Who We Are

TTM Winston-Salem is a branch of the world’s first international school of West African drumming, Tam Tam Mandingue, founded by world-renown Master Drummer Mamady Keita. We are dedicated to preserve and transmit Mandingue musical tradition as a tool to promote tolerance, understanding, equality and international peace.

This is Our Mission

To all those who came before us, and all those who will come after . . .
And especially to Mamady Keita . . .
Our mission is dedicated in gratitude to you.

Why Drumming

Our Approach to Drumming

About Mamady Keita, Tam Tam Mandingue’s Founder

Commonly regarded as the world’s most acclaimed West African drummer, Mamady Keita has regularly toured Europe, Japan, China and the United States since the age of 16. In 1969, at the age of nineteen, he was awarded a gold medal at the Pan African Festival in Algeria and pronounced “Best African Drummer.” Between 1989 and 1999 he released six CDs and a major book. In 1991 the documentary film about Mamady Keita’s life, Djembefola by Laurent Chevallier, became an international success. He soon became a very popular teacher and established his international drumming school “Tam Tam Mandingue” which currently has 17 branches in Europe, Japan and the United States.

To read more about Mamady Keita please click here. To read more about Tam Tam Mandingue, please click here.

About Bill Scheidt, Director of TTM Winston-Salem

Bill Scheidt picked up an African drum for the first time more than 15 years ago, having studied a variety of Western instruments from age five. Since then he has traveled to Africa six times, spent more than a year and a half living in rural African villages, and studied percussion at Berklee College of Music. Today he is a professional musician and the Founding Director of Tam Tam Mandingue Winston-Salem.

Bill is a close student of Mamady Keita, and a certified Professor in Mamady’s international school of the djembe, Tam Tam Mandingue (TTM). In earning the TTM Professor certification, Bill joins a small handful of drummers from around the world who have been commissioned by Mamady Keita to preserve and teach the music, culture, spirit and traditions of the Mandingue djembe. Bill has spent the last several years traveling throughout the U.S. and to Guinea studying traditional music with his teacher. Bill was among the first group of students to ever perform on stage with Mamady Keita in the U.S. and in his home village of Balandougou, in Guinea, West Africa.

Other teachers Bill has learned from include Mahiri Keita, Daouda Kourouma, Sékou Konaté, Mohammed DaCosta, Fode Camara, Bolokada Conde, Sori Diabaté, Kikala Olaré and Joe Galeota. Bill also studied Afro-Cuban percussion with Ricardo Mendoza and Egguie Castrillo, percussionist for Tito Puente.

Bill regularly travels throughout the East coast leading workshops, clinics and performances. He has received multiple awards from state and local arts councils, and has been an instructor at institutions such as the North Carolina School of the Arts and Wake Forest University. Bill has recorded and performed with a number of groups playing everything from Latin jazz to traditional West African music to rock-and-roll. Bill also worked with doctors from the Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center to write grants investigating the health benefits of drumming. He has published percussion-related articles in several local publications, and has also completed the HealthRHYTHMS national facilitators training program.

Under Bill’s directorship, TTM Winston-Salem has grown to become a thriving drumming school with classes, performances and events offered almost seven days a week. Last year it is estimated that our organization served over 34,000 people with a variety of programs ranging from public school performances and evening classes for adults to corporate drumming programs and drumming instructor training programs. Through his work with the drum, it is Bill’s goal to create an experience of drumming that engenders success within the tradition of the instrument and fosters the use of the drum as an everyday tool for joy, health, and community.

What Does it Mean to Be a Certified TTM Professor

There are currently 17 people from around the world who have earned Mamady Keita’s certification as Professors within the Tam Tam Mandingue school. These select few have been personally commissioned by Mamady Keita to preserve and transmit Mandingue musical tradition.

To earn this honor, each professor has studied closely with Mamady for a number of years, then passed an examination in which they were required to know 60 traditional rhythms and the 12 Solo Originals (traditional solo techniques.) Beyond this, each has demonstrated their respect for people of all cultures, and their continuing commitment to being of service in the world. These professors are certified to teach as a representatives of Mamady Keita and Tam Tam Mandingue.

