About Kim

I was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee and I started my study of percussion in 1977. Piano started a year earlier, at six, in Suzuki Piano School. My first drum teacher in elementary school was George Piazza, then Richard Cesani through middle and high school. By the time I graduated from Briarcrest Christian School, I already knew music wasn’t a hobby. All-West Tennessee Honor bands four years running, All-West orchestra, jazz band, a nomination for McDonald’s All-American Band, and a full band scholarship to the University of Memphis.

At Memphis I studied classical percussion and became the first woman on the Mighty Sound of the South snare line in 1988. I played two artist recitals before I graduated with a Bachelor of Music. Summers in college were spent at Sewanee Summer Music Festival studying classical percussion. After school I did what most serious Memphis musicians do — symphony, Beale Street, theater pits, casinos, church; basically any type of gig. I played with the Memphis Symphony and IRIS Chamber Orchestra. I played in every bar and club in town. I spent sixteen years on the worship team at Germantown Baptist Church, then Hope Presbyterian Church, and I’ve been at Living Hope Church since 2020.

I started teaching in 1993. Private students and high school drumlines at Kirby, Munford, Briarcrest, and Cordova (in the metro Memphis area). Some students went on to DCI and college lines. My last music faculty position was at Memphis University School until 2021.

A few nights still stand out as a performer. Four years in the house band at Margaritaville in Panama City Beach, including a few nights with Jimmy Buffett and Mac McAnally. Five records with Dove Award Nominated Christian artist, Todd Agnew. A Make-A-Wish session with Darius Rucker and John Daly. Great times!

@kimmydrums is the fun part. Drum covers and old TV themes. It’s grown fast since its inception in 2024, and I’m still having a blast.

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2024