Kristen Jones began her musical career as a classically-trained cellist. She attended Oberlin College, studying cello and Ethnomusicology, and while at Oberlin discovered (and fell in love with) steel drums. Primarily a steel drummer now, she is a player and musical arranger for Pan Masters Steel Orchestra. She is also active on the international pan scene, traveling to Trinidad to play with Renegades Steel Orchestra for Panorama. She has performed in New York Panorama with Despers USA, Pantonic, and Moods.

Kristen has been teaching group classes through Pan Masters for several years. This is a good way to get started for a person who is interested in pan but doesn't own an instrument. The 8-week class is offered in the fall and occasionally in the spring as well. Kristen has taught pan to children as young as seven, and has had great success teaching this instrument to adults with no prior musical experience. Read Kristen's article on steel drums.

The Pan Masters Beginning Group class (series of 8 sessions) is $250 and is held in North Brentwood, MD. For more information or to join the e-mail list for notification on future classes, contact Kristen at 301-270-9090 or lessons@hmtrad.com.