BIOGRAPHY

Stephen Coffman was born in Durham, North Carolina on May 14th, 1984. Since the age of 3, he has been destined to take charge behind the drum set. As his father played in funk bands throughout Stephen’s youth, sitting in on rehearsals exposed him to the scene very early. By the 4th grade he joined up with friends and began practicing and playing out in clubs by the tender age of 11. After years in symphonic school bands, Stephen’s passion for jazz evolved and his seriousness about music became very apparent during the years spent at Durham School of the Arts. Through the mentorship of a few special teachers, Stephen was turned on to older records, which have played a key role in his interpretation of music today. He participated in the small jazz combos and began to study big band drumming in his last 2 years at DSA. Graduating with an Honors Arts diploma, Stephen also won the Excellence In Instrumental Music award.

After high school, Stephen earned a scholarship to major in music performance, specifying in jazz, at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Studying under the likes of Jim Ketch, Thomas Taylor, Lynn Glassock, and Matt Savage, Stephen was able to hone his concepts of musicality, reading, and technique as well as many other necessary skills for the performing musician. While at UNC, Stephen had the pleasure of working with many world class musicians including: Barry Harris, Marcus Roberts, Jason Marsalis, Roland Guerin, John Riley, David Berkman, Conrad Herwig, Ray Vega and others. Stephen graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree and was also the recipient of the Fred and Gail Fearing Jazz award in 2006. Thanks to a very fertile and friendly music scene around the triangle, Stephen benefited from an alternate education, working along side of the many local jazz heavyweights in the area, and he continues to pursue this today.

Nearing the end of college, Stephen was introduced to the pop music scene and began to experience performing on the road. Singer/songwriter Hugh Swaso needed a drummer for his touring act and hired Stephen to fill this role. The very talented quartet known as The Hugh Swaso Project remained extremely busy as they toured extensively throughout the southeastern region of the US. As many of their gigs included the opening act for Who's Bad, The Ultimate Michael Jackson Tribute Band, Stephen was eventually a sub call for the band and soon enough, a full time member. As the drummer for Who's Bad, Stephen has maintained a rigorous performance schedule, while the band travels throughout the eastern portion of the US, from Chicago down to New Orleans and everywhere East. The group has experienced enormous success, playing in front of thousands of fans every weekend. The next move for Who's Bad includes expanding the market out west. They are currently planning their first run to the left coast in September.

Aside from local performance and playing in Who's Bad, Stephen maintains a full teaching schedule at Carrboro Music Studio and Cary School of Music and also teaches private lessons from his home in Durham. To request a complete Resumé please email Stephen.

*Stephen also has proficient knowledge of the music notation program Sibelius and is available for hire of transcriptions, arrangements, and more. Please inquire for further information.