Bio
David Cowan, aka “The Young Professor,” is a dynamic drummer, percussionist, composer, and educator with an unmistakable sound. His music combines deep musicality, sensitivity, and raw emotion to create a style that moves audiences, both physically and spiritually. Known for his work with an impressive array of artists, including Lalah Hathaway, Frank McComb, COMMON, Clark Terry, and Les McCann, David’s versatility spans jazz, funk, R&B, rock, and is also informed by genres of the African, Afro-Latin, and Afro-Caribbean diaspora. He brings heart and soul into every performance, making listeners dance, sing, or even shed a tear. David’s talents, sharpened through years of dedication, have taken him from Cleveland’s rich musical scene to international stages.
Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, David grew up surrounded by music and artistic influences. His mother, a booking agent, exposed him to music from a young age, and David quickly fell in love with the drums. Early on, David’s talent stood out; his fusion band, Strictly Instrumental, was a runner-up in Cleveland’s Jazz Search competition when he was just 18. His drive for excellence led him to play with The Cleveland Philharmonic Orchestra, the Heights Civic Orchestra, and later, an impressive list of renowned musicians, from Brian McKnight and Marilyn McCoo to Howard Hewitt, the Boston Pops, and even international artists like Dionysus Savvopoulus, Arielle Rivera, Ding Dong Avanzado, and Jessa Zaragosa. He went on to study at the prestigious Berklee College of Music, where he was mentored by drum legends such as Tommy Campbell, Ralph Peterson Jr., and John Ramsey. Currently, David serves as an Associate Professor at Berklee, where he shares his expertise by teaching ensembles and drums, further inspiring the next generation of musicians.
In the words of drumming legend Kenwood Dennard, “David Cowan is amazing. I am a deep fan of his LIFE-CHANGING intensity, focus, and passion behind the kit.” With a unique blend of technical mastery and emotional depth, David continues to evolve as an artist. His upcoming project, an album with Michael Sanders & One Tribe Nation, promises to be a captivating blend of Afro-Latin-influenced funk and rock. The album is set for release in mid-2025, offering fans a fresh, genre-blurring sound that will showcase David’s ever-growing musical vision.