Key teachers
I am so fortunate to have studied with amazing, world-class percussionists in the U.S., Cuba and Africa. Here are four mentors who have shaped my playing the most.
Cuba
I started traveling to Cuba in 1997. I’ve now visited Cuba ten times, and have spent more than a year total “on the ground” in Havana, Matanzas, and Santiago. During my visits, I’ve studied music and led or planned drumming and dancing workshops.
Cuba main | Mentors & teachers | Early trips: 1997-2000 | Living the music
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- Singing with a Son group in Santiago, Cuba 1999
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- Folkloric rhythms with Ramon, Musical Director of Cutumba in Santiago, Cuba 1999
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- At Casa de la Musica, Miramar, Havana with the awesome female musicians of Contratiempo, directed by Marbys Manzanet, 2013.
Click on first image above to start slide show.
Africa
In Africa, I have studied in Madagascar, Mali and Ghana.
Madagascar | Mali | Ghana
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- Buying my first ever drum in Madagascar in 1997. Hand-carved by this master Valij and drum maker.
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- A class in Calabash with percussionist and dancer “Taken”, Mali, 2016.
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- Jammin' with Ghanaian musicians in Accra, Ghana, 2009.
Click on first image above to start slide show.