With roots in both Indian Classical music and American jazz, Vamsi Tadepalli’s journey in music has been anything but ordinary. Born in North Carolina to Indian immigrant parents, Vamsi was the first American-born member of his family. Thanks to his parents’ love for the arts, he grew up surrounded by music, eventually immersing himself in everything from keyboard lessons at Yamaha Music School to exploring the improvisational depths of jazz.
By high school, Vamsi had discovered a new passion—marching band, or drum corps more precisely. This led him to master the mellophone, and march with some of the most prestigious drum corps, including Carolina Crown and The Cadets, where he earned the Distinguished Service Award.
Vamsi went on to graduate from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a Bachelor’s in Music, specializing in Jazz Performance. His passion for the art form led him to study with jazz luminaries like Justin Robinson and Barry Harris, the latter of whom he worked with at the Royal Conservatory in The Hague.
Vamsi’s compositions are driven by a commitment to both creativity and precision. Whether arranging high-energy marching band scores, crafting intricate jazz pieces, or experimenting with new commercial music projects, he brings a versatile approach that resonates with diverse audiences. His extensive experience as both a performer and educator gives him a unique perspective, allowing him to craft music that resonates on and off the field.
In 2003, Vamsi founded Who’s Bad, a tribute to the legendary Michael Jackson. With over 2,000 international performances under his belt, Vamsi’s work has been recognized by fans and industry veterans alike, including MJ’s longtime manager Frank DiLeo.
From jazz clubs in New York City to video game studios in San Francisco, Vamsi’s versatility has allowed him to explore new creative avenues. His work on Ubisoft’s Rocksmith brought music education into the digital age, while his tribute bands, Who’s Bad, Who’s That Girl and The Evolution of Pop, continue to entertain and inspire audiences across the globe.
Whether he’s creating arrangements for competitive bands, teaching young musicians, or composing soundscapes to elevate a show’s impact, Vamsi’s passion is clear: to transform musical experiences and help others reach their full potential.