Derris Lee is rising quickly to become an eminent figure in the world of music, celebrated not only for his groundbreaking contributions to music entrepreneurship education, but also for his outstanding achievements as a drummer, percussionist, pianist, producer, composer, and digital media strategist. His illustrious career is punctuated by a plethora of awards and accolades that highlight his exceptional talent and dedication to empowering others through performance, pedagogy, and publications.
Derris Lee's journey in the music industry has been adorned with international peer-reviewed awards. The prestigious 2022 National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences’ Latin GRAMMY® Award for Best Latin Children’s Album (served as Percussionist & Keyboardist) and 2023 International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences' ANTHEM® Award for Education, Art, & Culture (Best Strategy category) stands as a testament to Lee’s exceptional achievements in the field. Furthermore, he has won three AMCP AVA Digital® Awards (1 Platinum and 2 Gold) for Long-Form Music Video; The Communicator® Award for Consumer Marketing and Communications in Video & Film (Use of Music); ten Global Music® Awards (Outstanding Achievement® Awards in the following categories: Jazz Fusion Album, Latin Jazz Album, Instrumental Album, Jazz Performance, Contemporary Classical Album, Funk Fusion Album, Vocal Jazz Album, and Bronze Awards for Nuevo Flamenco Album and Mixed-Genre Album); ten Global Genius® Awards: World Music, Excellent Technique (earned twice for drums and marimba, respectively), Age 22+ (earned twice); 2023 Global Genius Hall of Famer; the 2022 Downbeat® Student Music Award for Outstanding Performances and the 2024 Downbeat® Student Music Award Winner as a drummer underscore his mastery in leveraging global music performance, digital media production, and marketing within the music sphere. Moreover, Lee is the recipient of the Davey® Award for Virtual and Remote Experiences in Music for his work as an Associate Producer for the album, “Rompiendo Fronteras” by GRAMMY® Hall of Famer Alex Acuña and multi-Latin GRAMMY® Award Winner, José Valentino.
Derris's distinct journey in the music industry encompasses various facets, beginning with his research portfolio. His pioneering research has been published in prestigious journals and association peer-reviewed blogs and forums, including the Association for Popular Music Education, National Association for Music Education, Journal of Arts Entrepreneurship Education, International Research Forum of Music Performance and Artistry, and the International Journal of Music Entrepreneurship and Leadership. These publications cover a wide spectrum of topics, from innovative pedagogical approaches in arts entrepreneurship to ethical considerations in the music industry during the post-COVID era. Derris's scholarly work has not only advanced the field but has also earned him recognition from esteemed organizations including The Society of Arts Entrepreneurship Education (SAEE), the Latin Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (LARAS), the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS), the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences (IADAS), the Association for Marketing and Communication Professionals (AMCP), the Association of Interactive and Visual Arts (AIVA), the Global Music Awards, the World Online Music Competitions Organization (WOMCO), the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), the Global Institute for Music Research (GIMUR), and the Association for Popular Music Education (APME).
During his Master of Music degree program from August 2022 to April 2024, Lee held the position of Instructor of Record for Music Business and Entrepreneurship at UF School of Music and is at the forefront of shaping the next generation of music professionals. His role extended beyond teaching as he co-developed and instructed a range of groundbreaking courses, such as "Strategic Music Entrepreneurship Development," "Digital Musicianship and Production," "Music Production in Commercial Media," and "Foundations of Music Business." Additionally, he served as an Ambassador and Music Producer with UF Global Strategic Communications, contributing to the university's creative and strategic initiatives.
Beyond the classroom and studio, Derris's musical talents shine brilliantly. As an award-winning musician, he has demonstrated his exceptional rhythmic abilities, capturing the hearts of audiences worldwide. His performances, both as a solo artist and collaborator, are a testament to his technical prowess and artistic expression.
