About Leah

Leah Ivory graduated from Calvin University in Grand Rapids, MI, with a degree in piano performance. She uses her piano skills in ensemble work, and has accompanied choirs at Calvin University, St. Cecilia Music Center, and the North American Choral Company. Leah currently serves as the Artistic and Executive Director for the Grand Rapids Youth Chorus program.

On a choir tour to Ghana, West Africa, in 2006, Leah got her first djembe and has been studying traditional West African drum and dance ever since. Leah is committed to learning the djembe from the masters of the tradition in order to help preserve this intricate, complex and unique style of music. She received her training and became a Certified Djembe Instructor through the Tam Tam Mandingue Djembe Academy, the world’s leading entity in teaching traditional djembe and dunun rhythms founded by Mamady Keita. 

Leah has also completed a drum facilitation course in Pune, India, with Varun Venkit, founder of Taal Inc., an organization that aims to positively influence the areas of health and well-being through rhythm, music and the arts.