Community Classes: St Kilda & Online

Join our African drum classes in St Kilda or Online. Great fun, learn a new skill – it’s creative, musical and easy to begin!

About Beginners Drum Classes

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 via one of the buttons at the bottom of the page and we’ll send you a confirmation.

Do I need to bring a drum?
If studying at St Kilda, we can offer you a free djembe during your classes. If you’d like to practise during the week outside of class, we can loan you a djembe for $20 per week. We can also loan you a djembe if studying online.

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.

About Intermediate Drum Classes

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?
Join Sessi Sessi via the Performance Skills Class! There are also plenty of opportunities to drum in casual groups around Melbourne. Ask your teacher!