Jim Donovan Music

Jim Donovan
is an award winning facilitator, teacher, and performer and was one of the founding members of the multi-platinum selling band Rusted Root from 1990-2005.

His music has been featured in major motion films such as Ice Age, Twister, Mathilda as well as on various network television shows such as American Idol, David Letterman, Conan O'Brien, Party of Five and the PBS "Web of Life" documentary.

Fulfilling his desire to share the power of rhythm first hand, Donovan facilitates a series of corporate and university drumming programs and public drumming workshops throughout the US and Europe. He is the director of the Retreat for the Soul in Ambialet, France, the Summer Rhythm Renewal in Loretto, PA,  and The Great Rhythm Revival in Sherman, NY.

As a solo artist and teacher, Donovan has released 6 highly acclaimed solo CD's as well as several popular instructional drumming audio and video products including his newest release World Rhythm Seeds : Jam Along Audio Tool CD.

Donovan is also a featured monthly columnist in Drum! Magazine.

Donovan received his BA in music from the University of Pittsburgh where he had the opportunity to study African Music with noted scholar Kwabena Nketia from Ghana. Over the years he has learned and performed with various African master drummers such as Congolese master drummer Elie Kihonia, Damien Pwono, Mamady Keita and Etse Nyadedzor. Currently Jim Donovan is an instructor of music at Saint Francis University in Loretto, PA.