Brooklyn · Drums · Composition

Maya
Raines

Drummer. Composer. Educator.

Maya Raines is a drummer and composer working across jazz, free improvisation, and chamber music — building long-form pieces that move between stillness and momentum. Off the stage, she teaches students of every level.

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JUL 12Sat

Maya Raines Quartet

Original long-form set with the full quartet.

The Owl Music ParlorBrooklyn, NY · 8:00 PM
JUL 19Sat

Duo: Raines / Okafor

Drums & piano improvisation evening.

IbeamBrooklyn, NY · 7:00 PM
AUG 03Sun

Chamber Premiere — "Tidewater"

New piece for strings & percussion.

RouletteBrooklyn, NY · 8:00 PM
AUG 22Fri

Trio Residency — Night 1

Three nights of new material.

Bar BayeuxBrooklyn, NY · 9:00 PM

Projects

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01
2026 · Quartet

Tidewater Suite

A four-movement work for drums, reeds, piano, and bass, shaped around themes of memory and return.

02
2018–present · Trio

Halcyon

A co-led trio exploring patient, minimal material that expands and contracts over time.

03
2025 · Solo

Field Notes

Solo percussion textures recorded live, between composition and improvisation.

Tidewater — Movement II

A nocturnal loop drifting between stillness and unease.

Halcyon — Sequestration

A slow-burning study in stasis and transformation.

Field Notes — What Was

Groove, counterpoint, and free interplay blurring together.

Teaching

Maya offers private lessons in drums & percussion, composition, and music theory — grounded in curiosity, fundamentals, and sound. All levels welcome, from first-time beginners to working musicians.

  • Drums & Percussion — technique, time, and vocabulary
  • Composition — writing for small ensembles and beyond
  • Music Theory — ear training and harmony, made approachable
  • In-person in Brooklyn or online worldwide

"I started as an absolute beginner and can't believe how far I've come. Maya is the best."

— Student, 1.5 years

"She makes complex ideas approachable — I've never been taught music this way before."

— Adult student

"A thorough, focused, and compassionate teacher who meets you exactly where you are."

— Parent
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