Trey Files  percussion

"Every student comes to the instrument with a desire to express themselves in a particular way, and I believe the first priority is to develop the skills necessary to allow that."

• D.M.A., City University of New York (ABD)
• M.M., Manhattan School of Music
• B.M., Stephen F. Austin State University

Born in the small town of Tyler, Texas with a population of 80,000, Trey moved to New York City for graduate school. "I came to NY after attending Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas—population 27,000. The change was welcome!" Trey began playing percussion in sixth grade. "I was usually assigned the mallet parts since I had taken piano lessons since second grade and could read music. I got a drum set in eighth grade and life was never the same for me or our neighbors."

As a teacher, Trey always begins by seeking out each student's specific interests. "Every student comes to the instrument with a desire to express themselves in a particular way, and I believe the first priority is to develop the skills necessary to allow that." Trey works with his students on the technique and concepts they will need to gain a broad understanding of musical styles. He is also open to working with young students, incorporating games such as "a rhythmic 'Simon Says' rather than focusing on repetitive drills." He has extensive experience working with adults including beginners and enjoys working with older students.

Trey's musical tastes are varied. His favorite composers include Beethoven, Brahms, Reich, and Cage. "For popular music, I'll listen to anything with Dave Grohl playing drums including Nirvana, Foo Fighters, and Queens of the Stone Age. I think Radiohead is currently the best band out there." Although Trey plays all percussion instruments he admits that he is "happiest playing rock drum set, though playing djembe (a drum from West Africa) is a close second. I also love playing unusual instruments such as conch shell, Peking opera gongs, and cappuccino frothers with my percussion quartet, Ethos Percussion Group." Trey can currently be heard on Broadway playing the percussion part in Spring Awakening. In his free time Trey enjoys spending time with his wife Lisa and daughter Romy. "Since Romy is currently only 4 months old, bouncing is now a big part of our lives."