Patty Westcott

Patty Westcott is a committed student of world percussion and has spent the past 17 years expanding her knowledge of cultural traditions, techniques and healing applications of drumming. She has had the privilege of studying with African drumming masters Mamady Keita and Babatunde Olatunji, Brazilian master percussionist Jorge Alabe and numerous other dedicated and talented teachers. One of the highlights of her studies 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 member and one of the founders of the world percussion group Beleza, since 1999. As a member of Beleza, she has performed at Tidewater area venues such as the Norva, Stockley Gardens Art Festival, Naro Cinema, Virginia Zoo, Beach Street USA and AFRAM. Prior to relocating to Virginia, Patty was a member of Joia; a St. Louis-based world percussion ensemble featuring Brazilian Samba. Patty performed with Joia at the Sheldon Concert Hall, St. Louis Blues Heritage Festival, Soulard Mardi Gras, First Night St. Louis, the St. Louis Zoo, Washington University and many other events, including performances for Microsoft, Enterprise Rent-A-Car and MasterCard. She continues to perform as a member of Joia Plus several times a year.

Patty learned from experts by participating in drum circles led by Arthur Hull, Mickey Hart, Sule Greg Wilson, Paulo Mattioli and Christine Stevens. She accompanied master dance classes for Mark Morris Dance Group and Debbie Allen.

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

Patty is a trained facilitator for HealthRHYTHMS®, a division of REMO® drums, a group empowerment drumming protocol that has been proven to reduce stress, improve mood states and boost immune function through recreational music-making. Patty has a B.S. in Psychology with a Health and Wellness emphasis, from Old Dominion University. She teaches classes and private lessons in world percussion.