Sofia Detjen

Multi-award-winning American jazz, rock, and jazz fusion drummer, recording artist, sideperson, collaborator, and session musician.

Full nine minutes on YouTube

Endorsements by peers, mentors, and inspirations.

"Sofía has an amazing personality, but what truly sets her apart is her humility. Combined with her incredible talent, this makes her a unique musician."

— FRANCISCO MELA
GRAMMY® Award-winner alongside Esperanza Spalding, associate professor at Berklee College of Music, and one of the world's most in-demand Cuban drummers and percussionists
“What more can I say other than the future of drums and music propelling forward is in safe hands with Sofia behind the kit. Proud to be a part of her development.”

— SHIRAZETTE TINNIN
GRAMMY®–nominee, associate professor at Berklee College of Music, Make Jazz fellow, Fulbright scholar, drummer, composer, and bandleader
"Sofia shows much promise as a versatile drummer at the highest level with an open mind and a multifaceted approach to music."

— STEVE SMITH
Legendary drummer for GRAMMY® Award-winning Journey, Modern Drummer's "Top 25 Drummers of All Time", Rolling Stone's "100 Top Drummers", and member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
“Sofia is capable of pursuing a career in music at the highest levels. She is a hard worker who is focused and open to a variety of musical scenarios, backed by constant exposure to a wide range of industry professionals like myself. I expect to hear a lot more from her in the future!”

— JEFF COFFIN
3x GRAMMY® Award-winner, saxophonist, composer, Vanderbilt University educator, and member of the legendary U.S. rock group Dave Matthews Band
“Sofia's rhythm and timing — it's absolutely perfect. Amazing talent.”

— TOM "BONES" MALONE
Founding member of The Blues Brothers, Saturday Night Live Band, and the CBS Orchestra, the house band for the Late Show with David Letterman
“Sofia is a once-in-a-decade student, far far above the average. I have been her fan through her high school years and have even hired her for professional events. Her musical sensitivity and percussion skills are way off the charts, not to mention what a fine person she is. I highly recommend her with no reservations."

— DR. RAY SMITH
Professor Emeritus at Brigham Young University. Former Director of Jazz Studies at BYU and the award-winning big band Synthesis.
“Sofia is a devoted, disciplined professional musician who has achieved remarkable prowess at such a young age. Her insatiable hunger to learn and improve, superb skills and notable drive, and energy promise a bright future as a performer, teacher, and recording artist.”

— JAY LAWRENCE
GRAMMY®–nominated recording artist and adjunct professor of music at Brigham Young University
“Sofia is the BEST drum set player I've ever had the privilege of teaching. The depth of musicality she demonstrates EVERY day on the instrument speaks volumes about how much she is capable of. Her superlative attention to detail, rhythm reading, setting up the band, and knowledge and execution of different styles of music/grooves are just incredible.”

— JAMIE KIM
Director of Bands for Lone Peak High School
“Sofia is a marvelous musician. She hears the music, and her rhythm is outstanding.”

— BOB BREITHAUPT
Past President of Percussive Arts Society and VP of Jazz Education Network
“I have known Sofia for a very long time. Her dedication to her craft is hard to match! I have seen her grow better and better every time I've seen her play. Whether it's drums, congas, timbales, etc., she has the knowledge and expertise to play them all at a high level. She is selfless and committed to supporting whatever ensemble she is a part of. Bravo, Sofia!”

— FRANCISCO TORRES
3x GRAMMY® Award-winner, 5x GRAMMY® -nominee, trombonist, and musical director for Poncho Sanchez Latin Jazz Band and member of Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band
“I have had the pleasure of working with Sofia for the last six years. She is - without question - one of the finest musicians to ever come through our program.”

— CALEB CHAPMAN
2x GRAMMY®–nominated educator, Founder/CEO of Caleb Chapman’s Soundhouse, and Past President of Jazz Education Network