Faculty

Profile

Drummer/Bandleader/Composer Jeff “Siege” Siegel  

Musician Jimmy Heath has noted, “Jeff's musicality is incredible. He is so tasty as a percussionist and he has become a fine composer/arranger.” Drummer/Composer Jeff "Siege" Siegel is a veteran of the New York Jazz scene and has worked with a virtual "who's who" of artists. He came onto the New York scene in 1980-83 as a member of the quartet of the legendary multi-instrumentalist Arthur Rhames. After six years with the group Second Sight, which featured trumpeter Dave Douglas, Siegel became a member of the Sir Roland Hanna Trio from 1994-'99. From the years 1990 – present he has been co-led several touring ensembles as well as The Jeff “Siege” Siegel Quartet.  

Siegel's diverse career has also led him to perform and/or record with legends such as Ron Carter, Kenny Burrell, Jack DeJohnette, Pat Metheny, Benny Golson, Frank Foster, Sheila Jordan, Helen Merrill, Mose Allison, John Medeski, Stefon Harris, Kurt Elling, Ravi Coltrane, Ryan Kisor, Michael Dease, Dave Stryker, Ken Peplowski, Steve Wilson, John Medeski, Dena DeRose, Dave Liebman, Pete & Tony Levin, Feya Faku, Steve Turre, Lee Shaw and many others. He has worked in the avant garde world as well with artists such as Wadada Leo Smith, Baikida Carroll and Esa Pietila. He has performed over 30 European tours including four as leader of the Jeff “Siege” Siegel Quartet and several others as co-leader at various festivals, concert venues and clubs. His touring has also led to performances and clinics throughout the United States, South Africa, South America, China and Canada.  

As an educator, Siegel is a faculty member at Western Connecticut State University, The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music and The State University of New York at New Paltz. He holds a Masters Degree in Jazz from Queens College where he studied composition with Jimmy Heath. He has been the recipient of several grants from Meet the Composer and endorses Canopus Drums, Beato Bags and Vic Firth drum sticks.

Degrees Held

B.A. Political Science (SUNY Albany)

B.F.A.Music (City College of New York)

M.A. in Jazz (Queens College)

Professional Affiliation

BMI, International Association of Schools of Jazz

Awards And Honors

USAI Grant Winner, US Embassy South Africa & Eswatini featured Artist/Performer/Clinician, 1st Place Best Jazz Group Jazzaldia Festival, San Sebastian, Spain, Best Soloist (3rd Place) Jazzaldia Festival, San Sebastian, Spain.