Now that I am almost finished my degree, I am able to take on some more freelance work…this week was busy and very special and reminds me why I am so committed to drumming with others. The week started with…

After an intense two year journey, I put the finishing touches on my thesis, Drumming UP Health: A Case Study of Carleton University’s West African Rhythm Ensemble. It is sitting with the examiners now and I will defend on September…

In my second year of this MA at Carleton, I am mostly working on my thesis, having finished all my coursework by the end of last summer. However, our music department, along with Ottawa U, hosted a two day graduate…

Five things you should know about Kathy Armstrong (plus one bonus for web readers)

Nexus was in town for ChamberFest this week. They presented two suites of music at the beautiful Dominion Chalmers Church. The arrangements were by Russell Hartenberger, the first a beautiful set of Iranian songs that featured soloist Sepideh Raissadat who…

After a few years hiatus, this month I returned to the highly creative, inspirational (and slightly exhausting) vortex that is the Choral Music Experience (CME) Institute for Choral Music Education that was founded and is directed by Dr. Doreen Rao.…

As part of my studies at Carleton this year, I have been improving my writing in part with the intent of presenting papers at conferences. Quite a bit different than the grant writing I have been doing over the years.…

I have worked for several years with the Capital Grannies, a local chapter of the Stephen Lewis Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign here in Canada. Our connection began with Kate, a talented participant in my adult drumming class, who so enjoyed…

Its been a LONG while since I posted. Finished my first year of the MA in Music and Culture at Carleton University. All my coursework is now completed except for one practicum course which I am doing in the summer…

Was very honoured to present at the Power of the Arts National Forum here in Ottawa this past weekend. An amazing conference, bringing together the best of Canada’s grassroots arts initiatives and related organizations and thinkers. The conference is in…