Valantis Marantzas was born in Preveza, Greece, and began his involvement with music at an early age. At the age of 8, he was introduced to Byzantine Music, attending lessons for three consecutive years.
At the age of 13, he began studying drums at “Polyrhythmia Conservatory” in Preveza under the guidance of Apostolis Sofis. During his five years of studies there, he actively participated in local music projects and bands, gaining valuable live performance experience from an early stage.
In 2009, he moved to Athens, where he began studying with Michalis Kapilidis. In 2011, he was accepted into the “Professional Program Drums” at Modern Music School.
Education
Modern Music School – Professional Program Drums
During his studies, he received instruction from distinguished musicians and established professionals of the music industry, including:
Michalis Kapilidis
Alexandros Drakos Ktistakis
Nikos Sidirokastritis
Kallistratos Drakopoulos
Giannis Stavropoulos
Giorgos Mitsotakis
George Kollias
Manos Matsos
Giorgos Metallinos
Serafeim Bellos
Giorgos Katsikas
Grigoris Ntanis
Giorgos Georgiadis
Theo Goutzidis
Giorgos Dafnos
Dimitris Sevdalis
Seminars & Masterclasses
He has attended seminars and masterclasses by internationally acclaimed drummers such as:
Dave Weckl
Poogie Bell
Benny Greb
Gergo Borlai
Mark Guiliana
Eric Moore
Keith Carlock
Tony Royster Jr.
George Kollias
Giorgos Trantalidis
Spyros Dorizas
Performances & Collaborations
Over the past years, he has maintained an active presence in the contemporary music scene, performing in music venues and live stages throughout Athens and across Greece.
He has collaborated with artists and musical acts including:
Nikos Vertis
Lila Trianti
Panos Smyrnios
Sotiris Karystinos
Kelly Voudouri
Ars Vetus
Real Effect (Funk, Soul, RnB)
Groove Aloud (Funk)
Kulhu and the Vigilantes (Blues, Rock)
Funkalicius (Funk, Soul)
Blue Tone (Latin, Jazz)
Silia Katrali
Traiana Anania
Giorgos Chraniotis
Apostolos Mosios
Giorgos Vlachos
Christina Papadopoulou
Alexandra Koutsantoni
Giorgos Kavardinos
Leonidas Kagiafas
Dinos Giannakos
Petros Papamichail
Teaching Experience
Valantis Marantzas is actively involved in music education as a drum educator, focusing on proper technical development, musical perception, and the cultivation of each student’s individual musical identity.
His teaching approach is adapted to the needs and level of each student, combining technique, musicality, rhythmic training, and practical application through contemporary teaching methods.
Subjects Taught
Beginner to advanced levels
Drum technique
Coordination & Independence
Groove / Timing
Rudiments
Development of rhythmic vocabulary
Live and studio performance preparation
Contemporary applications in Pop, Rock, Funk, Jazz, Latin, Fusion, and Metal music
His artistic path is characterized by continuous artistic growth, active live performance presence, and ongoing engagement with contemporary music education and performance.
