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Jeff Vigness
Jeffrey Vigness is an accomplished, freelance drumset artist and percussionist based in the metro area of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Born and raised in the metro area, he began privately studying drumset and percussion at the age of 12, where he was introduced to the many worlds of rock, jazz, funk, big band, and complex musical concepts as applied to the drumset. At 14, Jeff joined the Minnesota Youth Symphonies under the direction of Manny Laureano, Principal Trumpet and Assistant Conductor of the Minnesota Orchestra. It was with the MYS that Jeff was first exposed to several eras of orchestral music and classical concert percussion through such composers as Mozart, Beethoven, Strauss, Berlioz, and Mahler.
Jeff attended nearby St. Cloud State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music Theory and Composition. As a percussionist, Jeff studied under Dr. Terry Vermillion, and performed and toured locally as well as internationally with several of the university’s ensembles and as a soloist. He was a two-time recipient of the David Swenson Memorial Scholarship. As a composer, Jeff studied under Dr. Scott L. Miller, exploring electronic and computer music, writing works for tape, performers and computers, as well as solo and small ensemble pieces for conventional acoustic instruments. He furthered his composition studies at SCSU’s sister school, Palacky University, in Olomouc, Czech Republic with Dr. Jan Vicar, and at the Czech-American Summer Music institute with Ladislav Kubík in 1998. Vigness’ works have been performed here in the US as well as the Czech Republic.
Returning the bulk of his musical attention to performing, Jeff continued his studies at the State University of New York at Buffalo, earning a Master of Music Degree in Percussion Performance under world-renown percussionist and drumset innovator Anthony Miranda. There, Jeff was introduced to mid and late Twentieth Century percussion works and techniques in addition to broadening his abilities as a drumset player with Miranda, with performances and recitals including works by Rzewski, Crumb, Varése and Zappa.
After completing graduate school, Jeff spent time in San Diego, where he began a private teaching studio of his own and was quite active as a performer with several rock and big bands. He played as the Showband Drummer for Carnival Cruise Lines before returning to the Minneapolis/St. Paul area in 2003, where he remains active as a freelance performer and in-demand educator, with a private studio of nearly 60 students.
Grace Music Academy
A music ministry of Grace Lutheran Church
13655 Round Lake Blvd.
Andover, Minnesota 55304
763-421-6520, ext. 108
For more information, e-mail Grace Academy.