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.
