In this episode, I sit down with percussionist Doug Perkins for a wide-ranging conversation that starts with a few personal connections and quickly opens up into a bigger discussion about music, teaching, and the kind of “improbable events” that can change a person’s life. Doug and I talk about our shared link through LSU and Brett Dietz, and Doug tells the story of how he learned bass guitar in the eighth grade to get into a jazz band, which led to rehearsals at home, a punk band with Brett called The Septic Kreptics, and a deep early education in groove, feel, and listening. We dig into the teachers who shaped Doug’s path, especially Jack DiIanni, and why fundamentals, sound, and real-life performing situations became such a foundation for everything that came next.

Doug shares how his background in drum set and bass informs the way he plays and teaches, especially when it comes to music like Steve Reich, where micro-groove, ensemble feel, and knowing your role inside the bigger texture are everything. We also talk about how students learn now, how algorithm-driven listening can shrink context, and why so many young musicians feel pressure to avoid mistakes when everything can feel like a permanent record. Doug explains how he actively teaches context, lineage, and listening, and why basic production skills matter more than ever, including signal flow, microphones, sound reinforcement, and the simple confidence that comes from knowing how to set up a PA or wrap a cable correctly.

From there, Doug takes us into his world at the University of Michigan, where he helps lead a large percussion studio with a faculty team that spans orchestral playing, contemporary music, improvisation, and drum set. We talk about the balance between performing and teaching, and how parenting an 18-year-old college student has changed the way he supports first-year undergrads. Doug also tells the story of his long relationship with composer John Luther Adams, including how a formative early experience with Strange and Sacred Noise eventually led to performances in the Alaskan tundra, floating stages in Central Park, and outdoor concerts where the audience hikes in and the environment becomes part of the piece. We wrap up with what’s ahead for Doug, including significant projects, collaborations, performances, and the ongoing joy of bringing students into real work that proves their “crazy ideas” can matter in the world.

Music from the Episode:
Nagoya Marimbas (Steve Reich, composer - Todd Meehan & Doug Perkins, marimbas)
XY (Michael Gordon, composer - Doug Perkins, percussion)
Strange and Sacred Noise (John Luther Adams, composer - Morris Palter, Rob Esler, Steven Schick, & Doug Perkins - percussion)

Thank you for listening. If you have questions, feedback, or ideas for the show, please email me at [email protected].