Photo by Austin Aubrey
“An American Original”
“Steve is quite simply a rare, unique voice in the world of contemporary drumming. His inventive, rhythm-provocative ideas; his perspective on disparate polyrhythms are at the forefront.”
“One of the most mindful and technical drummers of our time. As a drummer, Steve thinks as much as he feels. He bridges the gap between mathematics and spirituality.
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Steve Lyman has emerged as a global leader of contemporary music on the drums. Known for his singular sound, a deeply integrative approach, high technical fluidity and a vast knowledge of rhythm and independence, Lyman has blended traditions of jazz, rock, classical and electronic languages to create a unique and emotionally relevant soundscape on the drums. Currently, Lyman is crafting a formal rhythmic practice called the Vector System: which is a modular rhythmic system that utilizes two adjacent time points simultaneously.
As a performer, Lyman’s aim is to find the inner-space of any musical architecture. His sonic pallet on the drums has been described as: nuanced, articulate, fluid, compositional, emotional, complex, mind-altering, and minimalistic. This capacity has allowed Lyman to work with a vast array of musical leaders such: Machinedrum, TMPRL, Jon Batiste, Gilad Hekselman, Donny McCaslin, Ari Hoenig, members of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Robert Koch, J3PO, Guy Gerber, Chase Baird, and many others.
Additionally, Steve Lyman is sought out as a world-renowned educator, teaching some of the world’s most recognized players. Lyman also leads global retreats and international drum clinics. In 2023 Lyman will collaborate with celebrated drummer Virgil Donati.
For private study Steve leads an intensive Coaching Program for clients. Information can be found in the Coaching section.
Steve Lyman was named No. 2 “Up & Coming” drummer in the 2020 Modern Drummer Magazine Reader’s Poll.
Endorsements: Craviotto Drum Company, Istanbul Agop Cymbols, Remo Drumheads, Vic Firth Drumsticks, Sunhouse Sensors, Lowboy Beaters.
Lyman holds a BFA in Performance and Composition from the New School in New York City and an MM in Performance and Composition from the University of Utah.
Steve Lyman currently lives in Brooklyn, NY.