Since its inception, Pulse Beat musicians have traveled to over 30 countries, seeking out dancing and drumming cultures. They have gathered stories, collected instruments and studied local rhythms which they bring into the classroom and onto performing stages throughout the country.
Drummers of Pulse Beat Music have worked with Urban Gateways, the International House of Blues Foundation, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Chicago Public Schools, District 113 Highland Park, the Chicago Sinfonietta, and Fulcrum Point. They have also performed at schools from Connecticut to Las Vegas to California.
The Pulse Beat collective of drummers is growing. We have a great roster of drumming artists trained in our curriculum.
Janet CramerJanet has a degree in percussion and has studied closely with Afro-Cuban specialist Michael Spiro. She plays drumset on the Chicago blues circuit and teaches world percussion throughout the city. |
Danny HowardDanny is a recent transplant from England whose specialties include drumset and Afro-Caribbean drumming. |
John KnechtJohn is a well-rounded percussionist who has studied with many teachers around the world; He is the founder of Pulse Beat Music. |
Susie LoftonSusie is a singer, dancer and actress who has performed with Chicago jazz and soul bands and taught with various arts education groups. |
Ashley MuenstermannAshley is an experienced dancer and drummer who has studied djembe and West African dance in Guinea. |
Micheal RiendeauMichael is a professional drumset player and educator who has toured and performed with many rock and funk bands. He is fluent in French. |
Michael ToolesMichael is an in-demand drumset player in Chicago, as well as an expert in marching snare and other global styles. |
Jason WolfJason has extensive experience in West African drumming and performs throughout Chicago. He is fluent in French. |