Why You Should Learn from a Certified TTM Teacher

• Every certified TTM teacher has undergone extensive training in Mandingue rhythms and has been personally approved by Mamady Keita.  The TTM logo indicates that the teacher has passed an examination to demonstrate his or her proficiency in a wide range of Mandingue rhythms.
• Certified TTM teachers are committed to accurately preserving Mandingue rhythms as they have been played for centuries.
• Every certified TTM teacher has spent time in Guinea and experienced Mandingue culture first hand. A TTM teacher will not only teach traditional rhythms, but also teach the cultural significance of each rhythm in its traditional setting.
• A certified TTM teacher has proven his or her skill at playing solos that are true to the traditional style of the corresponding rhythms and their origins.
• A certified TTM teacher has knowledge of the instruments of the Mandingue percussion orchestra and will provide accurate information about their origin and history, including regional variations in playing style.
• A certified TTM teacher is required to participate in a continuing education program. This ongoing commitment ensures that TTM teachers retain their existing skills as well as actively develop new ones.
• A certified TTM teacher is committed to being a mentor and advisor in your artistic development.

CERTIFIED ASSOCIATE INSTRUCTORS

About Amy Jackson

Amy Jackson is co-founder of DrumRISE, formerly Rhythm Synergy LLC, in Atlanta, Georgia. She is a fun, energetic professional teacher, musician, performer and drum circle facilitator who provides rhythm based programs to senior facilities, schools, individuals, community centers, private groups, churches, and special events. Amy’s passion for drumming began rockin’ on the drumset at the early age of 10. In 2002, the djembe was the instrument that truly spoke to her heart. Viola! Her life changed and a new journey began. Amy has been a Certified Associate Instructor of TTMWS since 2009 and she has been teaching ongoing group and private beginner djembe classes around the Atlanta/Decatur area.

Being a trained Healthrhythms facilitator and nurse of 30 years, she also facilitates drum circles for health and wellness. She performs with two high energy percussion ensembles in and around Atlanta, Ten Blocks Away, and ConunDrums of which she is the musical director. Amy’s roots are deep in the Atlanta community where she was born and raised and currently resides with her musically talented family. Her home is a hub for DrumRISE to host many artists locally and internationally. You can contact Amy at www.drummingatlanta.com and This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

About Carol Friedmann

Carol Friedmann has been a student of TTM W-S since 2006. She became a Certified Associate Instructor in 2009. Carol teaches the Beginner Level classes for TTM W-S, plays for the performance ensemble and leads corporate workshops. She also participates in community drum circles.

Carol is a Special Education teacher in an elementary school in Davidson County. She and her husband are the proud parents of many rescue animals. Please feel free to contact Carol at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

About Dave Fairall

Dave Fairall has been a student of West African drumming, studying with Bill Scheidt and TTMWS continuously since their very first beginner workshop in 2000. He has also attended multiple workshops with both Mamady Keita and Famoudou Konate. He has also studied with Fode Camara, Ali Camara, Bolakada Conde and Atiba Rore. Dave became a certified Associate TTMWS Instructor in 2009. Dave helped found and still helps coordinate our community drum circles and is a regular performer with TTMWS's performance ensemble, playing both djembe and dunun. He is a human resources professional and has conducted numerous workshops on team-building, HR compliance, interviewing and other HR and leadership topics. Prior to his HR career, he also served for almost 10 years on active duty as an officer in the US Army. Dave also enjoys a wide range of music, digital audio and video recording, computers and hiking. Although a Texas native, he loves living and working in Winston-Salem and can be reached at (336) 817-9834.

About Forrest Matthews

Forrest “Fode” Matthews began studying West African drumming in 2003, at the age of 11. In addition to studying with Bill Scheidt at TTMW-S since 2003, Forrest has also studied extensively with Mamady Keita, Fode Lavia Camara, Aly Camara, Bolokada Conde, and Mohamed DaCosta. He has also attended the Kumandi African Drum and Dance Camp, in the NC mountains, since 2003. He participates in the Living Rhythms Arts-in-Education program, and has taught the advanced students at TTMW-S. Additionally, he helps facilitate community drum circles in Winston-Salem. Forrest regularly leads the TTMW-S Performance Ensemble. He was certified as a CAI for TTMW-S in 2009, and currently lives in Winston-Salem, where he also spends time building drums.

