African Drumming Classes
Term dates
- 13th July – 15th August (5 weeks)
- 17th August – 19th Sept (5 weeks)
TERM BREAK
- 3rd October – 13th November (5 weeks) *Nb break for Camp Samatou 31 Oct – 5 Nov
- 14th November – 17th December (5 weeks)
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.
Open dundun classes on Saturday mornings will teach you the fundamentals of stick drumming. Dunduns are the cylindrical drums which provide the bass element – a fundamental component of the Malinke style drumming ensemble. All welcome.
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 for those attending on a casual class basis.
MULTIPLE CLASS SPECIAL Book into more than one course and receive 10% discount. Please contact Mitzi for multiple bookings mitzimcrae@hotmail.com / 0439 334 197
Beginner Djembe
5-week course $115 (Conc $100, single class $28 (Conc $25)
6.30-7.30pm Mondays
Coburg Uniting church hall - 19 Victoria 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 $140 (Conc $125, single class $33 (Conc $30)
7-8.30pm Wednesdays
Coburg Uniting church hall - 19 Victoria st, Coburg (see map)
Some previous djembe training required. Drums provided free of charge upon request.
Open Dundun class
5-week course $140 (Conc $125), Casual $33 (Conc $30)
9-10am Saturdays
Coburg Uniting church hall - 19 Victoria st, Coburg (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