Interview with Jonathan Ulman – Session Drummer/Percussion Department Manager Of Berklee College Of Music
About a month ago I came across a pic of Jonathan Ulman that was posted by Vic Firth’s twitter account. It was a pic of Ulman signing an endorsement contract. When I saw that I became curious and wanted to find out more about him.
I sent Ulman an email and he was quick to reply! After a few emails I asked if he would be interested in doing a short interview for the blog and he agreed. Just through talking back and forth online I could tell that Ulman is passionate about drumming and he comes off as a humble human being. He’s a hard working drummer and anyone in the drumming community would benefit from looking this guy up.
1. Who are you and what do you do?
I’m Jonathan Ulman and I work as a session drummer as well as I am the Percussion Department Manager at Berklee College Of Music
2. How and when did you get into drumming?
I started playing the drums under the recommendation of my piano teacher when I was eleven years old. My parents found me an old drum set and I would borrow my brothers Hip-Hop records and try to mimic the drum parts. From there I got really into the Rolling Stones, and pretty much fell in love with the music from the 60’s and 70’s.
3. What projects/bands are you currently working with?
Currently I am playing and touring with Thalia Zedek (COME, Live Skull, Uzi) and Lenny Lashley (Street Dogs, Darkbuster) but I am on a regular rotation with with anywhere between 7-10 bands at any given time.
4. If you were stranded on an island and you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Oooof tough one… but I would say Beggars Banquet
5. What is your goal with drumming? Basically, what do you hope to accomplish with drumming when you look back on your life one day?
I think my goals have stayed pretty consistent throughout my career. Play as much as possible, with as many people as I can, and continue to grow both as a musician and as a person. I’m very lucky to have had the opportunity to travel the world playing music meeting, and collaborating with many amazing artists. I hope that continues for years to come. Most importantly, always have fun doing it!
mattdudleydrumming.com 