ABOUT MUSIC & MEDIA ARTS
ABOUT MUSIC & MEDIA ARTS
A Creative Space to Learn, Create & Produce.
Music & Media Arts is a creative learning space where children, teens and adults can develop practical skills in music, production and media arts.
We bring instruction and creativity together so students can do more than learn individual techniques. They can understand their craft, explore their own ideas and put what they’re learning into practice.
From learning an instrument to producing music or creating digital media, Music & Media Arts provides a place to learn, experiment and grow.
OUR APPROACH
We believe creative education becomes more meaningful when students understand not only what they’re doing, but why they’re doing it.
Our approach connects theory, technique, creativity, technology and practical application. Students develop foundational skills while having opportunities to experiment, create and apply what they’re learning.
The experience may look different for every student and every program, but the goal remains the same: greater understanding, confidence and creative independence.
MEET THE EDUCATOR
Darryl Reeves
Musician • Producer • Educator • Media Creator
Performance Experience
Stages, studios and international collaborations
Education Focused
Teaching and musician development
Creative Leadership
Bandleader, producer and mentor
Real-World Experience
Industry knowledge applied to practical learning
Darryl Reeves is a saxophonist, composer, producer, arranger, bandleader, and educator with decades of experience in professional music, audio production, and media education. A graduate of Jackson State University with a degree in Music Education and a concentration in Jazz, Reeves also earned his master's degree from the University of New Orleans. His background as both an educator and working professional allows him to bring real-world experience in performance, composition, recording, and production directly into the learning environment.
Born in Jackson, Mississippi, and later moving to Miami, FL, Reeves grew up in a musical family surrounded by jazz, blues, gospel, soul, funk, and hip-hop. He began studying piano in elementary school and took up the saxophone at age eleven. By middle school, he was already performing professionally at small engagements while developing a serious interest in jazz. At the same time, he used money earned from gigs to begin building a bedroom recording studio, launching a parallel interest in audio engineering and music production that would remain an important part of his career.
At Jackson State University, Reeves studied with renowned bassist Dr. London Branch and drummer/jazz historian Alvin Fielder. He also served as an arranger for Jackson State's renowned Sonic Boom of the South marching band. After moving to New Orleans for graduate school, Reeves studied with Ed Peterson, Steve Masakowski, Ellis Marsalis, and Terence Blanchard. While living in New Orleans, he was a member of Delfeayo Marsalis' band, performing alongside Jason Marsalis, and was mentored by saxophonists Wessell Anderson and Donald Harrison.
Darryl Reeves performing at Georgia Public Broadcasting.
Reeves' professional associations include Jill Scott, Janelle Monáe, India.Arie, Roy Ayers, Angie Stone, Aaron Neville, The O'Jays, Young Jeezy, Phonte, Kirk Whalum, Avery*Sunshine, Nicholas Payton, Delfeayo Marsalis, Jason Marsalis, Robert Glasper, Russell Gunn, Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah, Julie Dexter, Frank McComb, Donnie, Jhelisa, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Toku, Maurice “Mo Betta” Brown, Roland Guerin, Quamon Fowler, and members of Rick James' band, among others.
As a bandleader, composer, and producer, Reeves has independently released Viewpoints, The Activator, Diary of a Bandstand, Mercury, and The Dillaquarium Mixtape. He has garnered more than a million Spotify streams, an international listening audience, and extensive experience in jazz, R&B, hip-hop, and music production. His music has been regularly played by Questlove and DJ Jazzy Jeff, and members of The Pharcyde recognized his interpretation of their song “She Said.” In 2013, Reeves was named one of Vibe magazine's Top 50 Independent Artists.
Reeves' interest in technology and production has developed alongside his musicianship since adolescence. While at Jackson State, he gained early exposure to Pro Tools and digital recording through sessions involving rapper David Banner and engineer Dale Morris. As a graduate assistant and studio monitor at the University of New Orleans, he further developed his experience recording live musicians and working with microphones, acoustic instruments, and studio technology. His continued pursuit of recording knowledge later included guidance from acclaimed engineers Joe Ferla and Russell Elevado.
In addition to his extensive background in music and music production, Darryl brings years of professional and teaching experience in media production. His work spans graphic design, photography, video production, editing, digital media, animation, content production, and the Adobe Creative Suite.
Darryl has also worked extensively within Atlanta’s television and film production industry, gaining hands-on experience across a wide range of professional productions—from national brand commercials for companies such as Coca-Cola and Blue Bunny to music video productions for artists including GloRilla and Kem. This combination of creative, technical, and real-world production experience informs his approach to teaching media arts, giving students practical insight into both the creative process and the professional production environment.
Darryl Reeves helped mentor Grammy-winning multi-instrumentalist Morgan Guerin during his formative years, providing guidance as he developed as a young musician.
Ready to Start Creating?
Tell us what you or your student is interested in learning, creating or developing, and we’ll help you find the right place to begin.