Riley Hodges is currently a student at Kennesaw State University studying Music Composition. Riley is primarily percussionist, but also plays piano and guitar. His musical influences include: Steve Reich, Tigran Hamasyan, Hans Zimmer, and more. Riley strives to combine the classical and pop musical worlds, creating music that appeals to both professional musicians and average listeners alike. He combines many of his influences to write music that is often rhythmically and metrically complex, but groovy and easy to listen to.

Riley’s musical journey began as an infant. His mother would play classical music at night to help him sleep. At a young age Riley was already listening to great works by artists such as Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms, etc. He first began his journey as a player by taking piano lessons at the age of 6 years old. These piano lessons served as the foundation to all of his musical knowledge he has acquired throughout his life. Riley switched to guitar a few years later, and truly discovered his passion for music through this instrument.

Middle school sparked the beginning of his percussion career, and truly allowed him to devote himself to music. After failing to make the advanced concert band in 7th grade, Riley decided to never let his practice habits get in the way of his goals again. He went on to eventually become principal percussionist at Hillgrove high school, and played in the top wind ensembles at Jacksonville State University and Kennesaw State University. Riley has also played in other prestigious concert ensembles such as the Cobb Honor Orchestra and District Honor Band.

When starting high school, Riley decided to join the marching band in hopes to find a friend group, while still getting to enjoy his love for playing. It was here where he found a home away from home, and a group of people who shared his intense passion for making music and his dedication to the craft. Riley continued on to the next level, and began marching drum corps as a freshman in high school. Riley spent every summer and winter playing with some of the top drumlines in the country. He has marched with many groups including: Atlanta CV, Atlanta Quest, Jacksonville State Marching Southerners, Kennesaw State Marching Owls, and Carolina Crown. Riley’s involvement in the marching arts taught him many valuable life skills, such as discipline, teamwork, accountability, time-management, and organization. The marching arts also fueled his passion for writing music.

Riley began writing music in high school. Most of his early music was long 16th note passages placed over a familiar tune or arrangement, due to these being fun to play on keyboard instruments. Riley began to write “Lot Tunes”, arrangements of popular songs for Front Ensembles to play as a warmup. These arrangements developed his skills as a composer, and increased his understanding of music theory and orchestration. Riley’s lot tunes have been performed by various groups such as: Hillgrove high school, The Marching Southerners, and Atlanta Quest. Riley has also composed marching music for various groups and schools around the Atlanta area.

At Kennesaw State, Riley has developed his skills in writing for concert and chamber ensembles. As a member of the Percussion Ensemble, he has had the opportunity to compose many original works that have been performed at various concerts at KSU. Riley is incredibly thankful for the opportunities the school has provided him, and is deeply grateful for the performance opportunities given to him by John Lawless, the professor of percussion at KSU. Riley has had 5 original works performed at KSU so far, and plans to have more performed in the future.

Riley plans to attend graduate school after graduating to study film scoring. Riley hopes to begin a career in scoring music for media, including but not limited to: Films, TV, Video Games, Commercials, etc. Riley’s love and passion for composing and performing allows him to combine all of his many influences to achieve his musical goals. His dreams inspire him to dedicate himself fully to his craft, and to never give up.