2026 Virtual Adjudicators

Jeff Asselin is an Ottawa-based drummer, educator, author, and college professor who has spent the last three decades building a career in both music performance and education. A graduate of Carleton University’s Bachelor of Music program in Jazz Performance, Jeff has worked professionally as a touring and recording musician since 1995, performing throughout Canada, the United States, and Europe while contributing to more than 100 studio albums.

 

Over the years, Jeff has had the opportunity to perform with a wide variety of artists and groups across many genres. He has opened for acts including Dave Matthews Band, P!nk, Colin James, Tom Cochrane, and Canned Heat, and continues to remain active on the Canadian music scene as both a performer and educator. His recording work has also appeared in television and film productions, including tracks from the Doug Martin Quartet featured in the Academy Award-winning film Anora. Additional placements include productions such as Bosch, Still Looking, Rise Up, and The Neighbourhood.

 

Jeff is also a proud endorser for Sonor, Zildjian, Remo, Vic Firth, Cympad, and Protechtor Cases.

Alongside his performing career, Jeff has always had a strong passion for teaching. He currently teaches at Algonquin College and Carleton University and is the founder of Jeff Asselin’s Drum Academy in Ottawa. Throughout his career, he has worked with students of all ages and ability levels, from beginners picking up sticks for the first time to university-level performers preparing for professional careers in music.

 

Jeff is also the founder of Jeff Asselin Publications, a company dedicated to creating modern educational resources for percussionists and music educators. His first major publication, The Rudimental Blueprint – The Burrows Method, was developed from the teaching materials of his late mentor Chuck Burrows and edited by Matt Savage (The Savage Rudimental Workshop). The book combines traditional rudimental studies with a modern, student-focused approach and includes over 100 snare drum solos and duets supported by more than 675 accompanying video lessons. The project reflects Jeff’s ongoing interest in combining music education with contemporary teaching methods and technology.

 

Currently completing a Master of Education at Ontario Tech University, Jeff’s academic work explores constructivist learning, artificial intelligence in education, simulation-based learning, and critical pedagogy. Whether performing, teaching, writing, or presenting clinics, his goal has always remained the same: helping students and musicians develop confidence, creativity, and a deeper understanding of music.