Community Drum Classes in Victoria
Our classes explore the drum as a tuning instrument to the natural processes of movement and rhythm occurring both within and without the body. During each session, we practice exercises that orient you to the Djembe and Dunun instruments, as well as to your personal relationship with rhythm and how this can be developed and contribute to community music-making. We also explore more advanced musical concepts relating to the development of solo technique and direct responsiveness to inflections within the music. All activities and exercises are designed to enable us to play ensemble pieces inspired by the West African traditions.
Beginner Classes are suitable for drummers of all levels of experience, including absolute beginners. Young ones from the age of twelve upwards are welcome. Drums will be provided, or you are welcome to bring your own.
Intermediate Level Classes and Study Groups require some prior experience playing Djembe. Study Groups require commitment to the whole series.
Live remotely? Workshops are available on request for communities Victoria-wide. Contact us to organise something in your area.
Beginner Classes are suitable for drummers of all levels of experience, including absolute beginners. Young ones from the age of twelve upwards are welcome. Drums will be provided, or you are welcome to bring your own.
Intermediate Level Classes and Study Groups require some prior experience playing Djembe. Study Groups require commitment to the whole series.
Live remotely? Workshops are available on request for communities Victoria-wide. Contact us to organise something in your area.
REGISTER FOR A CLASS
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TRAFALGAR DRUM CLASS (BEGINNER)
The Creative Wellness Studio Next class is July 18th |
PENINSULA DRUM CLASS (INTERMEDIATE)
Gadara Farm Next class is March 8th |
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HILLS STUDY GROUP (INTERMEDIATE)
Tecoma Uniting Church Next series is August 24th-September 7th |
PENINSULA STUDY GROUP (INTERMEDIATE)
Gadara Farm
Next series is June 28th-July 12th
Gadara Farm
Next series is June 28th-July 12th
About West African Drumming
The West-African Djembe and associated drum ensemble tradition first emerged from the Mandé people of the Malian empire. The Djembe drum is inseparable from the traditional bass drums, the Dunduns, as well as the bells and percussion instruments that constitute the ensemble. Together, the frequencies of sound and intricate design of the rhythms and their shapes around one another function to bring forward vibrational images with profound depth and meaning. Check out the below TEDx presentation for a deeper dive!
Djembe music is a language. By learning this language in the way it has been passed on by the masters of its tradition over time, we of Western communities can learn to listen more deeply and create music as a community that is rich with purpose and that resists the gradual erosion of ancient traditions that comes from ‘jamming’ without effort to preserve and learn from the original musical structures and techniques.
By giving our attention to the complex system of relationships within the drum ensemble, and also to the inner activity we experience directly when executing the rhythms ourselves, we can begin to appreciate something of the worldview that birthed the art - reliant on personal contact, social agreement and cohesion for its highest expression.
Djembe music is a language. By learning this language in the way it has been passed on by the masters of its tradition over time, we of Western communities can learn to listen more deeply and create music as a community that is rich with purpose and that resists the gradual erosion of ancient traditions that comes from ‘jamming’ without effort to preserve and learn from the original musical structures and techniques.
By giving our attention to the complex system of relationships within the drum ensemble, and also to the inner activity we experience directly when executing the rhythms ourselves, we can begin to appreciate something of the worldview that birthed the art - reliant on personal contact, social agreement and cohesion for its highest expression.