Access the Ancient Healing Power of Hand Drumming for Optimal Health. No drum or musical experience needed – all you need is a beating heart to experience RHYTHM BLISS! Hear from some of our students…
See Fall 2019 Schedule and Registration Below (ALL SESSIONS ARE FULL)
Quicklinks
1. Introduction to Mindful Hand Drumming (Sunday 11:30am-12:35pm)
2. a. Beginner/Intermediate Mindful Hand Drumming (Wednesdays 11:15am-12:30pm)
2. b. Beginner/Intermediate Mindful Hand Drumming (Thursdays 7pm-8:15pm)
3. a. Intermediate Mindful Hand Drumming (Sundays 4:15pm-5:30pm)
3. b. Intermediate Mindful Hand Drumming (Wednesdays 7pm-8:15pm)
4. Intermediate/Advanced Mindful Hand Drumming (Fridays 11:15am-12:30pm)
5. Advanced Rhythm Bliss Ensemble (Tuesdays 7pm-8:15pm)
1. Introduction to Mindful Hand Drumming
(Perfect for Complete Newbies!)
(Sundays 11:30am-12:35pm) FULL ( email alexandra to be added to the waitlist)
Come experience the JOY and many HEALTH BENEFITS of Mindful Hand-Drumming. 
If you are looking to receive all the benefits of a meditation practice but find sitting in silence and stillness a challenge, Rhythm Bliss may be ideal for you! Mindful Hand-Drumming reduces anxiety, improves mood and quiets our busy “monkey mind”. In this Intro session, you will learn the proper body positioning for drumming, basic hand drumming technique, universal rhythms and beginner African/Latin rhythms. We will practice connecting to the beat of the drum in a safe, warm and inclusive environment.
The Rhythm Bliss method incorporates breath exercises, body awareness and connecting to the pulse (Breath, Body and Beat) to maximize the benefits of hand drumming. Yoga philosophy and Pilates fundamentals are infused throughout the session and everyone is encouraged to participate in a way that feels best for them. In this beginner session, you will experience deep meditative states through drumming, you will feel the joy of aligning in body, mind and spirit for health and wellness, and, as a happy side effect, you will become a better drummer and enjoy the many benefits of learning this ancient and healing instrument!
This course is perfect for anyone curious about hand-drumming who has been too busy, nervous or timid to give it a try. The time is right to Release Your Inner Drummer!
When: Sundays, 11:30am-12:35pm
September 22nd – December 8th, 2019 *NO classes October 13th, November 10th
Where: Rhythm Bliss Studio – 2038 West 43rd Ave, Van
Rate: $180 (10 class session).
One Time Rental Drum Rate: $20 (for those renting a drum)
Drop-in: $25 *providing there is space.
2. Beginner/Intermediate Mindful Hand Drumming
(Wednesdays 11:15am FULL and Thursdays 7pm)
FULL ( email alexandra to be added to the waitlist)
These sessions are ideal for beginner to intermediate drummers. In these sessions you will learn basic djembe technique, proper body alignment, beginner to intermediate African, Latin and universal world beat rhythms. We will meditate while connecting to the pulse and play with lots of repetition. Our classes include breath practices, body scans and other meditation techniques, as well as yogic philosophy and Pilates fundamentals in order to receive the most benefit from the mindful hand drumming experience. This is a great way to align the physical body, mind and spirit.
At Rhythm Bliss (formerly, Drum Mama Studios), we offer a safe, comfortable and empowering environment in which to experience connection, joy and vitality through the spirit of the DRUM.
NOTE: If you are a beginner drummer and have had a negative experience with music in the past, I recommend starting with the Sunday Intro to Mindful Hand Drumming Session above. It’s best to take it slow and easy and savour every beat.
a) Wednesdays Beginner/Intermediate (11:15am-12:30pm):
(Beginners are Welcome!) FULL ( email alexandra to be added to the waitlist)
When: Wednesdays 11:15am-12:30PM, September 18th- December 4th, 2019 NO classes October 9th and October 30th
Where: Rhythm Bliss Studio – 2038 West 43rd Ave, Van
Rates: $180 (10 class session)
One Time Rental Drum Rate: $20 (for those renting a drum)
Drop-in: $25 *providing there is space.
b) Thursdays Beginner/Intermediate (7-8:15pm)
(Beginners are Welcome!) FULL ( email alexandra to be added to the waitlist)
When: Thursdays, 7-8:15PM, September 19th- December 5th, 2019. *NO classes October 31st
Where: Rhythm Bliss Studio – 2038 West 43rd Ave, Vancouver
Rates: $198 (11 class session).
