Collection: ARTSTS
Marla Leigh is an internationally recognized frame drum specialist, flautist,composer, and founder of the Frame Drum Academy (est. 2015), one of the first online schools for frame drum education.
Drawn to music from an early age, she began piano at three and flute at eight, later earning a BFA in Flute and an MFA in World Percussion from the California Institute of the Arts. Her studies include extensive training with master percussionists, including frame drum pioneers Glen Velez and John Bergamo.
With more than three decades of teaching experience, Marla’s approach blends technical clarity with creative freedom, helping students develop confident musicianship and expressive artistry.
As a composer, Marla creates globally inspired music that weaves ancient instrumental voices with contemporary textures. Her debut album, Rhythms of Tof Miriam, was praised for its earthy grooves and evocative melodic textures. Her forthcoming album, Rhythms of Illumination, is scheduled for release in 2027.
Marla’s compositions have reached beyond the stage, ith commissioned scores for the Bold Native, the documentary The Kid Officer (2026), and the ballet Sounds of the Sun for Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre. She also developed a signature line of frame drums in collaboration with Cooperman Drum Company.
Drawn to music from an early age, she began piano at three and flute at eight, later earning a BFA in Flute and an MFA in World Percussion from the California Institute of the Arts. Her studies include extensive training with master percussionists, including frame drum pioneers Glen Velez and John Bergamo.
With more than three decades of teaching experience, Marla’s approach blends technical clarity with creative freedom, helping students develop confident musicianship and expressive artistry.
As a composer, Marla creates globally inspired music that weaves ancient instrumental voices with contemporary textures. Her debut album, Rhythms of Tof Miriam, was praised for its earthy grooves and evocative melodic textures. Her forthcoming album, Rhythms of Illumination, is scheduled for release in 2027.
Marla’s compositions have reached beyond the stage, ith commissioned scores for the Bold Native, the documentary The Kid Officer (2026), and the ballet Sounds of the Sun for Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre. She also developed a signature line of frame drums in collaboration with Cooperman Drum Company.