I grew up playing jazz piano and, in high school, transitioned to learning world percussion.  I studied with experts in conga, djembe, djun-djun, dumbek and cajon. During my college years, I led an African drumming group and taught the drummers West African rhythms that we played along to live dancing. We practiced and performed regularly at various venues.

I also played cajon for a Flamenco music and dance group. I taught drum workshops to middle school students and led drum circles. After college, as a middle school teacher in San Jose, I taught drumming to groups of students.

I continued to attend classes, drum circles, and intensive workshops such as the women’s drumming camp, “Born to Drum.” I took a drum circle facilitation training with Arthur Hull where I met Carrie Galore, who became a close friend. We are collaborating on a documentary film project called “She Drums,” highlighting the stories of over 25 women drummers connected with the Bay Area.