Explore my experiences as a musician.

Table of Contents:

  • The Djembe (Drum) - 1995 (Leisure)

  • Harmonica - 1995 (Leisure)

  • Glockenspiel - 1998 (Academic)

  • Piano - 2003 (Professional)

  • Drums - 2003 (Professional)

  • Bass Guitar - 2005 (Professional)

  • Electric Guitar - 2006 (Professional)

  • Recorder - 2006 (Leisure)

  • Harp - 2006 (Leisure)

  • Xylophone - 2008 (Academic)

  • Trumpet - 2008 (Academic)

  • French Horn - 2008 (Academic)

  • Flute - 2008 (Academic)

  • Snare Drum - 2008 (Academic)

  • Mandolin - 2014 (Leisure)

  • Acoustic Guitar - 2015 (Leisure)

  • Violin - 2015 (Leisure)

  • Kalimba - 2016 (Leisure)

The Djembe Drum (1995)

The Djembe is a musical instrument from West Africa and originated from the Malian Empire. It is a percussion instrument with a big drum head and a small body and bottom.This specific shape allows the drummers to play it and hold it in between their legs. It is played bare hands.

My first encounter with this instrument was at Oyotunji Yoruba African Kingdom (OYAK) in South Carolina. My parents and I went to visit the African village in 1995 with my parents. My father purchased a set of authentic djembe drums for me to play. One of my earliest memories as a child was watching the drum maker build my drum.

In 2013, I learned more about the djembe from a Nimbaya! (formerly known as the Amazones) Guinea, West Africa's First Female Djembe (Drum)n Group. They collaborated with Columbia College, South Carolina. Learning about their culture and story encouraged me to continue playing the drums.

Harmonica (1995)

The harmonica, also known as a French harp or mouth organ, is a free reed wind instrument used worldwide in many musical genres, notably in blues, American folk music, classical music, jazz, country, and rock.

My parents gifted me a harmonica in 1995. This instrument helped me to become familiar with musical elements as well as improvisation.

Glockenspiel 1998

The GlockenspielIs a percussion instrument consisting of a series of graduated metal bars tuned to the chromatic scale and played with two hammers.

Piano 2003

Drums 2003

Bass Guitar 2005

Electric Guitar 2006

Recorder 2006

Harp 2006

Xylophone (2008)

Trumpet (2008)

French Horn (2008)

Flute (2008)

Snare Drum (2008)

Mandolin (2014)

Acoustic Guitar (2015)

Violin (2015)

Kalimba (2016)