Ulysses S. Owens Jr. graduated from The Juilliard School in New York City in May 2006 with a Bachelors in Music in Jazz Studies. At the tender age two, Owens began playing the drums at church. Because of his youth and inability read music, it was difficult for him to find an instructor to improve what he considered a “natural ability”. Although he was able to learn other instruments, the drums were his true love. He was 8 years old when he had the opportunity to study classical percussion, drum set and classical piano. These tools helped him greatly with his understanding and reading of harmony and melody, which gave his playing an exceptional sensitivity and musical awareness. Ulysses also uses this ability to create many other works. The Washington D.C Arts Counsel commissioned him to compose the opening music for the 24th Annual Mayoral Arts. This event featured African percussion, Jazz Ensemble, and dancers from The Kennedy Center in 2009. His passion for drums and focus has never wavered, and this is why he was selected by Modern Drummer Magazine as a finalist in “Up.”