One Time Rental Drum Rate: $22 (for those renting a drum)
Drop-in: $25 *providing there is space.
Click the Register Now button below:
3. Intermediate Mindful Hand Drumming
(Sunday 4:15pm and Wednesday 7pm) FULL ( email alexandra to be added to the waitlist)
This session is a meditative journey into the heart of African and Latin rhythms in which we will play intermediate drum patterns on djembe and congas. We’ll learn djembe solo techniques, practice improvisation and learn the basics of bass drum and bell independent hand patterns. You will be encouraged to work at your own pace to gain the physical, mental and emotional benefits of a mindful drumming practice. We will experience drumming from the inside out exploring how proper body alignment, hand technique and breathing will benefit your mind and body. At Rhythm Bliss Studio we augment the drumming experience with an infusion of yoga philosophy, meditation practices and Pilates core fundamentals.
Fall Session will include:
- Intermediate hand-drumming techniques for djembe and conga drums.
- Basic Dun and Bell patterns.
- Rudiments and Rolls (practice patterns)
- Popular West African and Latin based rhythms, polyrhythms and solo phrases
- Correct drumming posture and alignment
- Relaxation techniques including yogic breathing (pranayama) and gentle stretching.
Prerequisite: a minimum of at least one Beginner or Beginner/Intermediate session or equivalent. (or are practicing regularly with Rhythm Bliss Online Rhythm and Movement Meditation). If you are not sure Rhythm Zone 2 is for you, email Alexandra.
There are 2 intermediate sessions being offered:
a) Sunday Afternoon Intermediate (4:15-5:30pm):
FULL ( email alexandra to be added to the waitlist)
When: Sundays 4:15-5:30PM, September 15th-December 1st. *NO classes October 13th and November 10th, 2019
Where: Rhythm Bliss Studio – 2038 West 43rd Ave, Van
Rate: $180 (10 class session).
One Time Rental Drum Rate: $20 (for those renting a drum)
Drop-in: $25 *providing there is space.
b) Wednesday Evening Intermediate (7-8:15pm) :
FULL ( email alexandra to be added to the waitlist)
When: Wednesdays 7-8:15PM, September 11th-December 4th, 2019 NO classes September 18th or October 9th and October 30th
Where: Rhythm Bliss Studio – 2038 West 43rd Ave, Van
Rate: $180 (10 class session).
One Time Rental Drum Rate: $20 (for those renting a drum)
Drop-in: $25 *providing there is space.
4) Intermediate/Advanced Mindful Hand Drumming
(Friday 11:15am)
FULL (email alexandra to be added to the waitlist)
When: Fridays 11:15am-12:30PM, September 20th- December 6, 2019 NO class November 1st
Where: Rhythm Bliss Studio – 2038 West 43rd Ave, Van
Rates:$198 (11 class session)
One Time Rental Drum Rate: $22 (for those renting a drum)
Drop-in: $25 *providing there is space.
Prerequisites: A minimum of at least One Rhythm Zone 2 (or 1 & 2) session or equivalent.
5. Advanced Rhythm Bliss Ensemble
(Tuesday 7pm) FULL (email alexandra to be added to the waitlist)
This is an intermediate/advanced Hand Drumming percussion ensemble class for those with drumming experience. We will play traditional West African and Latin rhythms, and focus on learning solo techniques, play bass drums and hand held percussion instruments to accompany the hand drums. We will experience the joy and connection of meditating into soulful traditional West African and Afro-Cuban rhythms, practice rudiments, explore improvisation, and perhaps even compose some rhythm pieces of our own!
In keeping with the Rhythm Bliss relaxed and mindful philosophy, we will play with lots of repetition and release tension and stress as we practice in a meditative and heart filling way. You will be encouraged to take risks, make mistakes and have fun challenging yourself as you take your drumming to the next level!
When: Tuesdays 7-8:15PM, September 10th – November 26th, 2019 (NO classes October 8th and October 29th)
Where: Rhythm Bliss Studio – 2038 West 43rd Ave, Van
Rate: $180 (10 class session).
One Time Rental Drum Rate: $20 (for those renting a drum)
Drop-in: $25 *providing there is space.
*Prerequisite: a minimum of at least one complete Rhythm Zone 2 (or split Rhythm Zone 2&3) session or equivalent. If you are not sure this course is for you, email Alexandra (alexandra (at) drummama (dot) com
Don’t use Paypal? We accept the following payments:
- Interac email transfer to alexandra @ drummama . com
- Cheque payable to Alexandra Millman
- Cash at your first class (provided there is space)