Alan has extensive teaching and playing experience in drums set, marching band, conga drum, and as a specialist on djembe drum, for over 43 years. He attended Boston University School of Music, University of Miami Coral Gables Music Department, spent graduate time at Berklee College of Music for five years, and postgraduate work at New England Conservatory, Boston, MA with emphasis on Santeria and Bata percussion, music and spiritual practices, and graduate work also in Haitian music spirituality, culture and, of course, Hatian drumming.

Over the years, Alan has played in many famous Rock, Jazz, Fusion and Punk bands, some of which you probably know. He’s also travelled extensively to Africa to study with the greatest drummers, steeped in the African djembe tradition.

His Master is Famoudou Konaté, who took Alan under his wing for private instruction and taught him the secrets of the djembe and dunun drums.

Alan loves teaching youngsters and oldsters alike! In 2016/17 Famoudou asked Alan to teach for him certain days at Famoudou’s famous drummers’ compound. Mamady Keita has also asked Alan to fill in at times to lead workshops in America. Alan has taught djembe across the US as well as Europe and even in Guinea and The Gambia working with the great drummers there and all over the world.