Teacher Profile: Jaden Nesbitt

About Jaden Nesbitt

Jaden Nesbitt is a passionate and experienced music educator based in Washington, D.C., specializing in Drum, Piano, and Guitar instruction. With a strong foundation in music theory, performance, and technique, Jaden has dedicated his life to the study and teaching of music. His teaching philosophy focuses on nurturing each student’s musical journey by creating a supportive and engaging environment rooted in fundamentals.

Jaden’s love for music began at the age of four through church performances, where he was captivated by the rhythm of the drums. By age 5, he had picked up his first pair of sticks, sparking a lifelong passion for exploring the musical world. He later taught himself the basics of piano and guitar under the guidance of his uncle, Ernest Wright, a skilled gospel musician who helped shape his early development.

Jaden’s formal percussion training began in elementary school with the band program in Fairfax County, Virginia. In middle school, he earned first chair percussionist in both the All-District and All-County Bands at Walt Whitman Middle School and Woodbridge Middle School, under the direction of Deborah Doberstein and Allison Lynskey, respectively.

At Osbourn Park High School, Jaden joined the top Wind Ensemble as a freshman and discovered his love for rudimental and marching percussion as a member of the drumline. By his sophomore year, he was named snare section leader and joined the award-winning Woodbridge Vikings Indoor Drumline, competing in AIA and WGI circuits under the instruction of Ryan Gillis, Joshua Green, Nick Ro, and Omar Alsolini.

Jaden later transferred to Charles J. Colgan High School, where he was accepted into the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts. There, he served as first chair percussionist and drumline captain, helping lead the ensemble to its first-ever 1st place drumline trophy under the direction of Donald Magee and his drum instructor, Mike Sibert.

He continued his education at Norfolk State University, studying Audio Engineering with a minor in Percussion and Piano Performance. There, he refined his skills under the mentorship of percussion professor Ricky Micou.

When not performing or working in the studio as a producer and songwriter, Jaden devotes his time to teaching. Whether guiding beginners or helping experienced players develop their technique, he is committed to inspiring the next generation of musicians.