Malachi Whitson
Malachi Whitson is a drummer, composer, cultural educator, and community arts leader whose work is deeply rooted in the creative spirit of Richmond, California. Raised in a family that believed music was both a gift and a responsibility, Whitson grew up immersed in the sounds of church blues, local jazz ensembles, and the vibrant musical traditions of the Bay Area. Even as a child, rhythm offered him a language—one that helped him understand community, identity, and the power of collective expression. The drums became not only an instrument, but a way of listening, connecting, and imagining a more vibrant world.
Whitson’s early promise as a youth afforded him amazing opportunities such as becoming a performing member for SFJAZZ High School Allstars, Next Generation Jazz Orchestra, and various other national and international high school groups. These opportunities led him to formal studies at the University of the Pacific Brubeck Institute, California Institute of the Arts and later UCLA Herbie Hancock institute, where he trained with nationally recognized artists and educators who sharpened his technical mastery while strengthening his belief in music as a tool for social transformation. During his studies, he developed a commitment to culturally responsive pedagogy, Universal Design for Learning, and equity-oriented arts education, shaping a teaching philosophy that centers creativity, community, and student voice. These values continue to guide his work across public schools, universities, and community-based arts programs.
As a performer, Whitson has collaborated with an extraordinary roster of internationally acclaimed artists, including Herbie Hancock, Joshua Redman, Theo Crocker, Helen Sung, Jeff Parker, Steve Lehman, PHER, Gretchen Parlato, Genevive Antari, Knower, Isaiah Collier, Paul Cornish and Dayna Stephens, among others. His performance career has taken him to national and international major festivals, concert halls, universities, and grassroots venues across the United States. Whether performing with modern jazz innovators, gospel choirs, improvising ensembles, or multidisciplinary projects, Whitson brings a rare combination of emotional depth, rhythmic clarity, and intentional leadership. His compositional voice appears most vividly in his ensemble, Something with Soul, which blends jazz, R&B, and rock with improvisation, and narrative-based musical storytelling. His debut release, Something with Soul Vol. 1, reflects a lifelong commitment to creating music that honors heritage while pushing creative boundaries.
Yet Whitson’s impact reaches far beyond the stage. A dedicated educator, he has taught at UCLA, University of the Pacific, Magnolia Science Academy, and in numerous Bay Area public schools, where he designs inclusive, culturally sustaining music programs for students from diverse linguistic and socioeconomic backgrounds. He specializes in supporting English learners, heritage speakers, and multilingual students through music, integrating UDL, MTSS, and trauma-informed practices into his classroom. His work ensures that students see themselves reflected in the curriculum while developing skills in creativity, ensemble collaboration, literacy, and self-expression.
Across the Bay Area and greater United States, Whitson leads community outreach initiatives, including youth mentorship programs, drumming workshops, school residencies, and arts-education advocacy efforts. He has collaborated with local nonprofits, youth groups, school districts, and arts organizations to expand access to music education in underserved communities. Whether coaching a marching band in Oakland, leading a jazz improvisation clinic in Los Angeles, or teaching young drummers in small-town community centers, Whitson approaches each setting with the belief that every student deserves high-quality, culturally grounded arts experiences.
Today, Whitson stands as a multidimensional artist—simultaneously a performer, composer, educator, mentor, and community builder. His work continues to uplift the next generation of musicians while contributing to the cultural vitality of the Bay Area and the broader United States. Guided by a mix of artistry, purpose, and deep-rooted community values, Malachi Whitson creates music and educational spaces that honor tradition, ignite imagination, and open pathways for transformation.
