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In his many years of studying, performing, and teaching percussion, Kim Atkinson has developed a deeply insightful approach to his art. As a young college student, in 1973 Kim began learning to drum and exploring the mysteries of rhythm and its effect on the human body, mind and spirit. His investigations led him on a fascinating and transformative path, one encompassing and integrating many musical, cultural, and spiritual traditions. Today his work is enriched with his experience from West African music and dance to electronic sequencers, from Jazz Dance and AfroCuban Rumba, to Latin Jazz Percussion and dance accompaniment, from Performance art to Group facilitation. He has gained additional insights from the natural sciences, the psychology of rhythm and perception, Brazilian shamanism, and Yoruba, Buddhist, Vedic and Taoist ideas of consciousness and reality. Kim's ability to integrate such a rich heritage has led him to a unique and profound approach to music, which he successfully transmits to his students.
In his teaching work, Kim combines these and other interests to present events which are engaging, educational and fun. Kim's teaching experience dates from early in his musical career, in 1975, when Augustus Olatunji Vidal of Nigeria empowered him to teach the African Music Workshop at Sonoma State College in Rohnert Park, California. Since that promising beginning, he has taught percussion nationwide, helping students of all levels of skill, background and ability gain a greater facility with percussion and a more insightful appreciation of the rich cultural heritages which support it. For example, Kim has conducted percussion based events for John Grinder's Neurolinguistic Programming workshops, Dan Millman's Peaceful Warrior Training, Afro-Brazilian ceremonial and healing events, and has performed for and taught school children of all ages and backgrounds in many parts of California.
One of Kim's main areas of interest is rhythm education. He has developed unique and creative teaching programs which stimulate and challenge his listeners to explore their assumptions about time, rhythm and melody. He encourages students to develop and perfect their rhythmic skills with counting, coordination of the body and awareness of subtle vibrations. His natural leadership qualities and communication skills make Kim easy to learn from. His classes are clear, concise and well thought out. He has released two instructional video tapes, Mozambique! Volumes 1 and 2 which have received consistently great reviews in such respected publications as Modern Drummer and the Journal of the Percussive Arts Society.
As a professional percussionist, Kim has worked with Master musicians and Dancers from Africa, the Caribbean and Brazil since1976. He has performed at such prestigious venues as the San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival, Brazilian Grand Carnaval Balls, Stern Grove Summer Music Festival and Harrah's Club in Reno, Nevada. Kim currently leads his own 25-piece Brazilian style parade group throughout the North Bay, does freelance percussion work, and continues to compose, record and perform with the World Music Fusion Trio TOKENKI. Kim is an endorser of Latin Percussion, Inc. instruments.
Check out Kim's Product Spotlite!
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