his own ensembles and performing as a sideman for various acts.

In 2018, Jon graduated from UNCW with a B.A. in Music, solidifying his position as a respected and sought-after drummer. Recognizing his talent and contributions, the UNCW Department of Music invited Jon to join their faculty as a drum set instructor, where he imparted his knowledge and expertise to undergraduate drummers through private lessons and masterclasses.

In pursuit of further musical growth, Jon made the decision to pursue a master's degree in jazz studies at North Carolina Central University (NCCU). As a testament to his exceptional skill, he was awarded a graduate assistantship, which included a full tuition waiver and stipend. Relocating to Durham, NC, Jon attended the program while continuing his teaching duties at UNCW.

Joining the NCCU program opened doors for Jon to perform with jazz legends such as Branford Marsalis, Joey Calderazzo, and Antonio Hart in masterclasses and concerts, enriching his musical journey even further. Notably, in February 2023, the NCCU Big Band, with Jon on the drums, secured first place at the Jack Rudin Jazz Championship held at the Lincoln Center in New York City, triumphing over top college bands nationwide.

Jon's dedication to his craft and passion for teaching have remained steadfast. Since completing his master's degree in Spring 2024, he has continued to perform, teach, collaborate with fellow artists on recording projects, and create compelling content for his YouTube channel.