Bio for Damien Riley

Bio

I’m Damien Riley: blogger, teacher, and musician in the high desert of California. I earned a BA and an MA from California State University Fullerton in English in 1998 and started teaching elementary school in 1997. Just prior to starting my teaching career I spent a Summer at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México studying Spanish as a foreign exchange student where I polished my Spanish conversational skills. At age 27 I began my career as a public school teacher. You can read about my teaching experiences at Dynamite Lesson Plan.

I have been a blogger since December of 2006. It started for me as an online diary but has become an exciting platform for articles, reviews, and journal entries. I blog as a means of part time income as well as a platform to publish my creative work online. In addition to publishing my own work, I write for Blogcritics and other online publications. Check out my interview on the Duke Fightmaster Show below where I discuss podcasting and blogging.

I have a passion for writing music, singing, and playing guitar. I learned to play at age 7 and that year performed in a talent show. I sang and played Kenny Rogers’ “The Coward of the County.” I’ve been a student of guitar, piano, songwriting, and performing ever since. Through my 20′s and 30′s I played music in coffee houses and other small venues. I’ve experienced the joy of playing to an audience and bringing people together with my music. Now in my 40′s, I continue to play. Check out my show archive.

I’ve been in a few cool bands in my lifetime and had many amazing experiences in music. The most amazing by far was when I hired ex-Alarm guitarist Dave Sharp to produce and play on a couple songs with me. That experience changed my life and one day I will probably find the time to write a full account of it in my memoirs. Meanwhile, real time updates on my music are at Damien Riley Tunes. You can listen to and download my music on the Damien Riley Music MP3 Files page.

I have an awesome family. I married my lovely, supportive, smart wife Sarah in 2002. We have 3 kids. My kids are my delight and our house is always full of creative family noise and energy.