Keith Cozart Steele, M.A.

About me

I am a performer, teacher, student, collaborator, volunteer, father and Quaker. I study Afro-Brazilian percussion in Salvador, Brazil with Giba Conceição, Luiz Badaró, Rosangela Silvestre and Jose Ricardo Sousa; West African djembe in Conakry, Guinea with Mamady Keita, Famoudou Konate, M’Bemba Bangoura and Michael Markus; and Western Classical percussion with Gray Barrier of the University of Northern Colorado. I have a graduate degree in Adult/Community Education, am certified in online education, am trained/experienced in Drum Circle Facilitation and love manual labor in the form of swinging hammers, chopping wood and making hand-drums. One of my creations and passions is directing the annual outreach collaborative concert with area community groups and public-school percussion programs entitled DRUMunity. I perform and record with many regional bands but am most noted as performing in concert with Max Weinberg, Jeff Hamilton, Paul Winter, John Conlee and Louie Bellson.

A member of the Music Department teaching faculty and the director of the percussion program, I am involved in the 3+1 Education program and serve on the Events Committee.

Some of my favorite activities are father time, animals, travel abroad, soccer, wood working and construction.

Each and every semester, I learn at least one pivotally important life lesson from my Earlham students. Whether it is from their own pathway or reflected from or upon my own, I am a better person by teaching students at Earlham College. I believe this to stem from students being initially attracted to the open atmosphere of Earlham’s Quaker roots.

Education

• M.A., Ball State University
• B.A., University of Northern Colorado
• Certificate in Online Teaching, Indiana University East

Professional memberships

• Percussive Arts Society
• Indiana State Music Association

Research projects

DRUMaddix “An Evening of Percussion”
Jazz and Percussion Festival with Max Weinberg
Festival Concert with Louis Bellson and Jeff Hamilton
Doug Hart Band

Scholarly interest

I have a focused interest in West African and Afro Brazilian percussion and how they can be used to bring people together in meaningful, fun and therapeutic interactions, regardless of musical ability and experience level.