Percussionist CAROLYN KOEBEL received her undergraduate degrees in music therapy and percussion studies from Western Michigan University. Ms. Koebel has received numerous scholarships, graduated with highest honors, and was named the prestigious Presidential Scholar for the School of Music. Carolyn completed her Master’s Degree in Music Therapy at Michigan State University, where she was awarded a fellowship for her work specializing in the use of drumming for health and healing. She has worked with classical instructor Alison Shaw, in Ghana with West African Master drummer Francis Kofi for a 6-week study with the Hayor Dance Company, and Afro-Cuban expert Francisco Mora.

Carolyn has mentored with master frame drummers Layne Redmond and Glen Velez, and worked with Mid-East expert Mary Ellen Donald and Randy Crafton. Ms. Koebel performs regularly with her quartet, Blue Dahlia, creating original scores for silent film and modern dance.