Bio
I'm a percussionist who plays marimba, djembé, dununs, bodhran, and congas and have over 25 years of professional playing and teaching experience. I've traveled to West Africa five times to study with master drummers Famoudou Konaté and Mamady Keita. I've also studied music at the University of Victoria and Vancouver Community College.
I teach African and Afro Cuban drumming and perform in various musical settings and situations. Currently, I'm touring regularly with some great contra dance bands. In the past, I've toured nationally with Sarah McLachlan, and internationally with the wonderful "Dance Makers" dance company from Toronto. I've accompanied literally hundreds and hundreds of contemporary dance classes.
I teach African and Afro Cuban drumming and perform in various musical settings and situations. Currently, I'm touring regularly with some great contra dance bands. In the past, I've toured nationally with Sarah McLachlan, and internationally with the wonderful "Dance Makers" dance company from Toronto. I've accompanied literally hundreds and hundreds of contemporary dance classes.
Teaching Style
By learning traditional rhythms one inherits the richness of lifetimes of musical experience. We become part of an evolving musical lineage, and it's lots of fun.
West African drumming has evolved over hundreds of years. It's deep and specific. Any rhythm is teachable, no matter how challenging, as long as it's slowed down and taught in a step by step manner.
West African drumming has evolved over hundreds of years. It's deep and specific. Any rhythm is teachable, no matter how challenging, as long as it's slowed down and taught in a step by step manner.