From drum-set with Damien Corniola to Japanese Taiko drumming, from orchestral percussion with the Melbourne Symphony experts to African rhythms, from drum-line to school ensemble tips. Workshops led by Melbourne’s top percussionists, an all-star concert and the chance to perform with the artists in the final drum circle facilitated by Peta Minter.

Melbourne’s Top Percussionists and Drummers

Performances and workshops include

• Javier Fredes and Cuban Drummers
• Damien Corniola
• Steven Falk
• D2 Drum line
• Arwen Johnston
• APA Percussion Quartet
• Japanese Taiko Drummers
• African Drummers, Mohamed and Anna Camara
• Facilitated Drum Circle, Peta Minter

Trade displays will enable you to find the gear and accessories you need on the day.

This must-see percussion event of 2013 will be held at the MLC Girls School in Barkers Road Kew on Sunday April 28th from 10am to 5pm. Only $25pp for the whole day, what a bargain.

For more information contact: Sergei Golovko apa@percussionacademy.com.au

Come and experience some of Melbourne top drummers and percussionist in action. Check out Percussive Arts Society poster

Be part of this unique event in a never to be repeated line-up by registering

We’re so excited to support our local communities and non-profit organisations with our facilitated drum circles in and around Melbourne. The benefits of drumming in a group can reduce stress and tension and is a great way to stay connected and meet people.

This month we’re supporting Mental Illness Fellowship Victoria which provides respite services and day programs to support individuals and families living with mental illness.

Why a drum circle?

A drum circle can bring people together in a positive way that is fun, engaging and creative with the added health benefits of improved immune system and enhanced mood. Scientific research of drumming in a group backs this up.

A drum circle is where people gather together in a circle playing a variety of drums and world percussion instruments. Rhythmology’s drum circles are guided by a drum facilitator – namely Peta Minter. The drum circle is not a drum class or lesson and participants aren’t taught culturally specific rhythms. The drum circle facilitator encourages participants to be creative and play in-the-moment music.

About facilitated drum circles

What Peta says, “I view facilitated drum circles as an amazing positive tool for emotional, physical and mental wellbeing. It brings people into the moment, radically decreasing fear and worry about the past and future, just like meditation. It gives participants a sense of fulfilment, connection, energy, happiness and peace.”

Fun drum circle instruments

Peta adds, “There’s a lot that goes into being a drum facilitator. One part is researching what kind of drums and percussion works well in a drum circle. Not only are you finding out what participants find fun to play but also which drums work well together for melodic lines.”

“I have a variety of low, medium and high sounds for drums and heaps of hand held percussion. And so far I have come up with a set of tuned drums from the Arthur Hull series, bahia drums, a set of congas and a huge range of big and small djembes (as well as vegan ones) and frame drums. Of course I’m always on the lookout for more instruments and my drum circle kit is getting bigger all the time.”

If you’d like to find out more community rhythm circle events near you, please check out our up coming drum circle events.

Rhythm event details

What a great opportunity for you to see and play Peta’s drums and percussion, because she’s bringing her drum circle kit for rhythm events on Monday 4 and 18 February .

Where: West Gippsland Arts Centre

When: Monday 4 & 18 February

Time: 2pm to 3.30pm

Cost: $5 per session

Eligibility: families, friends or individuals affected by mental illness

Bookings and more information: contact David Barnes on 5622-4100

If you’d like more information about our drum circle health and wellbeing programs for communities and not-for-profit organisations, please contact us.

Drum Circle to celebrate Australia Day

Are you wondering what you’re going to do to celebrate Australia Day?

Come along and experience a fun facilitated community drum circle on Australia Day, Saturday 26 January. It’s a fun and positive way to tap into your natural creativity and celebrate community while being supported in a safe environment.

All levels from beginning-beginner and advance to young and old are invited and welcome. Share the spirit of community by drumming together to create unity.

Where: Learning Living Pakenham, 6B Henry Street, Pakenham

Time: 1.00pm to 2.30pm

Eligibility: families, friends, young and old – all welcome

Cost: FREE

Summer Series of Drumming in the Park

Want more information on our community drum circles and drum circle jams in the park?

My story

Cancer has affected my family in a huge way; I lost my grandfather, uncle, aunty (just 2 years ago) and last year my mother to cancer.

When I first found out that my mum had about 6 weeks to live, due to the aggressive cancer type, I felt…helpless and a deep, deep sadness. Unfortunately I never had a chance to talk to mum in those last 6 weeks, due to the type of cancer and surgery.

