Kalani Das, MT-BC is a world percussion specialist with more than 30 years of professional experience. He is a certified Orff-Schulwerk educator, a board-certified music therapist, and is a requested presenter at conferences worldwide. Kalani has worked with music legends Barry Manilow, Yanni, Kenny Loggins, and Rod Stuart. He is the founder of the DCM approach to community music making and a member of the Music Therapy Drumming training team. Kalani has written over nine books and produced numerous instructional DVDs and music CDs. He presents workshops, retreats, and residencies for students, teachers, therapists, and the general public. kalanimusic.com and playsinglaugh.com.



Performance

Kalani has performed and/or recorded with such music legends as Kenny Loggins, David Sanborn, Max Roach, Barry Manilow, Vic Damone, John Mayall, Chante Moore, Dr. John, Michael Kamen, Melissa Manchester and is the featured percussionist on the Yanni Live at the Acropolis video and CD. He is featured on recordings for Disney, Warner Brothers, Tri-Star Pictures, Paramount Studios, The Nature Company and Jim Hensen Records.



Presentations

Kalani has presented at several MENC state and regional conferences including Georgia, Wisconsin, Florida, Texas, California, Virginia and Rhode Island. He has been a featured clinician and speaker at the Taipei Percussion Institute, The International Percussion Festival (Belgium), The World Rhythm Festival (Seattle), several Percussive Arts Society International Conventions, the International Music Products Industry (NAMM) conference, the American Orff Schulwerk convention, and the American Music Therapy Association National conference.



Media

Kalani has authored several books for Alfred publishing including All About Congas, All About Djembe, All About Bongos, Together In Rhythm, and The Amazing Jamnasium. He has produced over 15 instructional videos for a variety of instruments including congas, bongos, djembe, hand percussion and drum set, available through MVP Home Video. He is the founder and director of Drumlesson.com, an educational drumming web site that has been featured in the New York Times and CNN Live. He is a contributing writer for Percussive Notes Magazine, Modern Drummer and DRUM! Magazine.



Education and Awards

Kalani received his Bachelor of Music degree from California State University Northridge and is a certified (level III) Orff Schulwerk specialist. He has received numerous awards from DRUM! Magazine for his work as a performing artist, percussion clinician and drum circle facilitator.



Current

Kalani is a keynote presenter, speaker, clinician, performer, author, and educator. He is a consultant for the Kaman Music Corporation, Peripole-Bergerault Educational Instruments, The House of Blues foundation, and other state and national arts advocacy organizations. His company, Kalani Music, is an approved continuing education provider for music educators, music therapists and health care professionals and offers levels training in Drum Circle Musicª facilitation. He continues to develop instruments and accessories in association with several of the music industries top companies. Kalani teaches children and adults in the Los Angeles area and abroad.



Endorsements

Kalani is sponsored by Toca Percussion, Gibraltar Harware, Vic Firth Sticks, Evans Drum Heads, Paiste Cymbals and Audio Technica Microphones.