Kent’s “compelling groove” (Downbeat Magazine) has taken him all over the world, performing and teaching across the US, Canada, Central America, Europe, and Asia. As a drummer and percussionist, his love and respect for many different musical cultures make him an in-demand musician and clinician for projects of widely differing genres. Kent is also very passionate about education and passing on the knowledge he’s gained. He currently teaches in-person and virtual lessons from his private studio and holds the title of Adjunct Professor at Tarleton State University where he teaches drum set and hand percussion lessons as well as directing the top jazz combo.
Kent holds a Master’s Degree in Contemporary Performance from the Berklee College of Music Global Jazz Institute, where he received a full-tuition scholarship and performed with some of the biggest names in jazz, including Danilo Perez, John Patittucci, Joe Lovano, George Garzone, and Luciana Souza. In 2015 he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Jazz Studies from the University of North Texas, where he was a member of the 7-time Grammy Nominated “One O’Clock Lab Band” and was featured on Lab 2015, which earned a Grammy nomination. While attending these acclaimed music schools, he studied privately with some of the worlds greatest drum instructors including Ed Soph, Terri Lyne Carrington, Bob Gullotti, Adam Cruz, and many others.
Kent is an International Artist Ambassador for La Fundacion Armonia Colectiva, a music and social justice foundation based in Costa Rica. As a bandleader and composer, he co-leads “Paragon”, a modern jazz trio which released their debut album “Kin” on the Outside in Music label and received a write up in Downbeat Magazine. Kent currently resides in Dallas, Texas after garnering years of professional experience in the New York City and Boston music scenes.
