Elissa Nova initially trained in western symphonic and marching percussion and performed from grade school through college.  Her focus in recent years has been Middle Eastern percussion.  She studied under master percussionist Souhail Kaspar for four years and is certified to teach his conservatory style, and has studied with other professionals including Faisal Zedan, Kevin Hartnell, and Murat Tekbilek.  Prior western ensemble work includes five years on the Pride of Arizona Drumline at the University of Arizona, various concert bands and orchestras, and drumline teaching experience in Tucson and Phoenix.  She has more recently been a member of the Pangean Orchestra, Obelysk, and Nawari, and guest performs with groups such as the Souhail Kaspar Near East Ensemble, Firebrass Village Blasting Club, and other ethnic musical groups and American dance troupes.  She currently performs with Bartholomew Faire and teaches Arabic percussion at the Plaza de Anaya ~ World Fusion Studio in Tempe, Arizona.