Chris Knox is a very talented and progressive drummer/musician with a wide musical vocabulary. Influenced by the likes of other drummers such as Dave Weckl, Chris Coleman, JoJo Mayer, and Dennis Chambers, Chris has a unique and distinguished style that adds a positive vibe to all genres of music. Since receiving his Bachelor of Music Business degree from The University of Texas at Arlington, Chris has worked as a musician and/or business consultant for local and national recording artists. Chris just most recently completed a 20 city stadium/arena tour where he had the opportunity to play with artists like, Gateway Worship, CeCe Winans, Matthew West, and Sheila Walsh.
He has shared the stage with artists such as Paul Brown, Freddy Rodriguez, Everette Harp, Myron Butler, Angela Blair, Harold Rayford, LaDelle Walker, Tim Clifton, Joel McCray, Tamela Mann, and Demetrious McClendon, to name a few. He has also worked with some of the best producers and engineers in the world including Grammy Award Winning Engineer Tim Kimsey. Chris is an endorser of Sonor Drums, Vic Firth Drumsticks, Sabian Cymbals, Remo Drumheads, Gibraltar Hardware, 1964 In-Ears, Presonus, Kick-Port, and Phatfoot drum products.
Originally from San Antonio, TX, Chris has been around music all his life. Growing up, Chris’ father, a lead guitar player, had a home studio and multiple jazz bands. Chris started to play drums at the age of 14 and was initially taught the fundamentals of music, drums, reading, and theory by his father. At the age of 16 he began taking private lessons at Jeff Ryder’s Drum shop in preparation to join the Judson High school jazz band. Chris was offered a job to teach after only 6 months of lessons! He taught lessons there for about 2.5 years, with as many 30+ students per week, until he was preparing to start college.
Chris continued his education at San Antonio College studying music under Alice Gomez. There he played drums for their top jazz band which primarily focused on Latin Jazz. This experience allowed him to develop an authentic Latin Jazz musical vocabulary. It also allowed touring in the southern region of the US as well as in Mexico.
After Chris’ tenure at San Antonio College he transferred to The University of Texas at Arlington where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Business in 2004. There he played in marching and jazz bands. He studied under Dr. Michael Varner, Ed Stephan, and Jeff Ausdemore. The Music side of the degree developed proficiencies in all areas of percussion including drumset, rudimental snare, concert snare, marimba, and timpani. It also developed proficiencies in recording techniques, music theory, aural training, music form and analysis, and music history. The business side of the degree developed areas such as business law, marketing, radio production, and industry specifics like royalty computation, licensing, music publishing, etc…
Not only is Chris a dynamic musician but an astute businessman. While in college Chris began his career as full time professional musician/consultant. Shortly after interning for Hidden Beach Records (Sony Affiliate), he began working for LW Records. His successes with LW Records allowed him to attain the General Manager position. Musically he contributed to the label playing for numerous artists on the roster. Business-wise he was vital in developing the label to a higher level where they were offered a national distribution deal. Chris was offered a percentage of ownership in the label.
He was the GM/CFO of Forbeyon Design Studio (www.forbeyon.com). During Chris’ first year as the General Manager (2006) he helped the company attain an exponential 181% growth in revenue as well as 123% growth in client base. They had increased by over 600% in revenue and client base when Chris left late 2009. They are a multi-million dollar organization that has clients in more than 10 countries and have been featured in the industries top trade publications. Forbeyon’s success is still growing today.
Chris was a part of the executive team of Artists Boot Camp (ABC). ABC is an artist development company that exists to develop well-rounded, fully equipped musical artists that impact the local, regional, and national music industry and maximize their potential to realize their personal goals and dreams. The program empowers artist covering topics like music business mgmt, publishing, recording, songwriting techniques, stage performance, vocal coaching, and financial planning to name a few.
Currently Chris runs his company Transition Center Music (TCM) where the goal is: Transformation through Education. TCM offers Strategic Planning services specializing in helping organizations and individuals define their goals, develop an implementation strategy and execute the plan. TCM also offers products and services that will bridge the gap between traditional education systems and real world experiences/application. Chris' DVD Transitioning from Drummer to Musician was the first product released.
Chris also stays busy playing for multiple artists and ministries, doing session work, and clinics. Chris teaches private lessons to numerous students including some of the most talked about up and coming prodigy drummers. Chris teaches atThe Kings University. He is also apart of the Gateway Church worship team as a musician and as well as an instructor for their Worship Team Academy.
Chris Knox brings a balance of musicianship, business, organizational development, and integrity that is extraordinary and rare. He is an asset to every organization he has been a part of and is always looking for more opportunities to network and contribute to people’s development and success. Chris’ immense musical ability, interpersonal/networking skills, professionalism, and ability to be a resource constantly keeps him busy working and in the public eye.
Chris gives special thanks to his wonderful wife Erika and daughter Cadence for all of their love and support.
