Take lessons via Skype from anywhere in the world!
Drum Lessons
Kevin Coggins
Kevin Coggins is in high demand as a drum instructor, performer and producer. Voted “Best Blues Drummer” in the San Francisco Bay area, Kevin’s list of performing credits reads like a “who’s who” of the blues world—Albert King (with whom he has recorded), James Cotton, Otis Rush, Lowell Fulson, Pinetop Perkins, Robert Lockwood, Jr., Elvin Bishop, Charlie Musselwhite, Boz Skaggs, and Steve Freund, to name but a few.
Although best known for his work with blues performing credits, Kevin is fluent and has taught in all major styles. He is a frequent guest teacher in schools where he works with both small and large ensembles. Kevin’s instruction approach focuses on overall musicianship and technique.
Kevin is also a published author with Mel Bay Publications (click here to see his books).
Kevin is an avid vintage drum collector and a well-known drum consultant. His drumming articles have appeared in “Not So Modern Drummer,” “Drums and Drumming” and “Music Referral.”
Phone: (408) 218-0515 (Lessons at his home studio)
Email: kevincog@pacbell.net
Career Summary
1973 - 2003 Performance experience: concerts, music festivals; corporate events, nightclubs, educational seminars, radio, theater and television.
Highlights include drumming for: Albert King, James Cotton, Otis Rush, LaVerne Baker, Robert Lockwood Jr., Pinetop Perkins, Boz Skaggs, Lowell Fulson, Steve Freund, Luther Tucker, Elvin Bishop, Charlie Musslewhite, Angela Strehli, Leon Hughes' Original Coasters, Trudy Lynn, Duke Jethro, Big Time Sarah, Dinah Shore, Larry “Arkansas” Davis, Earl “Good Rockin'” Brown, The Drifters, Sonny Rhodes, Johnny Dyers, King Ernest, Junior Watson, Guitar Shorty, Mark Naftalin, The Soul Drivers, C.P. Love, Mark Hummel, Jive Five, Gary Smith, Kenny “Blue” Ray, Jackie Payne, NiteCry, Rhythm Sheiks, Kaye Bohler, Cathy Lemons Blues Band, San Jose Symphony, New Mexico Symphony, Gilbert and Sullivan Society of San Jose.
Teaching Experience
- 2002 - 2004 Faculty member - School of the Blues, San Jose, CA
- 1982 - 2004 Private Drum Instruction; Assistant Band Director for Albuquerque Public School System; Instructor and Clinician for numerous public schools in the South Bay Region.
Also Of Note:
Recording credits include: C For Chicago, Steve Freund, Delmark Records; A Day In The Life Of A Bluesman, Jackie Payne, JSP Records; In All Of My Life, Kenny “Blue” Ray, JSP Records; Bless My Axe, Kenny “Blue” Ray, Tone King Records; Run For Cover, NiteCry, Blue Rock’It Records; Dark Road, Cathy Lemons Blues Band, The Saloon Recordings; Men and Music, Kaye Bohler, KB Records.
Recordings as Producer: Kaye Bohler Blues Band, Kaye Bohler; The Jive Five, The Jive Five.
Executive Producer: Run For Cover, NiteCry.
Drum clinics and seminars on Blues Drumming and Blues as an American art form; Traditional and Contemporary Techniques for the Blues Drummer.
Music business management, publicist, promotion, industry relations, talent representative, music store sales.
South Bay Blues Awards, 1994 – received award for the category of "Best Blues Drummer”.
Articles published in Not So Modern Drummer (January 1998-1997), Drums and Drumming (July 1988, GPI Publications), Music Referral (June 1988).
Various recordings include: Live recordings with Albert King, Larry Davis, Margie Evans; numerous demos.
Electronic drum programming and performance.
Education
1983 - 1986 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM
Music Studies: Advanced Percussion, Music Education, Music Theory, and Music History. Performance Groups: Percussion Ensemble, Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, Wind Symphony, Marimba Band, and Marching Band.
1982 - 1983 San Jose City College, San Jose, CA
Music Studies: Jazz Improvisation, Music Theory, Music History and Piano.
Performance Groups: Wind Symphony, Percussion Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble and Concert Band.