Seán Riley

Seán Riley has been a practicing musician since 1979 and has since studied a multitude of genres. In addition to the guitar (electric and acoustic), he also plays the mandolin, classical flute and harmonica and he sings as well. His preferences are in modern jazz, avant-garde, country, R&B, soul, acid jazz and funk. He attended the music Conservatory at Vanier College as well as McGill University where he studied jazz performance. He also studied with private tutors such as Art Roberts and Greg Clayton.

Seán counts as his influences a wide range of genres and artists, such as John Coltrane, Bach, Edith Piaf, Andreas Segovia, Claude Dubois,  Bill Evans, Jimmy Rainey, Johnny Winter, Muddy Waters…to name a few. Seán has performed at a multitude of venues such as Biddles, the Yellow Door, Claudio’s, Publix, Jello Bar and Sofa. He has also been on European tours (on Belgian National Radio), on CJAD, Montreal radio station, the Montreal International Jazz Festival and as also busked in the Montreal Metro, played at fundraisers, lounges etc… As a teacher, Seán demonstrates open-mindedness, patience, and a passion for anything related to music.