Freshman popular music performance student Savannah Tweedt’s journey to becoming a drummer was shaped by a moment of pure chance, but her passion for percussion is anything but accidental. The 18-year-old’s love for drums was sparked at the age of four, when she discovered an old drum kit in the attic of her aunt and uncle’s house while playing hide-and-seek. Despite losing the game, she quickly fell in love with the sound and rhythm of the drums, setting her on a path that would define her musical career.
Over the years, Tweedt has earned recognition for her remarkable talent and her commitment to growing as a musician. Her achievements have caught the attention of colleagues like Natasha Pasternak, adjunct professor of songwriting at the Thornton School of Music, who had previously worked with Tweedt at the Orange County School of the Arts.
“From day one, she’s been an absolute professional and a top-notch musician,” Pasternak said. “She is focused, flexible, and kind—qualities that go beyond talent and contribute to her success. Savannah has always had everything she needs to excel, and it’s been a joy to watch her thrive.”
Tweedt’s drive to improve her musical skills extends beyond drumming. She is always looking for ways to expand her abilities, including learning music production, audio engineering, and even picking up other instruments. Although she prefers to focus on drumming, Tweedt is a reluctant vocalist and often supports other artists with her musical expertise.
“Savannah is incredibly self-motivated and knows exactly what she wants to do,” said David Irish, Tweedt’s collaborator and fellow engineer at Pot of Gold Recording in Orange County. “She came to the studio to learn about recording, and within months, she was recording her own projects.”
Her ambition, combined with a collaborative spirit, has led Tweedt to work on numerous musical projects both at the University and outside of it. She is a key member of indie rock group ti85, the ska collective Half Past Two, and the USC-based group Small Talk. She also remains committed to empowering other women in the percussion world, a space historically dominated by men.
“She’s always the first to uplift those around her,” said Fenella Nishigawara, a collaborator of Tweedt’s in the new group YAWN. “She fosters a strong sense of community, and her openness to new ideas while staying true to her musical vision really shows in her playing.”
Despite the challenges that come with being a woman in a male-dominated field, Tweedt remains undeterred. She has faced microaggressions and stereotyping throughout her career, with people often assuming she’s either the singer or simply the girlfriend of a band member at gigs and recording sessions.
“It can be frustrating at times,” Tweedt admitted. “People assume things about me without realizing it. It’s hard when you walk into a room and they don’t see you as a drummer right away.”
However, Tweedt has turned these experiences into motivation. Instead of letting outdated stereotypes hold her back, she’s using her platform to advocate for more recognition of women in drumming and music.
“This is a challenge that fuels me,” Tweedt said. “I want to succeed in a way that proves women can be incredible drummers, and that we are capable of so much more than people expect from us in the music industry.”
She credits female drummers like Karah James of Valley for inspiring her to pursue a career in music. Watching James perform made Tweedt realize that playing on big stages was a real possibility for her, something she hadn’t considered before she saw other women drumming.
“Seeing her perform made me believe that I could do this too,” Tweedt said. “It was empowering to watch someone like me in the spotlight, and I wanted to be part of that world.”
Pasternak, who worked with Tweedt at OSCA, praised her for being a role model to other women in music. “Savannah uses her position as a woman in music to promote and support other girls in drumming, producing, and beyond. Her work shows the lasting impact she’s making on the industry as she paves her own path.”
In 2020, Tweedt won first place in the Hit Like A Girl online drumming contest, an experience that not only boosted her career but also connected her with other women who share her passion for percussion.
“The biggest takeaway from that contest was meeting other women who love drumming as much as I do,” Tweedt said. “I want to create opportunities like that for young women in the future, to help them find their place in the music industry and make it easier for them to succeed.”
For Tweedt, it’s not just about drumming—it’s about creating a legacy where women’s voices in music are heard and respected.
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