Djembe and dundun rhythms for West African drumming and dance
African Drumming Classes and Lessons
I am not currently offering classes or lessons. If you would like to hear about future opportunities to learn and study with me, however, I'd be happy to hear from you.
Contact: email
Learn to play djembe (dununs optional) and understand basic hand drum rhythms from West Africa where these drums originated. You will find these skills and rhythms useful in general drum circles, or if you play other kinds of music, as well as for your own practice and enjoyment.
All skill levels are welcome in the drumming classes and lessons.
Instruction will cover:
- hand technique
- basic djembe parts
- dundun technique
- basic dundun parts
- simple rhythm notation to help remember parts
- listening, timing and playing in a group
...and as you are ready...
- traditional djembe solo variations
- traditional dundun variations
- rolls and other improvisation techniques
With my classes you have access to a Western perspective of African music which I can offer through my two decades of study and practice in a variety of musical and dance contexts.
I will provide written notation at no charge. In addition students can purchase my Roots Jam rhythm books at a substantial discount.
Private lessons are available at $30 per hour. I can supply a drum if you need one.
About the instructor:
Nowick Gray has been drumming since 1990, studying along the way with such masters as Babatunde Olatunji, Alpha Yaya Diallo, Mamady Keita, Famoudou Konate, and Moussa Traore. Nowick has organized drum events ranging from all-night jams and trance dances to a world drum fusion clinic. He has collected hundreds of African, Afro-Latin, and Middle Eastern rhythms in book form, setting new standards for notating and compiling such material. Previously playing and touring with the Nelson-based Moving Mosaic, Nowick now lives in Victoria, BC, where he has taught drumming, played and arranged for dance classes, and performed since 2002.
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