Clarence Penn

Clarence Penn serves as an Assistant Professor of Practice in Jazz Studies at the University of Southern California. A highly accomplished jazz drummer, composer, and producer, he has collaborated with elite artists including Ellis and Wynton Marsalis, Maria Schneider, Betty Carter, Dianne Reeves, Michael Brecker, and Fourplay since arriving in New York City in 1991. His international touring and recording career underscore his prominence in contemporary jazz performance.

Penn's research and artistic focus centers on jazz interpretation, drumming innovation, and cross-genre composition. His work emphasizes warm, genuine musical expression with notable projects like Monk: The Lost Files—featuring Thelonious Monk arrangements—and an upcoming exploration of pop songs written by drummers (e.g., Phil Collins, Dave Grohl, Levon Helm). He bridges performance practice with scholarly inquiry in rhythm and improvisation.

His accolades include:

• Two Grammy Awards for studio recordings
• Juno Award recognition

As an educator, Penn mentors through USC’s Jazz Studies program and has been a featured clinician at Carnegie Hall, Banff International Workshop in Jazz and Creative Music, and Jazz at Lincoln Center Intensive Jazz Institute. While no grants or advisees are specified in the source text, his pedagogical impact spans global workshops. Penn leads his own ensemble, treating it as a creative research laboratory for evolving drumming techniques and repertoire development.