Sheldon Alexander

Sheldon Alexander is a drummer, educator, and composer based in the Bay Area. As the founder of Coexist, he is passionate about exploring genres like jazz, hip-hop, funk, soul, and other afro-rooted styles. A graduate of the California Jazz Conservatory in Berkeley, California, Sheldon has become a sought-after sideman in the Bay Area, performing with groups such as The Headmasters, The Vaughn Cannon Quartet, The Heeters (featuring members of the California Honeydrops), and leading his own band, Coexist.

Sheldon’s musical journey began in the San Francisco Bay Area. At just three years old, he was drawn to the drums, playing in his great uncle’s church, Wings of Love Maranatha Ministries, in Oakland. This environment shaped his connection to music, instilling a deep sense of purpose and spirituality in his art.

When Sheldon was seven, his family relocated to Scottsdale, Arizona, where his passion for jazz took root. In high school, a pivotal moment came when he discovered the album Headhunters. Its storytelling through composition, improvisation, and production inspired him to approach music with a new level of depth.

During high school, Sheldon excelled in jazz band, becoming a committed team player and versatile drummer. He joined The Nash’s Legacy Ensemble, which focused on preserving jazz for the next generation. Beyond jazz, he broadened his skills by performing in musicals, drumlines, and classical ensembles, developing a well-rounded foundation as a musician.

After graduating from Maria Carrillo High School in 2018, Sheldon attended the California Jazz Conservatory (CJC), where his musical journey deepened under the mentorship of Alan Hall, Dillon Vado, Hamir Atwal, and Gerald Cleaver. These experiences shaped his versatility and refined his craft, while his focus on Afro-rooted music fostered a deep appreciation for authenticity and cultural context in his playing.

In addition to his performances, Sheldon has taken on the role of an educator, mentoring private students across the Bay Area including teaching at the Stanford Jazz Workshop and Berkeley Jazz School. His approachable and supportive teaching style has made him a trusted guide for aspiring musicians interested in the Afro-Rooted genres of music.

Today, Sheldon is an integral part of the Bay Area music scene, performing at renowned venues like Bird & Beckett and Mr. Tipple’s. As the founder of Coexist, an R&B fusion band, he continues to blend genres and create dynamic, boundary-pushing music.

Sheldon has also collaborated with notable musicians, including Marcos Silva, Erik Jekabson, Dann Zinn, Jeff Denson, Liberty Ellman, Frank Martin, Giulio Cetto, and Veotis Latchison, as well as recording with artists such as Oddity, Giulio Cetto, Vaughn Cannon, and the California Honeydrops. His adaptability and ability to connect with fellow musicians have made him a respected figure in the Bay Area’s vibrant music community.

Through dedication and a deep respect for the roots of the music he plays, Sheldon Alexander has established himself as a dynamic performer, educator, and leader, with a growing reputation for his artistry and authenticity.