About Leah Roy

Leah Roy has been a student of West African drumming and dance sine 2000 and has studied with Bill Scheidt and TTMWS since 2003. She has had the honor of studying with Mamady Keita both in the United States and Guinea, West Africa. Leah became a Certified Associate Instructor in 2007. She participates in the Living Rhythms Arts-in- Education program, leads corporate workshops, and occasionally teaches the advanced level djembe class for TTMWS. She also teaches beginning West African dance at the Blue Ridge African Drum and Dance camp and can be seen behind the dununba with the TTMWS drumming ensemble. She is a full-time faculty member in the Department of Theatre and Dance at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, where she lives with her husband Bill Scheidt.

About Peggy Danka

Peggy Danka has been a student of West African drumming, studying with Bill Scheidt and TTMWS, since 2000. She has also studied with Mamady Keita and Famoudou Konate and has traveled to Guinea, West Africa to study with Fode Camera. Peggy became a certified Associate Instructor in 2005. She participates in community drum circles and performances in many venues with TTMWS, playing both djembe and dunun. She is an occupational therapist, certified hand therapist and massage therapist. She enjoys mountain biking and being in the great outdoors. She currently resides in Winston-Salem and can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

About Ronnie Pulley

Ronnie Pulley has been a dedicated student of West African drumming since 2002 and has studied with several master drummers from West Africa, most notably Mamady Keita. Ronnie became a Certified Associate Instructor with TTMWS under TTM Professor Bill Scheidt in 2007. Ronnie also attends the Drum Circle Facilitators Guild and is a trained Health Rhythms Facilitator. Ronnie founded the West African Drum ensemble, Rhythmicity in 2003. You can visit their website at www.rhythmicity.org to schedule live performances, see past perfomances, photos, and hear music clips.

Ronnie teaches Beginner and Intermediate/Advanced classes and you can register for classes and learn more by visiting www.drumsonfire.com. Ronnie has been with SAS Institute in Cary NC since 1982 where he is now a Senior Network Systems Engineer. When not working, teaching, and performing, you will find Ronnie drumming with the local hoopers and fire spinners around Raleigh and Cary.

About Susan Petrie

Susan Petrie has been studying West African drumming and drum circle facilitation since 2007. She completed a two-year training with Bill Scheidt in Winston-Salem at TTMWS and became a Certified Associate Instructor, and continues to attend training sessions with Bill. She also attends training sessions with Mamady Keita (founder of Tam Tam Mandingue USA), as well as many other African drummers. Susan studied rhythm-based drum facilitation with Arthur Hull, John Scalici, Jana Broder, Christine Stevens and many others. She is also a trained Remo Health Rhythms facilitator. Susan founded Orbital Rhythms as a way to bring rhythm-based events to many populations for team building, ice breakers, conferences, schools and kids programs. She is also a member of the Drum Circle Facilitators Guild. Susan plays djembe and dununs with the performance ensemble Rhythmicity and teaches drum classes. Susan lives in Raleigh, NC and has been a self-employed wallpapering specialist since 1991. Contact her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , www.orbitalrhythms.com, or www.rhythmicity.org .

About Tom Harris

Tom Harris has been playing and studying the djembe since 1996. In his work with emotionally disturbed adolescents, he created a therapeutic drumming program at Youth Villages in 1996 and has grown it since. His program works with over 400 children and youth every week, and his groups have performed in over 475 venues since then. He has studied with numerous professional djembe players from West Africa , but has focused on the Master Djembefola Mamdy Keita since 1999. He became a Certified Associate Instructor with TTMWS under TTM Professor Bill Scheidt in 2009. He began offering a certification program for Therapeutic Drumming in 2009, and is in his second year of that endeavor. He is the founder of Ten Blocks Away, a professional djembe band which includes several other graduates of the TTM-Winston Salem Associate Instructor training.

