Nina is an award winning Toca Endorsed Artist, Facilitator and Percussionist.

Nina dedicates her life to helping people discover and put into action the tools and strategies that create extraordinary results! Over the last decade, NinaÂ’s has been described as having a stage presence that is a cross between a symphony conductor and a motivational speaker. She has had a direct impact on thousands throughout the United States and South America with her work in facilitating spirited team building performances.

The creator of Unlock the Rhythm, Nina is a percussionist whose many accomplishments include receiving a Grammy recognition for playing on Randy Travis’ Grammy Award-winning album “Rise and Shine”. She is also a facilitator, speaker, and a clinician endorsed by for Toca Percussion.

Nina has developed a kinesthetic program which motivates her audience by incorporating their organizational goals into an interactive highly spirited session called Unlock the Rhythm. This unique approach allows each participant to have their own Toca Djembe drum and sessions are designed to promote team unity and to encourage participants to focus on shared vision.

Through Unlock the Rhythm and Drumming with Nina programs, Nina has addressed health and wellness with a particular focus on fighting obesity among students. Unlock the RhythmÂ’s proven strategies have created transformation, change and renewed passion!

In the past two decades, Nina has had the opportunity to work with leaders from every walk of life including CEOs of corporations, athletes, fitness experts, military personnel, authors, entertainers, teachers, school district officials, youth, parents, inclusion and special needs friends.

“I have the privilege and opportunity to be a part of such a magnificent force that allows us to bring encouragement and inspiration through rhythm. Rhythm is everywhere and in everything. It’s more than just drumming, it’s spiritual for me. I believe music reaches down into our heart and soul. Every heart in the audience receives from the music in a very personal way. Everyone who listens, really listens – receives, connects and re-ignites!"

- Nina Rodriguez



Biography:

Toca Artist, Nina Rodriguez mobilizes her percussion skills for live music, studio recording, and extra-curricular activities that employ percussion to lift the spirit. Nina also facilitates team building events for The Source Consulting Group and Drumming with Nina.



Based in San Antonio, Texas, Nina Rodriguez is representative of the versatile contemporary percussionist. She knows the traditional Afro-Cuban and world rhythms but she is versatile enough to fit into a Randy Travis country session. Nina Rodriguez serves as founder and facilitator for Unlock the Rhythm events, a percussion group seeking to enhance energy, health, social harmony and cultural awareness through drumming.



Nina Rodriguez leads Unlock the Rhythm in performances for the public and for corporate and educational groups. Nina customizes programs and performances per client. In addition, one of Nina's greatest passions is working with children and youth.



"Everyone has rhythm, but not sure how to let it out. Through the universal language of music we are able to connect ourselves to a purpose -to a passion and it's from that place the music begins to flow"



Nina Rodriguez grew up in a musical family, greatly influenced by her grandfather, Henry "Papa" Garcia, a renowned band leader. She has been playing percussion for as long as she can remember. Looking back, she recalls the incredible thrill she experienced when listening to Santana, Tito Puente, The Beatles and Sergio Mendes/Brazil 66. These bands, with their popular appeal, relaxed musical boundaries, and strong charisma helped shape Nina's approach to percussion and to entertainment. Add to the mix Nina's early encounters with Motown, soul and R & B; all figure in her career.



Nina Rodriguez did studio tracks for Randy Travis' Grammy-winning album Rise and Shine, arranged and recorded djembe parts for Bette Sussman, toured with the Jewish Latino musician Yehuda Glantz, and tracked with a number of gospel, Latin, jazz, country and rock musicians.