Jeff Salem is an internationally recognized Toronto-based drummer who has performed in over 60 countries throughout the world.

His professional career started in his late teens performing and recording with well known rock bands such as Fist (A&M), Sword (Aquarius), Saints & Sinners (Savage/BMG), Lee Aaron (Attic), Randy Bachman, Robben Ford, Coop-De-Ville, Kalan Porter (Canadian Idol Winner 2004) and many other artists.

Jeff has also performed on many cruise ships as a player in the orchestra as well as a band leader. Jeff is known to be a versatile drummer, performing and reading all styles of music. Jeff had the opportunity to perform on a millennium cruise to Antarctica working with various artists including The Chieftains, Diana Krall, Natalie McMaster, Art Garfunkle and with the actor Dan Ackroyd.

Jeff is actively involved with music education in many school boards performing percussion workshops and clinics to students of all grades. He has become a public motivational speaker, motivating students to learn a musical instrument. His program is titled “Music is my Passion”. He has delivered this performance to over 500 schools in the past 15 years.

Jeff is involved with the program P.L.A.S.P. (Peel Lunch & After School Program) He offers his hand drumming clinic performance “A Little Drumming In Everyone” to this program. It caters to youths between the ages 4-12.

Jeff has released 3 instructional videos titled : Groove-A Diddles, Drumology and Double Bass Vocabulary-Volume One. A new book Titled “Turn it up Lay it Down Volume 6” will be released later this year through Hudson’s Music.

Jeff has performed at many music trade shows including the NAMM show both in Anaheim, CA and Nashville, TN., the Musicmesse in Frankfurt, Germany, Music West in Vancouver, BC, Cape Breton International Drumfest in Sydney Nova Scotia Guitar Workshop Plus in Oakville, ON and Canadian Music Week in Toronto, ON.

Jeff Salem is a freelance writer for the magazines Canadian Musician and Modern Drummer. He also maintains a large roster of students for private instruction at his teaching studio in Brampton, ON at J.S Music Studio. Jeff Salem is endorsed by Yamaha Drums, Sabian Cymbals, Vic Firth drum sticks, Evans Drumheads, L.P. (Latin Percussion), Mountain Rythym and HQ Percussion (Real Feel Pads).

Q & A

BORN IN (city): Toronto, ON

LIVES IN (city): Toronto, ON

DRUMMING SINCE (year): 1980

CURRENT BAND/PROJECT(S): Rob Tardik Band, Enviro Drum and Absolute Journey

BIGGEST INFLUENCE(S): Buddy Rich, Ian Paice, Dave Weckl, Vinnie Colaiuta, Tommy Aldridge, Tony Williams, Jack DeJohnette, Steve Gadd, Gregg Bissonette

FAVORITE ALBUM YOU PLAYED ON: “Right Time”, Rob Tardik

FAVORITE ALBUM YOU DIDN’T PLAY ON: “Friends”, Chick Corea

CAREER HIGHLIGHT: Performing in Antarctica for the millennium with Diana Krall, Art Garfunkel and The Chieftains

FAVORITE SABIAN CYMBAL: 16” or 18” HHX Ozone