Nancy Brauhn-Curnes

Nancy's passion for drumming runs strong, from teaching the basics of the djembe drum, to facilitating large groups, and to performing with other skilled drummers.

She began playing the djembe more than 10 years ago during her career as a special education teacher. She brought the drum to her students, and the beat quickly caught the interest of their general education peers. That was when she realized the power of drumming as a means of inclusion. She quickly expanded, creating an all-school drumming program that served 250 students annually—INCLUDING students with special needs!

Now in her retirement, Nancy weaves her 38 years of teaching into the classes and workshops she offers through Djembe Jive. She provides a positive and stress-free environment for learning and expression, adapting the activities appropriately to the ages and abilities of participants. She does classes, workshops, and drumming programs in a variety of settings and will customize the experience for the specific group. In addition, she and her Djembe Jivers are available to perform for private as well as community events.

Nancy is a Certified Drum Circle Facilitator, a member of the Drum Circle Facilitation Guild, and was chosen to become a Trainer of the Trainers through the world-renowned Arthur Hull and his Village Music Circles organization. She expects to complete that certification process by next year.

Nancy believes that as we come together to drum, we develop a sense of community and camaraderie. She says, "We learn, we grow, and we bond. This experience is absolutely transformative."

Rhythm is the soul of life.

The whole universe revolves in rhythm.

Everything and every human action revolves in rhythm.

—Djembe Master Babatunde Olatunji

Let's Drum Now!