Deva Permana began learning Indonesian Traditional Music (gamelan) at age of 12 from West Java and Bali, specialized in the percussive instrument called Kendang as well as western drumkit and in 1997-2000 became twice runner up and once winner in 2001, in the Australian Billy Hyde Open Drum competition, he joined and formed many well known jazz, pop, electronic and world music groups playing around Australia including International Legendary Jazz Artists Alex Acuna, Airto Moreira, Abraham Laboriel Sr, Don Grusin, Gary Meeks, and Brazilian singer Katia Moraes. International Youtube Artist Gabe Bondoc as well as gigs and tours with former Australian Idol; Casey Donovan, Cosima De Vito, Courtney Act, Rob Mills and Jessica Mauboy. With Sydney Fusion Jazz band GappProject, 9pc Horns Band LEROY, Dale Barlow, Brazilian Fusion Samba SAMBOSSA, RnB Soul singer Peter Morgan, Sexy Sunday Jam, LIVE VIBES and many more. 

Deva also leads Indonesian Traditional Music workshops in high Schools, primary schools, Kindergarten, and music academies with Musica Viva in Schools program.