Jesse Pitts is respected widely throughout the United States as a multi-dimensional musician that captures the hearts of the audience with his drumming. His groovy feel, versatility, and passion for drumming make him one of the most influential young drummers in the country. Jesse began playing drum set at the age of 2. By the age of 7, he began formal training and by the age of 12 he was immersed in the eclectic sounds of jazz, Latin, rock, funk-fusion, folkloric music, and world music.

 

     Many renowned educators and performing artists took an interest in Jesse’s unique musicianship, thus, inviting him to study and attend music/drum workshops at the University of South Florida and the University Of Miami Frost School Of Music. Soon after, Jesse was hired to collaborate with local and international artists in recording projects. He performed regularly in the Tampa Bay area with Jose Valentino.

 

By the time he was 15, Jesse released his solo album, ''Genesis'', which is a culmination of genres that gave Jesse the platform to express himself whole-heartedly without restraint. Between the years 2012 and 2016, a group of internationally-acclaimed musicians serving on the board of the Downbeat Student Music Awards recognized Jesse’s musical maturity and creativity. Thus, they awarded him with ten Downbeat Student Music Awards ranging from Latin Group (multiple), Blues/Pop/Rock Soloist, Blues/Pop/Rock Group (multiple), to Studio Engineering (multiple). In addition, Jesse competed and won the COG International Teen Talent drum competition. In 2015 Jesse was nominated for a Latin GRAMMY Award for his work as drummer in the album,”I Make You Want To Move”, by Jose Valentino & The Latin Jazz Ensemble in the category of Best Latin Jazz Album. Jesse was again nominated in 2016 for a Latin GRAMMY Award for his work as drummer and co-producer in the album,”Mosaico”, by Bruno Miranda for Best Instrumental Album. In 2015 and 2016 Jesse released two co-albums with 2x Latin GRAMMY nominated Jose Valentino, “A Traveler's Journey” and “Remembering”. Also, in 2016 Jesse received from Truth And Mercy Institute For Advanced Ministry Studies, a Scholars Diploma in Musical Arts for: Percussive Performance, Music Production, and Ethnodoxology. Jesse’s endorsements include Bosphorus Cymbals, Anchor Drums, Pig Hog Cables and Beato Drum Bags.

 

     Fueled with passion to further expand his education, Jesse has his eyes set on giving back to the community as an educator. He uses music as a tool for communicating hope, self-efficacy, and intrinsic motivation. His passion for teaching music has been nurtured under the mentorship of the following musicians/instructors: Johnathan Thomas (drummer for Ascend the Hill), Steve Rucker (drummer for the BeeGees), Ian Goodman, Benny Maldonado, Rick Craig (Drum Professor at the University of South Florida) and Jose Valentino Ruiz. Jesse is thankful to God, his parents, and family for the continual support in pursuing his dreams.

 

 

                                                                                 Jesse endorses: