James Chiodo brings over 20 years of drumming, performing, and studio experience to Keen School of Music. A Belmont University graduate with a degree in Music Business and a minor in percussion, James has spent his career immersed in band, orchestra, live performance, studio sessions, and touring.

As a Gallatin local with deep musical roots, he’s passionate about helping students build confidence and discover their own rhythm.

James grew up in a musical family. His father is a lifelong drummer and respected music educator who taught Drum Corps, band, and percussion programs across Illinois and Tennessee. His father’s influence shaped James’s love of teaching and his belief that music grows best in an encouraging, creative environment.

At Belmont, James studied under legendary drummers Derico Watson, Chester Thompson, and Zoro, whose mentorship helped shape his style, versatility, and teaching philosophy. Since then, James has performed across a wide range of genres, including rock, metal, punk, funk, R&B, hip-hop, and more.

 

He’s also played iconic Nashville venues like Rocketown, Exit/In, The End, Hi-Watt, Mercy Lounge, and The 5 Spot. His studio credits include sessions at Blackbird Studios, Ocean Way, RCA Studios, and Belmont Studios, working alongside producers such as J. Hall, Leland Elliott, Nick Blazina, and George Pauley.

James’s biggest musical influences include Tomas Haake (Meshuggah), Danny Carey of Tool, Deftones, City and Colour, and Balance and Composure, and he loves bringing that passion for creative, high-energy music into his lessons.

In the lesson room, James builds a customized curriculum for every student no matter what stage they are starting from. He teaches from a variety of percussion methods to support each student’s goals.

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"As an educator, my goal is to ignite passion. It's to ignite the creative fire that lives in all musicians. To find that source of joy in creating the sounds, grooves, lyrics, and in their essence, the songs that live inside us and are waiting to be given to the world. My aim isn't to teach you how to play like me, but simply, to learn how to just play. It all evolves from there."

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"If the joy is there, the passion can be ignited, the skills can be taught, and I feel like I can help guide you there. The journey is the destination. Let's take a journey through sound. "

James is proud to teach in the town he calls home and excited to help the next generation of drummers grow here at Keen School of Music.