Student Spotlight: M.K. Titiati
How did you decide to come to Tufts and study music at Tufts?
I was here in September 2019 as an exchange student from the University of Ghana, which got truncated in March 2020 due to COVID-19. However, I found those 6 months here one the most rewarding years of my life at the time. On realizing that the department had a graduate program, I did not hesitate to re-apply as soon I completed my undergrad in Ghana, and I guess like they say, the rest is history.
Tell us about your favorite music course so far.
Unfortunately, I do not have one favorite music course. I have found most of my music courses very valuable to my journey.
What are you involved in at the music department?
I am a Granoff Inclusion Fellow, currently wrapping up my thesis "'Satan's Cousins': The Dilemma of Renumerating Musicians in Ghanaian Churches", supervised by Kwasi Ampene.
Other things include:
- Teaching Assistant: Psychology of Music by Ani Patel (Spring 2023), A History of African, American Music by Stephan Pennington (Fall 2022), Introduction to World Music by Jacqueline Georgis (Spring 2022)
- Ensemble Manager: African Drum and Dance Ensemble (Kiniwe) by Emmanuel Attah Poku (Spring 2022-Spring 2023)
- Ensemble Assistant: Tufts Community Music by Lauren Caso (Spring 2022)
- Drum Instructor: Tufts Community Music Summer Camp (Summer 2022)
- Performances: Drum set Player for Gospel Choir Concert by Dave Coleman (Upcoming : April 14, 2023), drummer during all Kiniwe Concerts form Spring 2022 , including the upcoming one on April 21, 2023, drum set Player: Nando's Jazz End of Semester Concert (Spring 2022; Upcoming: April 23, 2023)
- Music Event Staff: (Spring 2022-Spring 2023)
What are you involved in outside of the music department?
As performer, I have played the drum set on gigs with Joe Mettle (October & November 2022), Kofi Kinaata, Fameye, Akwaboah, (Summer 2022) Diana Hamilton (November 2019), Boston Mega Praise Christmas Concert (December 2021, December 2022). I have also performed with and MD'd Vicky Frimpong's Gospel Highlife and Agbadza Medley (March 2023) as well as other upcoming artists.
I play the drum set at the Church of Pentecost located in Brighton where I fellowship. Drummer for the Borga's Band - A Ghanaian Popular Music Band in Massachusetts. Bell player of Gye Nyame Kete - A Ghanaian Traditional Music Ensemble based in Boston. Sometimes, I perform with Agbekor Drum & Dance Society.
I work with Tufts Music staff assistant Abe Brownell's Free Jazz Collective.
I also render drum workshops and some private drum lessons.
What are you listening to at the moment?
"Thank You" by Fameye.