Born in Cincinnati, OH, drummer, percussionist, and educator Jeff Mellott holds degrees in music education from Sinclair Community College and Ohio University. Jeff earned his Masters in Jazz Studies at the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music (CCM), where he taught as a graduate assistant. At CCM, Jeff was fortunate enough to study with the great Art Gore and legendary John Von Ohlen.
Jeff has followed his passion for music and education by teaching percussion and jazz at several schools throughout Ohio and Kentucky including, Lakota West High School, Turpin High School, Amelia High School and Middletown High School. For the 2015/2016 school year, Jeff was the visiting Assistant Professor of Jazz Studies at Morehead State University. There he taught alongside renowned percussionist Brian Mason, and others. Education continues to be a central focus of Jeff’s career.
As an active performer, Jeff has played across the United States with groups spanning genres including jazz, R&B, and post-rock. Currently, Jeff performs with the Brandon Coleman Quartet and Us, Today.
Throughout his career, Jeff has had the honor of opening for acts such as Galactic, Terence Blanchard Quintet, Mike Dillon Band, Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey, Snarky Puppy, Sylvan Esso, Kishi Bashi, and many more.
Jeff has more recently performed with Snarky Horns, Joel Frahm, Glenn Zaleski, Noah Preminger, Gary Versace and Randy Villars with many more engagements in the near future.
Jeff endorses Canopus Drums, Bosphorus Cymbals, and Vic Firth Sticks and Mallets.