ABOUT VAMSI TADEPALLI
A Composer, Arranger, Performer, Educator, and Music Producer Based in Los Angeles
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.
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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.
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A Legacy of Live Performance
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.
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Beyond the Stage
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.
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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.
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Interested in taking your band’s performance to the next level or exploring new musical collaborations? Get in touch to see how Vamsi’s expertise can bring your vision to life.