Bang on a Can

John Luther Adams lives and works in Fairbanks, Alaska. Adams grew up playing drums in rock bands before found his calling as a composer. He attended CalArts where he studied with James Tenney and Leonard Stein. After graduating from CalArts, Adams began work in environmental protection, bringing him to Alaska in 1975 where he has permanently resided since 1978. Alaska and the natural world continue to be profoundly influential in his music. Adams has written for percussion ensembles, Alaska Native voices, orchestra, sound and light installations, electronics, and film and television. His music has been performed by Bang on a Can, the California E.A.R. Unit, and Percussion Group Cincinnati, amongst others. Adams has received National Endowment for the Arts and Rockefeller Foundation grants.