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…
Winter 2020 Mindful Hand Drumming Sessions
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!
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) 2 spots left
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, mindful hand drumming may be ideal for you! It reduces anxiety, improves mood and quiets our busy “monkey mind”. In this Intro session, you will learn the proper body positioning , 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!
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
January 12 – March 15, 2020 *NO class February 15
Where: Rhythm Bliss Studio – 2038 West 43rd Ave, Van
Rate: Early Bird until December 20th $144
After December 20th $162 (9 class session)
One Time Rental Drum Rate: $18 (for those renting a drum)
Drop-in: $25 *providing there is space.
Click the button below before December 20th 2019 to receive Early Bird rate.
2. Beginner/Intermediate Mindful Hand Drumming
(Wednesdays 11:15am FULL and Thursdays 7pm)
(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
January 8 – March 11, 2020
Where: Rhythm Bliss Studio – 2038 West 43rd Ave, Van
Rate: Early Bird until December 20th $160
After December 20th $180 (10 class session)
One Time Rental Drum Rate: $20 (for those renting a drum)
Drop-in: $25 *providing there is space.
Click the button below before December 20th 2019 to receive Early Bird rate.
b) Thursdays Beginner/Intermediate (7-8:15pm)
(Beginners are Welcome!)
When: Thursdays 7pm-8:15pm
January 9 – March 12, 2020
Where: Rhythm Bliss Studio – 2038 West 43rd Ave, Vancouver
Rate: Early Bird until December 20th $160
After December 20th $180 (10 class session)
One Time Rental Drum Rate: $20 (for those renting a drum)
Drop-in: $25 *providing there is space.
Click the button below before December 20th 2019 to receive Early Bird rate.
3. Intermediate Mindful Hand Drumming
(Sunday 4:15pm and Wednesday 7pm)
These sessions are a meditative journey into the heart of traditional African and Latin rhythms. We will play intermediate drum patterns on djembe and congas, learn djembe solo techniques, practice improvisation and learn the basics of bass drum with bell to develop left-right hand independence. 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.
Intermediate sessions 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 and have a desire for more of a challenge. Some students prefer to stay at beg/int level for their weekly rhythm meditation. If you are not sure this class is for you, email Alexandra.
a) Sunday Afternoon Intermediate (4:15-5:30pm):
When: Sundays 4:15-5:30pm
January 12 – March 15, 2020 *NO class February 16
Where: Rhythm Bliss Studio – 2038 West 43rd Ave, Van
Rate: Early Bird until December 20th $144
After December 20th $162 (9 class session)
One Time Rental Drum Rate: $18 (for those renting a drum)
Drop-in: $25 *providing there is space.
Click the button below before December 20th 2019 to receive Early Bird rate.
b) Wednesday Evening Intermediate (7-8:15pm) :
8 spots left
When: Wednesdays 7pm-8:15pm
January 8 – March 11, 2020
Where: Rhythm Bliss Studio – 2038 West 43rd Ave, Van
Rate: Early Bird until December 20th $160
After December 20th $180 (10 class session)
One Time Rental Drum Rate: $20 (for those renting a drum)
Drop-in: $25 *providing there is space.
Click the button below before December 20th 2019 to receive Early Bird rate.
4. Intermediate/Advanced Mindful Hand Drumming
(Friday 11:15am)
4 spots left
Intermediate/Advanced sessions include:
- Intermediate to advanced hand-drumming techniques for djembe, conga drums and bass (dun) drums
- Learn rhythm compositions and play as an ensemble (you will be encouraged to explore playing hand held percussion instruments to accompany the drums)
- 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.
When: Fridays 11:15am-12:30pm
January 10 – March 13, 2020
Where: Rhythm Bliss Studio – 2038 West 43rd Ave, Van
Rate: Early Bird until December 20th $160
After December 20th $180 (10 class session)
One Time Rental Drum Rate: $20 (for those renting a drum)
Drop-in: $25 *providing there is space.
Click the button below before December 20th 2019 to receive Early Bird rate.
5. Advanced Rhythm Bliss Ensemble
(Tuesday 7pm)
This is an introduction to advanced percussion ensemble class for those with drumming experience who have a keen interest in improving their skills. 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 learn compositions and you will be invited to join interactive Rhythm Bliss community performances throughout the year (completely optional and NO pressure to attend!).
You will receive the joy, vitality and connection from the group rhythmic ensemble experience. Be prepared to go into deep meditation as we dive into soulful traditional West African and Afro-Cuban rhythms, practice rudiments, and explore improvisation together. You will be encouraged to take risks, make mistakes and have fun challenging yourself as you take your drumming to the next level! Home practice is recommended in order for you to get the most out of this rhythmic journey.
When: Tuesdays 7pm-8:15pm
January 7 – March 10, 2020
Where: Rhythm Bliss Studio – 2038 West 43rd Ave, Van
Rate: Early Bird until December 20th $160
After December 20th $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 two complete Intermediate (or split int/adv) hand drum sessions or by invitation. If you are not sure this class is for you, email Alexandra.
Click the button below before December 20th 2019 to receive Early Bird rate.
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)