A graduate of Appalach ian State University, Shirazette studied with Todd Right, Dr. Rob Falvo, Rick Dilling, and Scott Meister. In addition to her academic background, she has also received private instruction and mentoring from great musicians such as Cindy Blackman, Lewis Nas h, Terri Lyne Carrington, Allison Miller, Sherrie Maricle and Ernie Adams. Shirazette maintained an active life, receiving her degree in Music Industry Studies while simultaneously performing in and out of school with various groups. She also recorded her first album with Sinclair, “Stories of This Land,” during her studies as a percussionist at Appalachian State University. She went on to graduate as one of the top percussionists in her department, earning both multiple jazz scholarships and an athletic sc holarship for basketball during her time there.

A graduate of Appalachian State University, Shirazette studied with Todd Right, Dr. Rob Falvo, Rick Dilling, and Scott Meister. In addition to her academic background, she has also received private instruction and mentoring from great musicians such as Cindy Blackman, Lewis Nash, Terri Lynne Carrington, Allison Miller, Sherrie Maricle and Ernie Adams. Shirazette maintained an active life, receiving her degree in Music Industry Studies while simultaneously performing in and out of school with various groups. She also recorded her first album with Sinclair, "Stories of This Land," during her studies as a percussionist at Appalachian State University. She went on to graduate as one of the top percussionists in her department, earning both multiple jazz scholarships and an athletic scholarship for basketball during her time there.

Following her years at Appalachian State University, Shirazette was offered the opportunity to attend Northern Illinois University on a full scholarship for drum set and jazz pedagogy. She accepted, and in 2005 relocated to Dekalb, IL. to study with Ron Carter (saxophonist and jazz educator) as well as get involved in the Chicago music scene. She began by performing in various projects around the Chicago area with flautist Nicole Mitchell as well as represe nting NIU in the Liberace Jazztet Scholarship Program.

Shirazette also became one of the last recipients of The Sisters in Jazz Collegiate All - Stars for IAJE (International Association of Jazz Educators) Award in 2008, and taught as a professor at Columb ia College in Chicago.

As her time in Illinois went on, her stage performances grew to include greats such as Jimmy Heath, Slide Hampton, Renee Baker, and many others. Shirazette also began her international travels to Spain and Peru while at Northern Il linois University accompanying various artists. While in Peru she discovered her love for Cajon and it inspired her to write a song that eventually was included on The Liberace Jazztet album release, Linda . Shirazette's love for Cajon and world music follo wed her as she moved from Illinois to New York City in 2009, ultimately becoming the resident drummer at Tutuma Social Club with the internationally acclaimed Gabriel Alegria Afro - Peruvian Sextet.

Currently based out of New York City, Shirazette has recen tly performed with Alicia Keys on BET in Black Girl's Rock (2012) and toured with Tia Fuller playing at The Umbria Jazz Festival, Molde Jazz Festival and the Turkish Ambassadors in D.C. In addition, Shirazette is performing and collaborating with various a rtists such as the WuTang Klan, Diva (Four Play), Tom Browne, Hugh Masekala, Mimi Jones, Pauline Jean, Afrikkanitha, Camille Thurman and many others. She strives to keep the motion of jazz music progressive in all of her endeavors.

Shirazette’s own project, the Shirazette and the Experiment Jazztet debuted Humility: Purity of My Soul in February 2014. Additionally, she released a holiday album in November 2013 entitled How the Groove Stole Christmas.

Besides performing as a professional musician, Shiraz ette is an active clinician and teacher, constantly sharing her knowledge to anyone open and willing to learn. She is also the author of two published articles for Modern Drummer and Tom Tom Magazine that focus on the importance of musician health. Shiraze tte has the skills and mindset to take her to new levels and new pages in her musical career.

Shirazette is endorsed by Canopus Drums, Sabian, Vic Firth, LP, Beato Bags, and KickPort.

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