John O'Brien began his journey in music after receiving a set of drums as a gift from his grandfather. Since 1998, he has been active as a New York City-based percussionist, composer of small ensemble and concert works, and improviser leading and participating in a multitude of musical projects including the John O'Brien Trio, Cold Reading Trio, ZAHA, The New York Soundpainting Orchestra, Walter Thompson Orchestra, and Parias Ensemble. He holds degrees in performance and composition from New School University and CUNY-Brooklyn College Conservatory of Music.