ABOUT THE TEACHER

PROFESSIONAL BIO

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Originally from Raleigh, Mississippi, DC-based drummer and music educator Kelton Norris is known across the DC jazz scene for his fiery and collaborative playing. Kelton is a teacher who bases his teachings on the history of music and instrumental technique, as well as the unique goals and aspirations of each individual student.  

In addition to his passion for teaching, Kelton also maintains a full-time performance schedule along the east coast and deep south. He has performed with such renowned artists and ensembles as Sharon Clark, Jose Andre Montano, Jessica Boykin-Settles, Hamiet Bluiett, Cyrus Chestnut, Vincent Gardner, Allyn Johnson, Afro-Blue, Levon Mikaelian, Rodney Whitaker, Warren Wolf, Thad Wilson, Cristian Perez, Herman Burney Jr., Ron Blake, Victor Provost, Elijah Jamal Balbed, Shannon Gunn, and many more. As a member of the EJB Quartet, in 2020 Kelton had the pleasure of competing in the D.C. Prix, an international jazz competition presented by the D.C. Jazz Festival. The group was awarded first place.

EDUCATION

Northern Illinois University

Master of Music in Jazz Performance, 2015

University of Southern Mississippi

Bachelor of Music in Education, 2013

SPECIALTY

• Drum set - All Levels

• Theory - All Levels

HIGHLIGHTS

• First place in D.C. Prix with EJB Quartet, 2020 (DC Jazz Festival Competition)

• Performances with renowned artists such as Rodney Whitaker and Ron Blake

• Adjunct Professor, Shepherd University School of Music

LANGUAGES

• English 

EXAM PREPARATION