Sebastian Kuchczyński

Drums & CAP Harmony Teaching Artist

Sebastian Kuchczyński is a Fulbright Scholar, drummer, composer, and music producer whose work bridges jazz, funk, hip-hop, free improvisation, and Polish folk traditions.

He is currently pursuing his Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) in Jazz Performance at the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami, under the mentorship of Dafnis Prieto, John Daversa, and Chuck Bergeron. He earned his Master of Music degree at the Berklee Global Jazz Institute at Berklee College of Music in Boston (2018), and as a former scholarship recipient at the University of Louisville. Sebastian also holds degrees (master and undergraduate) from the Karol Szymanowski Academy of Music in Katowice, Poland.

He is the founder of the Gravity Jazz Collective, the New York–based label Pomade Records. He is also the producer of Jazzowa Brodnica, a concert series promoting jazz in Poland (2022-2024).

Sebastian has been an integral member of ensembles such as Biotone (with trombonist Michał Tomaszczyk), the Frost Jazz Orchestra, the OPEN RHYME(s) with Allie Biancoviso and Renato Diz, Piotr Schmidt International Sextet, Artur Dutkiewicz Trio, and Infinite Thread. His collaborations reflect his dual passion for honoring tradition and pushing the boundaries of modern jazz.

Sebastian has performed and recorded with internationally acclaimed artists such as Victor Mendoza, Mino Cinelu, Michael “Patches” Stewart, Aaron Parks, George Garzone, Zbigniew Namysłowski, Leszek Możdżer, Andre Washington, Jose James, Alicia Olatuja, and Artur Dutkiewicz. His performances have taken him across Europe, Africa, the United States, and Asia, including representing Poland at Expo 2025 in Osaka with the Artur Dutkiewicz Trio.

As a prolific recording artist, Sebastian has contributed to more than 50 albums across jazz, soul, hip-hop, and contemporary styles, released on labels such as Igloo Records, Challenge Records, Hevhetia, SJ Records and Pomade Records. His debut solo album Yavia (2024), featuring 16 original compositions, was considered for a GRAMMY® nomination in the “Best Alternative Jazz Album” category. Sebastian has also earned multiple Fryderyk Award nominations in the “Jazz Debut of the Year” category for albums including All Round (Ola Trzaska), Image of My Personality (Przemysław Florczak), and Unspoken Words (Biotone).

Sebastian has received numerous awards, including Soloist Award and Special Prize for “Greatest Talent of the Festival” – First Tarnów Jazz Contest (2008); Individual Award – Jazz On The Odra Festival, Wrocław (2010); Second Prize – Jazz Hoeilaart, Belgium (2010); First Prize – 34th Getxo Jazz Competition, Spain (2011); and First Prize – Krokus Jazz Festival, Jelenia Góra (2011, 2012).