B3280 - Hand Drumming and Percussion Skills (beginners part 2)

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Start Date: 11/01/2027      End Date: 15/03/2027        Start Time: 18:00      End Time: 19:00        Hours per Week: 1.00      No of Weeks: 9
Fees:      £60.00 (tuition)     £115.00 (overseas)     £18.00 (concessionary)
Tutor: Donald Gamble        No of Places: 10
Shadwell Centre

Course Overview

Course Overview
Feel the rhythm. Find your voice. Play together.
Immerse yourself in the powerful rhythms of African and African-Caribbean drumming in this dynamic, hands-on course. You’ll be introduced to essential musical concepts and techniques, with a focus on iconic hand drums such as the djembe and conga.
Through practical sessions, you will build confidence in rhythm, timing, and coordination while exploring a variety of percussion instruments. You’ll develop your musical ear, discipline, and creativity by playing within a group ensemble, experimenting with different styles, time signatures, and tempos.
Along the way, you’ll learn key drumming vocabulary, refine your technique, and discover the joy of improvisation and musical expression. The course also explores the rich cultural and historical roots of these traditions, helping you connect the music to its wider global influences.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to deepen your skills, this is an energising and inclusive space to learn, play, and connect through rhythm.

What will you learn and be able to do?

What will you learn and be able to do?
* Consolidate basic hand drumming techniques;
* Use drum languages and vocalisation as an aid to learning;
* Apply Polyrhythmic concept and improvisation;
* Demonstrate an understanding of the health benefits of drumming by applying safe playing techniques and reflecting on personal wellbeing outcomes.
* Learn a variety of folkloric drumming and percussion themes for musical practice and self-development.
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Entry requirements

Entry requirements
None. A good level of commitment and a passion for music.
Prosp User 8

Equipment required

Equipment required
A notebook and a pen. A bottle of water – no other drinks are allowed in the space.
Prosp User 9

How will you know you are making progress?

How will you know you are making progress?
You will have an ‘Individual Learning Plan’ where the course learning outcomes are shown and where you can set individual learning goals and monitor your own progress against these.

You will need to evaluate your own progress and manage your time.

Your tutor will give ongoing feedback and will keep you informed of your progress.
Prosp User 12
At the beginning of the course an initial assessment takes place to identify your level of experience knowledge or current skills.

The tutor will carry out informal assessments to check your understanding, there is no exam.

You will complete a self-assessment at the beginning, middle and end of the course and you will participate in regular self assessment.

Your tutor will let you know how you are getting on throughout the course, to help you work to your full potential.

At the end of the course you will receive written feedback.
Prosp User 11

Progress opportunities - your next steps

Progress opportunities - your next steps
Your tutor can be approached for additional information and advice during the course.
You can progress to: Develop Hand Drumming and Percussion repertoire courses and or other music beginners’ courses.
Prosp User 10

Other info

Other info
In general, we will not allow late entry to any course after the first two weeks. To maximise your chances of benefiting from the course fully we expect you to attend all scheduled sessions and that you do so punctually and are ready to start learning at the start of the class.
Prosp User 13

Extra Support

Extra Support
If you have declared a learning difficulty, disability or support need whilst enrolling and you require support/assistance in class or to complete your course, please discuss your needs with your tutor at the first lesson.

If you intend to take an examination and feel you have an additional learning need or special requirements, you must declare them to your tutor within the first 2 weeks of your course.

If you are studying in an online group, then you can arrange a one-to-one online discussion with your tutor, after the session, or by email.

Where we aim to make reasonable adjustments to support our learners, please note we are unable to provide any type of in class or in person support if your course takes place online.
Prosp User 14