African Drumming Classes

Learn to drum!
Learn to play a range of traditional West African rhythms on the djembe and other African instruments.

Choose from classes in:

• St Kilda
• Richmond
• Newport
• Mornington Peninsula
• East Bentleigh
• Camberwell
• Ascot Vale

New: Register Online for Drumming Classes.

Note: Classes, run in 6 week blocks. It is best to start at the beginning of a block. See individual venue pages for course start dates.

Unsure what standard drummer you are? See below for Drumming Levels Explained.

Drumming Levels Explained

Beginner 1 and 2

Suitable for: those with no or limited experience. These classes operates in 6 week cycles. It is best to join at the start of a new cycle.

Expected outcomes

The emphasis at Beginner level is on:

• having fun
• learning to work together to create simple (and great sounding) rhythms
• developing an understanding of rhythm and the all-important pulse
• learning the basic technique for djembe strokes (bass, tone and slap) as well as bells and shakers
• developing an appreciation for the structure of traditional West African music and percussion

Intermediate

Suitable for: those who have completed at least one Beginner Course or those with some previous hand drumming experience. Also 6 week cycles.

Expected outcomes

The emphasis at Intermediate level is on:

• maintaining a solid tempo and holding accompaniment parts within polyrhythmic structures
• developing clearly differentiated tones, slaps and basses and the ability to play at faster tempos
• understanding the relationships between bell, dundun and djembe parts
• developing comfort playing rhythms in different time signatures
• preparing full arrangements for performance under the direction of a lead drummer
• learning simple solos

Advanced

Suitable only for: experienced and on-going students. This level is not for the faint hearted!

Expected outcomes

The emphasis at Advanced level is on:

• working towards becoming adept with complex traditional african rhythms
• learning complex solos
• preparing for gigs at local venues / festivals etc.