Home » Jazz Musicians » Sofia Detjen

Sofia Detjen

14x DownBeat Music Award-winning percussionist, recording artist, sidewoman, collaborator, and session musician. Second-year student at Harvard University (A.B.), MIT, and Berklee College of Music (M.M.)

SOFIA DETJEN is a 14x DownBeat Music Award-winning drummer, recording artist, sideperson, collaborator, and session musician. A Utah native, Sofia has quickly established herself as one of the most diverse and in-demand Gen Z drummers currently on the music scene. She is renowned for her immense talent, fierce creativity, and evolving musical style, and she consistently brings passion and joy to her performances.

She leads successful ensembles of her own and has collaborated on stage with highly reputable contemporary musicians, including Troy Andrews (Trombone Shorty), Carl Allen, Wayne Bergeron, Ron Blake (Saturday Night Live Band, The Juilliard School), Randy Brecker, Jeff Coffin (Dave Matthews Band), Robbie Connolly (Fictionist, The Killers), Jerry Cortez (Tower of Power), Jody Espina, Gordon Goodwin (Big Phat Band), Karl Hunter (Big Bad Voodoo Daddy), Tom "Bones" Malone (The Blues Brothers, SNL Band CBS Orchestra), Bryan E. Miller, Scotty Morris (Big Bad Voodoo Daddy), David Paich (Toto), Dafnis Prieto, Poncho Sanchez, Steve Smith (Journey), Francisco Torres (Big Phat Band), Thurl Bailey, and Victor Wooten (Béla Fleck and the Flecktones), and more.

During her impressive six-year tenure with Caleb Chapman's Soundhouse, Sofia's dedication and talent propelled her to incredible achievements. Through countless performances, studio recordings, world tours, and valuable mentorship from esteemed musicians and educators, she played a pivotal role in amassing an impressive collection of accolades. Notably, her bands secured 14 DownBeat Music Awards and 11 Best of State Awards across a wide range of genres.

From 2020 to 2023, Sofia held the coveted position of lead drummer in the Soundhouse flagship ensemble, Caleb Chapman's Crescent Super Band. Renowned as the world's premier youth jazz ensemble, this group comprised exceptional jazz musicians aged 15 to 18 and held an impressive record of 36 DownBeat Music Awards. In her final year, the band made history by winning awards in the Large Jazz Ensemble, Latin Group, and Pop/Rock/Blues Group categories, an unprecedented feat.

Sofia's journey continues as she embarks on the next chapter of her musical career, pursuing advanced studies at Harvard University and Berklee College of Music in the esteemed Harvard-Berklee Dual Degree Program. However, her departure from Caleb Chapman's Soundhouse was not without leaving a lasting impact. Her final contributions to the Crescent Super Band's 2023 European Tour, where they headlined at prestigious events like Jazz à Vienne in France, North Sea Jazz Festival in the Netherlands, and Umbria Jazz Festival in Italy, showcased Sofia's remarkable talent and marked a memorable conclusion to her time with the band.

Additionally, Sofia's musical legacy extended to the band's sixth full-length album, "High Hopes." This powerful release featured dynamic new arrangements of popular songs by acclaimed artists such as Post Malone, Billie Eilish, Panic! At The Disco, Lizzo, and more. Through this album, Sofia demonstrated not only her exceptional musical prowess but also her unwavering commitment to pushing creative boundaries. The album stands as a testament to her artistry and serves as a fitting testament to her time with Caleb Chapman's Soundhouse.

Officially endorsed by Salt City Drums, Sofia proudly plays DW Drums, fitted with Remo Heads, damped with TruTone dampers, matched with Zildjian Cymbals, using Vic Firth Sticks. When she travels, she uses Ahead Armor Cases.

Awards

DOWNBEAT MUSIC AWARDS

Established in 1976, the DownBeat Student Music Awards are considered the most prestigious awards in jazz and music education.

