Laurel became deeply interested in Jazz upon entering Santa Rosa Junior College where she studied music theory, harmony, improvisation, and music history. After obtaining her AA degree at SRJC, she transferred to Sonoma State University to graduate in 2004 with special distincition as a Music Major with a Jazz Emphasis.
In recent years, Laurel has played with Mel Graves, Nathan Hubbard, David Correa & Cascada, The Stereo Blasters, Isaac Carter, and Viva La Vida (featuring members from Lee Press-On and the Nails). In 2005 Laurel travelled to Ghana, West Africa to study traditional drumming of that region with local masters and world renown drummers such as Kobla Ladzekpo.
Laurel is currently working on her Master's degree in Ethnomusicology at San Diego State University and continues to perform and teach private lessons regularly.