African Drumming Classes

Weekly African drumming classes

2024
  • 9th October – 13th November (no class 6th Nov – Camp Samatou)
  • 20th November – 18th December

We provide two levels of djembe class each week, taught by Simon Lewis. Beginner class will introduce co-ordination and foundation patterns using the bass, tone and slap sounds. Fun warm-ups lead into the traditional accompaniments of the African tribal rhythms. You will learn the musical language of the djembe which culminates in an arranged piece including breaks and traditional songs.

Intermediate djembe class requires some drumming experience. Expect more complex djembe accompaniments and other elements of traditional African rhythms including dundun and bell parts.

We have a new class! Dundun open classes on Saturday mornings for anyone who is interested in learning some stick drumming skills.

Classes are fun, non-competitive, challenging and you will discover and develop your own sense of rhythm while exploring the parameters of ensemble playing. Invigorate your rhythmic self!

If you book into a block, you also have access reference videos which are posted each week so you can practise at home. These are not available on a casual class basis.

Beginner Djembe

5-week course $100, single class $25
6.45-7.45pm Wednesdays
Oxygen Youth Space - 4/8 Gaffney st, Coburg (see map)
Suitable for beginners and those with a small amount of drumming experience. Drums provided free of charge upon request.

Intermediate Djembe

5-week course $100
7.45-8.45pm Wednesdays
Oxygen Youth Space - 4/8 Gaffney st, Coburg (see map)
Some previous djembe training required. Drums provided free of charge upon request.

Open Dundun drum class

4-week course $100 (no casuals)
10 - 11am Saturdays starting 23rd Nov
St Ambrose Hall - 3 Dawson St, Brunswick (see map)
Are you interested in how these wonderful stick drums fit into the West African drumming ensemble? All experience levels catered for. Instruments supplied.

Don’t know which class to do?

Discover Djembe series

Simon Lewis has created a new video tutorial series for those who would like to learn djembe at home! 5 x 20min lessons.

Suitable for those with no experience. More info