About Doug

Doug Perkins is a GRAMMY-nominated percussionist, producer, and conductor hailed as a “percussion virtuoso” by The New York Times. Known for his innovative artistry, Perkins has graced iconic stages such as Carnegie Hall, the Barbican Center, and even the Alaskan Tundra.

A champion of contemporary music, Perkins has commissioned and premiered works by renowned composers including John Luther Adams, Steve Reich, Sofia Gubaidulina, Tristan Perich, and Michael Gordon. He co-founded the groundbreaking ensembles So Percussion and the Meehan/Perkins Duo and frequently performs with Ensemble Signal. Additionally, he is a frequent collaborator with dance and has recently worked with the Limon Dance Company and choreographers, Lucinda Childs, Annie-B Parson, and Pam Tanowitz. 

 His recordings, featured on esteemed labels such as Nonesuch, Bridge, and Harmonia Mundi, have earned widespread acclaim. Highlights include his production of Adams’ Inuksuit, recognized among 2013’s top recordings by NPR and The New York Times, and Perich’s Drift Multiply, which earned spots on multiple 2020 “Best Of” lists. His recording of Adams’ Sila: The Breath of the World received a 2023 GRAMMY nomination for Best Orchestral Performance.

Perkins specializes in creating immersive outdoor musical events, presenting works like Xenakis’ Persephassa on Central Park Lake and Adams’ compositions from Lincoln Center to the Italian Alps. Alex Ross of The New Yorker praised his production of Inuksuit as “one of the most rapturous listening experiences” of his life. In 2024, Perkins directed the New York premiere of Adams’ Crossing Open Ground at Lincoln Center.

Currently Associate Professor of Percussion and Director of Percussion at the University of Michigan, Perkins previously taught at Dartmouth College and the Boston Conservatory. 

He performs with Vic Firth Drumsticks and Mallets, Pearl/Adams drums and keyboards, Black Swamp Percussion accessories, Remo Drumheads, and Zildjian Cymbals.