Devin
PianoGuitarUkuleleBass GuitarAudio ProductionComposition
About Devin
Devin Reilly is a Los Angeles–based composer, orchestrator, and educator who works comfortably with beginners through advanced writers and players. His lessons balance structure and freedom: build clear technique and theory, apply them to real repertoire, then use that foundation to improvise, arrange, and compose in your own voice. Devin teaches composition, orchestration/arranging, jazz harmony, film-scoring fundamentals, songwriting, and notation/copy work, always focusing on the “why” behind the “what.” His concert work includes a New York Youth Symphony First Music commission premiered at Jazz at Lincoln Center, and on screen he has contributed music to projects for HBO, Netflix, Peacock, and National Geographic; he also music-directed and orchestrated The Brass Teapot (NAMT/CMTF 2024). Students can expect upbeat energy, clear weekly goals, and a supportive environment that treats technique as the launchpad for personal expression.
Q&A with Devin
Which musician would you like to play with?
Taylor Goldsmith, Pino Palladino, Bruce Hornsby, Nate Smith, Jon Brion - to name a few
Which musician has influenced you the most?
I can't pick just one. As a composer: John Adams, Ellington, Stravinsky, Maria Schneider, Jim Knapp. As a songwriter: Taylor Goldsmith, Matty Healy, Sting, Billy Corgan, David Bowie, Phoebe Bridgers, Damon Albarn.
What can you teach me better on your instrument than any other teacher?
I can connect theory and notation — which sometimes feel like the "eating your vegetables" part of music — to music that you love to play. I can show you how a solid understanding of theory and of written music deepens your appreciation and comprehension of music you already like.
How did you learn to play your instrument?
I had two great instructors. First, Steve Palazzo, who is a bluegrass player; and then Bob Burnett, a jazz guitarist.
What equipment do you play on today?
I have a few guitars: a '66 Mustang, a PRS McCarty, and my beloved 1975 Strat hardtail. One of those goes into a '66 Princeton when I'm at home or an old Soldano Astroverb when I'm playing a show.
Which personal trait helped you the most while practicing?
Endurance.
What does your instrument have that others don't?
The strat is a hardtail, which is somewhat uncommon. Otherwise, they're all pretty standard.
How do you handle children?
With empathy, curiosity, and kindness.
What has been your greatest experience as a musician so far?
The premiere of a suite I wrote for large ensemble about ten years ago. A truly magical, life-changing moment.
What was the biggest stage you played on?
Interpreting "biggest" as "most storied", I have to go with the Hotel Cafe. Another choice is Dizzy's Club at Lincoln Center in New York. Technically I didn't play, but I attended the premiere there of a piece I wrote for the New York Youth Symphony Jazz Orchestra.
Which record would you take with you to the desert island?
Stories Don't End - Dawes
Besides music, what else is important in your life?
Cooking, reading, catching up with friends, and staying active.
Level(s) Comfortable Teaching
Beginner to Advanced
What languages can you teach in?
English
Bands, Projects, Notable Performances, Collaborations
"Band: Birds at Night Solo record: Talking in Circles"
Accolades
Winner, First Music Commission, 2019