About Kevin Holston

Kevin Holston has been studying West African culture, music, dance and drumming since 1991. He has had the honor of studying with many significant teachers and ensembles, and now with Mamady Keita and the international school of djembe Tam Tam Mandingue. Kevin became a TTM Wnston-Salem certified associate instructor in 2011 under Professor/ Director Bill Scheidt.

Kevin started his education by traveling to Dakar, Senegal in the early 90’s to study Sabar and Djembe with the Sing Sing Faye Gewel (Griot) family. A short list of influential drum/dance teachers and thanks go to: Assane Konte, Dir. KanKouran West African Dance Company (Washington D.C.), P. Amaniyea Payne, Dir. Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago (Chicago IL), Chuck Davis, Dir. African American Dance Ensemble (Durham, NC), Kumbuka African Drum and Dance Collective (New Orleans LA), Babatunde Olatujni, R.I.P (Nigeria), Mor Thiam (Senegal), Youssouf Koumbassa, former artist of Ballet Djoliba (Guinea), Moustapha Bangoura, former artist with Les Ballets Africains (Guinea), Barefoot Ballet, Dir(s). Torkwase Oluwa, Ramatu Afegbua-Sabbatt, Omelika Kuumba (Atlanta, GA); Afro-Cuban percussionists: Skip "Brinquito" Berne, Hassan Ortiz (Atlanta, GA). Kevin would also like to acknowledge his first djembe teacher Musa Amen (Nashville, TN) and mentor Shahid Shabazz (Lousiville, KY).

Kevin is a management consultant, facilitator, trainer and professional speaker. He lives in Atlanta, GA. Contact him via email at:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

About Ann Lovell

A 2012 graduate of the TTM-WS Drum Instructor Training, Ann is a Certified Assistant Instructor teaching and performing in Western North Carolina. Her West African drum studies began in 2001 with Tiani Tarr and continued in Asheville with Bolokada Conde from Guinea and Adama Dembele from the Ivory Coast. She has also attended workshops with Mamady Keita, Famadou Konate, Ubaka Hill, Edwina Tyler and continues to study with Bill Scheidt in Winston-Salem.

In 2006, Ann co-founded the women’s drumming troupe Wild Bodema (www.WildBodema.com) which performs at community gatherings, schools, churches, senior centers and private events in the Asheville area. In addition to drumming, Wild Bodema’s performances include song, dance and audience participation. Ann currently teaches beginner & intermediate djembe and dunun classes in Asheville, serves as musical director for Wild Bodema, and facilitates drum circles. A retired IT professional and School Psychologist with a love of dogs, drumming and dancing, Ann’s unique background provides a platform for her goal of changing the world – one drummer at a time. 828-280-5272. Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit WildBodema on facebook.

About Patty Westcott

Patty Westcott is a committed student of world percussion and has devoted the past 20 years to expanding her knowledge of cultural traditions, techniques and healing applications of drumming. She was certified as a TTM Winston-Salem Associate Instructor in 2011 after completing a two-year Instructor program taught by Bill Scheidt, Tam Tam Mandingue Certified Professor.

She has had the privilege of studying with African drumming masters Mamady Keita, Famadou Konate and Babatunde Olatunji, Brazilian master percussionist Jorge Alabe and numerous other dedicated and talented teachers. One of the highlights was a 1997 tour of Ghana with Baba Olatunji where she attended The International Center of African Music and Dance at the University of Ghana at Legon.

Patty is a founder and active member since 1999, of the world percussion performance group Beleza and a past and still occasional member of Joia, a St. Louis-based world percussion ensemble.

Patty has long promoted the healing, team building and educational benefits of group drumming by facilitating workshops for groups such as Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Barnes Jewish Hospital, Old Dominion University, the National Council on Alcoholism and the Governor’s School for the Arts.

Patty is a trained facilitator for HealthRHYTHMS® and has a B.S. in Psychology with a Health and Wellness emphasis, from Old Dominion University. She resides in Virginia Beach and teaches workshops and classes in world percussion.

About the TTM Winston-Salem Associate Instructor Training Program