The African drumming community in Hobart, Tasmania is a diverse group of people who share an appreciation of African musical culture and who love to play drums. Some of us caught the drum bug years ago. Others are relative beginners. If you’d like to join us, new players are always welcome!
Experienced djembe teacher Tara Tucker teaches regular African drumming classes in and around Hobart and several times a year hosts workshops with African guest teachers including Guinean Master drummer Mohamed Bangoura, pictured below with some keen Tassy drummers.
FOR MORE DETAILS AND REGISTRATION LINKS, PLEASE SEE OUR EVENT LISTINGS
There are drums available for you at class if you don’t have your own, and also drums for sale. Feel free to call or text Tara on 0432 399 332
In class, the emphasis is on:
* Learning basic foundation rhythms that will ease you into djembe drumming
* Becoming comfortable drumming with others and working as a group
* Discovering the numerous benefits of drumming
* Enjoying yourself!
You can expect to:
* Learn the correct sitting position and posture for playing djembe
* Learn how to produce the 3 sounds: bass, tone and slap
* Become familiar with musical concepts (the pulse, off-beats, binary and ternary rhythms etc)
* Learn when & why the djembe is traditionally played in West Africa
* Learn when & for what purpose specific rhythms are played
* Learn traditional West African rhythms eg Balakulandjan, Kuku, Moribayassa,
Toro, Djole, Soli Rapide etc
* Develop your sense of rhythm, listening skills and speed control
* Experience polyrhythms (2 or more layers of rhythms)
* Develop your ability to maintain a particular rhythm while another is being played at the same time
* Become familiar with common signals and accompaniment parts
* Work as a team – starting together, feeling the groove, being aware of each other,
listening, stopping together…
* Develop ability to correctly copy the handing order of rhythms
Student Comments…
Thanks Tara, I’m impressed by your efficiency and inspired by your classes. It feels good to be reconnected with the drum and rhythm again. An infinite world of rhythm. Hearing the dunduns adds another level.
Nick
Thank you so much for the very special environment you provide and the encouragement you give that makes every class so much fun and engenders a desire to come back and get better each week. You are a born teacher.
Rob
Hi Tara, thanks for the links and notation – I really enjoyed the class last night and found your teaching extremely clear and accessible.
Angela
Hi Tara, I really enjoy the practical drumming and it is the best workshop I ever had. It was very fun and Tara you are very charming and kind. I really really appreciated it.
Adek
Just wanted to say I LOVED the class last night…its so important to do stuff that makes our heart sing…
I Loved your energy!
Nina