Group Hand Drumming Classes

Registration for weekly Mindful-Hand Drumming at Drum Mama Studios has begun. Here is our WINTER 2019 DRUMMING SCHEDULE…

Intro to Mindful Hand Drumming (Thursdays) Rhythm Zone 1 (Perfect for Beginners!)

When:  Thursdays, 7-8:15PM, January 10th– March 21st 2019 (NO class Feb. 14th, 10 class session)
Where: Drum Mama Studios 2038 West 43rd ave Rate: Rates: $160
One Time Rental Drum Rate: $20 (for those renting a drum)
Drop-in: $20 (Plus $5 rental drum) *providing there is space. 

Come experience the many benefits of a hand-drumming meditation practice. If you find sitting in silence and stillness a real challenge, but want to experience the benefits of meditation, this course is for you! Drumming reduces anxiety, improves mood and quiets the busy “monkey mind”. In this session Alexandra will infuse basic meditative hand drumming patterns with pranayama (breathing exercises), yoga stretches and pilates core strengthening exercises. Come prepared to experience a whole lot of joy as we drum, move and release out tension and stress!! This session is perfect for anyone who has been curious about drumming, but has been too busy, nervous or timid to give it a try (or maybe you had a bad musical experience and want to start new this fall).

At Drum Mama Studios, we offer a very safe and comfortable environment for you to experience the joys of community rhythm making. You will be empowered to follow in a way that suits you and slowly you will discover that inner drummer that lies within, we are all wired for rhythm!

We will learn basic djembe technique, play beginner african/latin traditional and popular rhythms, and practice connecting to the beat of the drum through lots of repetition, breath, body scanning and other meditation techniques. This course is infused with yogic philosophy and pilates fundamentals as a way to align the physical body, mind and spirit.


Mindful Hand Drumming, Intermediate Rhythm Zone 2 Sessions, Wednesday 7pm or Sundays 4:15pm

Join us on a meditative journey into the heart of African and Latin rhythms in which we will play beginner and intermediate drum patterns on djembe and congas. We’ll also practice 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. This unique course augments the drumming experience with an infusion of yoga philosophy, meditation practices and Pilates core fundamentals. Prerequisite: familiarity with the basic tones and beginner djembe rhythms. If you’re not sure this class is for you, please contact Alexandra to discuss

Fall Sessions will include:

  1. Basic and Intermediate hand-drumming techniques for djembe drums.
  2. Basic Dun (bass drums) and Bell patterns.
  3. Rudiments and Rolls (practice patterns)
  4. Popular West African and some Latin based rhythms, polyrhythms and solo phrases
  5. Correct drumming posture and alignment
  6. Relaxation techniques including yogic breathing and gentle stretching

Prerequisite: Intro to Mindful Hand Drumming session or knowledge of basic hand drumming technique. If you are not sure this level is for you contact Alexandra.

Wednesdays Rhythm Zone 2:

When:  Wednesdays 7-8:15PM, Jan16th – March 20th  (10 class session)
Rate: $160
One Time Rental Drum Rate: $20 (for those renting a drum)
Drop-in: $20 (Plus $5 rental drum) *providing there is space.


Sundays Rhythm Zone 2:

When:  Sundays 4:15-5:30pm, Jan. 13th – March 17th (10 class session)
Where: Drum Mama Studios – 2038 West 43rd Ave, Van
Rate: Rates: $160
One Time Rental Drum Rate: $20 (for those renting a drum)
Drop-in: $20 (Plus $5 rental drum) *providing there is space.

 


Rhythm Zone 3 Intermediate/Advanced Ensemble Session Tuesdays:

This is an intermediate/advanced West African Dunun and djembe ensemble class for those with djembe experience. We will play traditional west african rhythms, focus on learning solo techniques and play dunun (bass drums). We will experience the joy and connection of meditating into soulful traditional West African rhythms, practice rudiments, explore improvisation, and perhaps even compose some rhythm pieces of our own.
In keeping with Drum Mama Studios 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 January 15th- March 19th, 2018 (10 class session)
Where: Drum Mama Studios 2038 West 43rd Ave
Rate: $160 (one time rental rate $20 for those renting a drum for the session)

 

Daytime Mindful Hand Drumming Wednesday Sessions:

Wednesdays 11:15AM – 12:30pm (Rhythm Zone 1-2)  Fall Session: January 9th-March 20th

Learn how to play the basic drum tones on your djembe while staying relaxed and at ease. We’ll learn traditional African, Afro-Cuban, Caribbean and even some Middle Eastern hand drumming patterns, explore different poly-rhythms (more than one rhythm at the same time), and enjoy sharing in the spirit of the drum. Experience the joy of connecting with others in rhythm! 

Daytime Hand Drumming Fridays (Rhythm Zone 2-3)

Fridays 11:15AM – 12:30pm Fall Session: January 11th- March 22nd

Rate: See drop-in passes below
Prerequisites: knowledge of basic drum tones, understanding of syncopation. Contact Alexandra if you’re not sure which level is appropriate for you.

Learn Left/Right hand independence, experience playing poly-rhythms, work on soloing patterns and continue to enjoy connecting in rhythm with group members while finding your unique drum voice.

Buy Drop-In Passes
Drop-in passes can be used for any drum classes (yoga not included).
Need to miss a class? Make it up at any other drum class. Please email or call first to make sure there is space. Please ensure you bring cash or cheque book if you’d like to rent a drum. 


Drop-in Class Passes



Don’t use Paypal? Drum Mama Studios accepts the following payments:

  • Interac email transfer to alexandra@drummama.com
  • Cheque payable to Drum Mama Studios
  • Cash at your first class
  • Email or call for other payment options.