
"I can see love and light coming from Jaqui, I could see it from the first time I met her (in the '80's). She is a beautiful spirit and a very talented drummer. As her first teacher, I am very proud of her accomplishments. She has much love to give and gives it to many through her teaching and her drumming ... this is in her nature."
- Babatunde Olatunji, (March 4, 2001)
"I consider Jaqui MacMillan to be one of the more important modern renaissance hand drummers of our time. She is a 'jack of all trades' and well on her way to mastering many of them. Her vast culturally specific knowledge, expansive rhythmical expertise, and her masterful drum circle facilitation abilities are only surpassed by a heart that is as big as her smile. She expresses her bliss with the true passion of one who is fully invested in sharing her rhythmical spirit with others. It is obvious to me that, as an elder in training, Jaqui MacMillan's legacy to our drumming community is just beginning to be revealed."
- Arthur E. Hull, Village Music Circles, (December 2004)
"Jaqui MacMillan is a rare kind of musician who can both play and teach exceptionally well. Her vast training with several drumming masters is evident the moment she makes a sound on the drum. Each time I see her work, I am always struck with her ability to connect to the participants with warmth and joy. Jaqui is someone who truly loves people and wants to see them progress."
- Jim Donovan, Rusted Root, Jim Donovan Music, (September 2009)
"Jaqui has a natural gift not only for playing the drum but teaching the drum as well. I look forward to her classes every week as a treat to myself. She makes the classes so enjoyable I sometimes forget I am learning! I would recommend Jaqui’s classes to anyone because she is extremely genuine, level-headed, and encouraging …not to mention a total delight to her students!"
– Jessica Colon, LCPC
"Jaqui is an awesome teacher, she broke rhythms down in a way that didn't hurt my head. Instead of counting with numbers, we used words. Also, she was all about encouraging you to play in the flow. It felt very cohesive without being controlling, excellent facilitation. I would definitely take a workshop from her again and highly recommend her as someone with a very positive spirit and the ability to teach well. Good teachers are hard to find."
- Cleetus, Frederick, MD
"Part of the joy of coming to the drumming classes is watching Jaqui. Listening to her, too, of course, but the joy on her face: her smile, eyes sometimes closed lost in the rhythm of the song. It is a beautiful and inspiring thing to behold. For it's not just in her hands; it comes from some place inside her. The drum becomes an extension of her, that place in your head and heart where the music begins. Thank you, Jaqui, for teaching us, for sharing your spirit with us and for letting us watch you make the drum sing."
- JL, Washington DC
"Aside from being an amazing drummer and teacher, she has such a beautiful aura about her and a smile that lights up all around her."
- Michelle Swan, Washington DC
"Jaqui's drum for joy classes have enabled me to find and connect with my hidden musical talent and inner delight. I have found that even though my voice is untrained, I can make my drum sing!"
- Carol Mermey, Takoma Park, MD