2023

Crescent Super Band
Blues/Pop/Rock Group
Drummer & Rhythm Section Leader
Crescent Super Band
Large Jazz Ensemble
Drummer & Rhythm Section Leader
Crescent Super Band
Latin Group
Drummer & Rhythm Section Leader

2022

Crescent Super Band
Blues/Pop/Rock Group
Drummer & Rhythm Section Leader

2021

Crescent Super Band
Modern Big Band & American Songbook
Drummer & Rhythm Section Leader

2020

Crescent Super Band
Modern Big Band & American Songbook
Drummer & Rhythm Section Leader
Little Big Band
Big Band Swing
Drummer
Max Headroom
Rock
Drummer
Soul Research Foundation
Motown
Drummer & Rhythm Section Leader

2019

La Onda Caribeña
Latin Jazz & Salsa
Drummer & Rhythm Section Leader
Little Big Band
Big Band Swing
Drummer
Vicious Beat
Pop and R&B
Drummer

2018

La Onda Caribeña
Latin Jazz & Salsa
Drummer & Rhythm Section Leader
Little Big Band
Big Band Swing
Drummer

UTAH BEST OF STATE AWARDS

The Best of State Awards were created in 2003 to recognize outstanding individuals, organizations, and businesses in Utah. Best of State candidates are evaluated by a panel of 100 judges based on three criteria: achievement in the field of endeavor; innovation or creativity in approaches, techniques, methods, or processes; and contribution to improving the quality of life in Utah.

2022

Crescent Super Band
Professional Instrumental Group
Drummer & Rhythm Section Leader
Crescent Super Band
Professional Vocal/Instrumental Band
Drummer & Rhythm Section Leader

2021

Crescent Super Band
Professional Instrumental Group
Drummer & Rhythm Section Leader
Crescent Super Band
Professional Vocal/Instrumental Band
Drummer & Rhythm Section Leader

2020

Crescent Super Band
Professional Instrumental Group
Drummer & Rhythm Section Leader
Crescent Super Band
Professional Vocal/Instrumental Band
Drummer & Rhythm Section Leader

2019

Little Big Band
Youth Instrumental Group
Drummer & Percussionist

2018

Little Big Band
Youth Instrumental Group
Drummer & Percussionist

STERLING SCHOLAR AWARD

Issued by Deseret News and KSL Broadcast Group, Sofia Detjen, a Lone Peak High School senior, was publicly recognized and awarded for the pursuit of excellence in scholarship, leadership, and citizenship in the State of Utah. After presenting an all-encompassing portfolio of her work in Instrumental Music, she was evaluated via in-depth interviews with judging panels in the category's field over four months at the high school, semi-final, and finals levels, winnowed down from 80 of Utah’s best music scholars.

2023

Sterling Scholar
Instrumental Music
Drumset

Gear

Drums & cymbals.

Zildjian K Family Cymbals
DW Collector's Series Maple Drums in Exotic Santos Rosewood with Nickel Plated Hardware
18x22 Bass Drum
6.5x14 Ludwig Black Beauty 110th Anniversary Snare
7x8, 8x10, 9x12 Toms
12x14, 14x16 Floor Toms

Hardware.

DW 9000 Single Pedal
DW 5520 Dual/Accessory Hi-Hat Stand
DW 9300 Snare Drum Stand
DW 9900 Double Tom Stand
DW 9700 Straight/Boom Cymbal Stand (x4)
DWSM934 Cymbal Arm (x2)

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Tags

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's rhythm and timing — it's absolutely perfect. Amazing talent.

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'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 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

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, and by far one of the best drummers I have had the opportunity to record, perform, and collaborate with in my 30-year career.

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

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 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

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Primary Instrument

Drums

Location

Boston

Willing to teach

Beginner to advanced

Credentials/Background

As a teacher, Sofia loves engaging with students who are passionate about their instrument and music as a whole. She will work with students from a wide range of backgrounds, similar to her professional career. Working hard and diligently are qualities Sofia seeks out not only in herself but also in others. Sofia provides a fun, engaging teaching environment using different method books to assist students as they reach the ultimate goal of becoming a versatile musician who can accept any gig.