Shalisha Turpin AKA “Drummer Girl Turps” is a talented music teacher and drummer from Kingston, Jamaica. She was the first woman drummer to graduate from the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts where she overcame great adversity to become a music teacher.
Today she inspires her students in Durham, North Carolina and has had the opportunity to play music in the community. Since beginning her position in Durham, Shalisha has learned new teaching and classroom management strategies and has had the opportunity to draw on her students’ diverse cultural backgrounds when planning her lessons.
“I’m thankful everyday for this lovely opportunity of being here. Durham is beautiful, especially seeing the fall season. The food is great, the people are warm and friendly and there is music everywhere.”