Beginner classes at our St Kilda studio + Online
We have classes for every level.
Whether you’ve never played an instrument before, or you’re already active in the scene, we have a drum class for you. Just about anyone can learn to play the djembe. The learning curve is somewhat different to other instruments – it’s easy to pick up but difficult to master! all of our students receive a student card which provides discount rates on a range of our products.
You can find more about our benefits for our students here.
Our 6-week cycles cover a full West African rhythmic arrangement, including support djembe parts, solos, breaks and calls. We focus on rhythms from the ancient/ traditional djembe nations (Mali, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso & Senegal), but delve into other groves from Ghana on occasions.
Our lead facilitator is supported by a Dun (bass drum) player, so you’ll get the full polyrhythmic experience, which helps to develop your auditory skills too.
Both Beginners and Intermediate levels work on technique and dexterity training to improve your hand independence, coordination and drumming stamina
If you haven’t had any formal lessons before, we recommend starting with Beginners and getting a solid grounding in technique and the arrangement concepts of West African drumming music.
If you are finding that both come naturally and quickly, then you can shift to the Intermediate class after completing one or two 6-week cycles, following a chat/ confirmation from your teacher.
FAQs
How do I pronounce the word djembe?
Jem-bay
What can I expect at my first class?
A friendly teacher and a rhythm or two waiting to be mastered.
Do I need any previous experience or a musical background?
No! The djembe is very easy to learn with a learning curve that favours beginners.
How are your drum classes structured?
Our djembe classes run in 6 week cycles and it’s best to start in the first or second week. After 6 weeks you’ll be a part of your classes ensemble with the chance to perform at Tribalism, our student performance night.
What support does the AD School of Djembe offer to students?
So glad you asked; check out our Student Resources section.
Do I need my own drum for the St Kilda class?
If you don’t have your own djembe, we can offer you one to use during your classes, free of charge. If you’d like to practise outside of classes we can loan you a djembe for $20 per week.
In the highly likely event that you fall in love with your djembe, we can help make it official with our Rent to Own plan. If you decide to buy the drum you’ve been renting, we’ll deduct the amount you’ve paid in continuous hire fees from the total cost of the drum. We’ll keep your credit from the hire for up to 4 weeks after the last class you’ve attended. Please see the full terms of hire here.
Drums from our Second Hand, Indo Series, and Ghana Series, are available for pick up from our St Kilda Studio.
Can I play bongos/congas/a different drum?
Our classes are for djembes; sorry, other drums aren’t suitable.
What age-group are the classes suitable for?
Adults.
The emphasis at the Beginner Level is on:
♪ Having fun
♪ Learning basic technique on the djembe (bass, tone and slap)
♪ Appreciating West African music
♪ Developing groove, control & listening skills
♪ Working together to become an ensemble
♪ Introducing soloing as a group
♪ Working on timing
♪ Exploring basic musical concepts
FAQs
How do I pay?
Grab a ticket here and we’ll send you a confirmation email.
When can I move up to Intermediates?
Have a chat with your teacher to get a gauge on where you’re at. We’re always keen to see students progress to the next level! Students who have a musical background, are often ready after 1 or 2 cycles. Most students find the confidence to progress after 4 to 5 cycles.
I’m a kit drummer – can I skip the beginner’s class?
Your experience will hold you in good stead, but hand drumming is a different kettle of fish. You’ll need to take a least one beginners’ cycle to get yourself up to speed and comfortable with the djembe.
Suitable for those who have completed at least one Beginner Cycle or with previous hand drumming experience.
The emphasis at the Intermediate Level is on:
♪ Developing clearly differentiated tones and slaps
♪ Playing at faster tempos
♪ Understanding the relationships between djembe and other instruments in the ensemble
♪ Exploring different time signatures (like and 12/8 and 6/8)
♪ Preparing full arrangements for performance
♪ Building on more difficult group solos and personal free-styling
♪ Maintaining a solid tempo and holding accompaniment parts within polyrhythmic structures
Our Advice
Students at this level should seriously consider investing in their own djembe. Check out our range of djembes here and talk to your teacher about a Student Discount Card.
FAQs
I’m ready for more! What shall I do?
Have a chat with your teacher and check if it would be suitable for you to join our Advanced Class. There are also plenty of opportunities to drum in casual groups around Melbourne. Ask your teacher!
