Nina Rodriguez Biography

“I have the privilege and opportunity to be a part of such a magnificent force that allows us to bring encouragement and inspiration through rhythm. Rhythm is everywhere and in everything.  It’s more than just drumming, it’s spiritual for me. I believe music reaches down into our heart and soul. Every heart in the audience receives from the music in a very personal way. Everyone who listens, really listens – receives, connects and re-ignites!"
- Nina Rodriguez


Toca Artist, Nina Rodriguez mobilizes her percussion skills for live music, studio recording, and extra-curricular activities that employ percussion to lift the spirit. Nina also facilitates team building events for The Source Consulting Group and Drumming with Nina.

Based in San Antonio, Texas, Nina Rodriguez is representative of the versatile contemporary percussionist. She knows the traditional Afro-Cuban and world rhythms but she is versatile enough to fit into a Randy Travis country session. Nina Rodriguez serves as founder and facilitator for Unlock the Rhythm events, a percussion group seeking to enhance energy, health, social harmony and cultural awareness through drumming.

She leads Unlock the Rhythm in performances for the public and for corporate and educational groups. Nina customizes programs and performances per client. In addition, one of Nina's greatest passions is working with children and youth.

"Everyone has rhythm, but not sure how to let it out. Through the universal language of music we are able to connect ourselves to a purpose -to a passion and it's from that place the music begins to flow"

Nina grew up in a musical family, greatly influenced by her grandfather, Henry "Papa" Garcia, a renowned band leader. She has been playing percussion for as long as she can remember. Looking back, she recalls the incredible thrill she experienced when listening to Santana, Tito Puente, The Beatles and Sergio Mendes/Brazil 66. These bands, with their popular appeal, relaxed musical boundaries, and strong charisma helped shape Nina's approach to percussion and to entertainment. Add to the mix Nina's early encounters with Motown, soul and R & B; all figure in her career.

She did studio tracks for Randy Travis' Grammy-winning album Rise and Shine, arranged and recorded djembe parts for Bette Sussman, toured with the Jewish Latino musician Yehuda Glantz, and tracked with a number of gospel, Latin, jazz, country and rock musicians.


Nina Rodriguez uses Toca congas, bongos, cajons, djembes, dun duns and various other hand percussion instruments.