It has been a life changing time for me losing my mum to cancer. It opened up my heart and I started seeking ways I can give back. I asked myself, how can I serve…serve community? The best way I know how, is to facilitate community drum circles and aim to build connection, positive relationships, love and unity.

Statistics

“1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women will be diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85” and “cancer is a leading cause of death in Australia” – Cancer Council Australia.

Community Drum to BEAT Cancer

I’m so excited and honoured to offer “Drum to BEAT Cancer” a community and family-friendly facilitated drum circle event, to help raise funds for cancer research and awareness.

Another way of supporting on the day is to wear pink or wear a wacky costume or both or bring a photo of a loved one. A space will be prepared away from the drum circle area where people can spend a quiet moment if they choose.

We’re aiming to raise $1000 for the event and all money is donated to the Cancer Council Australia. There will be raffles on the day, lots of laughter, fun, making friends and drumming.

It will be held out doors in a beautiful park with plenty of trees. Even if you choose not to drum, please feel free to bring a picnic lunch and blanket and listen to the music. There will be limited chairs available to sit and drum, so please bring a chair for yourself.

What’s a community drum circle?

Join in and share your community spirit and raise awareness and funds to support cancer research and education.

Drum circle event details

@ Buchanan Park, Berwick, Victoria

When: Saturday 27 October

Time: 1pm to 4pm

Where: Buchanan Park, Clyde Road, Berwick

Level: Beginners to advanced are welcome

What to bring: Chair for yourself, water, hat, and sunscreen

Make a difference, donations on the day or donate Online for Drum to BEAT Cancer.

Recent studies have indicated that participating in a music program such as drumming in a group stimulates alpha brain waves and boost your immune system.

Do you like this drum circle event?

Please join the fight against cancer and share event with your family and friends using the social media buttons at the bottom.

Are you struggling to find a fun and creative activity for the whole family to share?

Many people are challenged to find time and energy for family and friends let alone themselves. You may feel overwhelmed with work and by the time you get home you’re emotionally, mentally and physically drained.

What would it mean to you to have deeper relationships, a sense of peace and clarity in your life?

I’m so excited to offer FREE facilitated drum circle events to Melbourne community. Here are the details.

Family-friendly FREE Melbourne facilitated drum circle for kid’s school holidays

Date: Wednesday evening 26 September, 7pm to 8pm

Where: Oatlands Primary School, Kurrajong Road, Narre Warren

Cost: FREE

Skill level: no experience necessary

Some drums and percussion provided or BYO.

I’d really love to see you there sharing your spirit and joining in on the fun.

Bookings are essential, please contact us.

Imagine pulsating world rhythms around you and being part of the music making; connecting and sharing your spirit with like minded people. You don’t need to have any experience to make music, just a willingness to share your spirit.

Benefits of a facilitated drum circle

• A sense of connection and belonging
• self expression within a safe environment
• a shared unique experience and fun within the group
• expand your creativity
• feel supported and support others
• decrease stress, tension and anxiety
• build listening and positive communication

Many more drum circles for spring and summer heading your way around Melbourne, so keep an eye out on our event page.

Percussion Instruments for Drum Circles

Here are some great percussion tips, to help create a successful drum circle.

Percussion Instruments for The Drum Circle

Join the Rhythmology tribe

Join the Rhythmology tribe today, subscribe and receive awesome drumming tips, drum circle activities and free African drumming video lessons sent to your email inbox.

For quite some time now I’ve been thinking about creating a drum circle training and professional development program for teachers and community leaders in Melbourne.

I’ve seen other African drumming companies around Melbourne and Australia holding training sessions, and thought that one day, when I get enough experience at facilitating, organising and directing a program as important as this, I will develop my own program.

It’s taken me about three years to get to this point where I feel that it is the right time. That I now have the skills and experience at planning for such an important professional community development program and course.

Who is the drum circle training for?

Full details will be posted very shortly but the information I can reveal at the moment is that:

1. It will be a three day program tailored for:

• school teachers;
• community leaders;
• youth workers;
• music therapists;
• drum teachers;
• “kids at risk” professionals; and
• “adults at risk” professionals.

1. It will commence early next year.
2. The number of participants to be enrolled in the program at one time will be limited so as to ensure that everyone has an engaging experience that also provides more opportunities for discussion of situations specific to the attendees.

Aim of the course

The primary outcome for this training is to empower, motivate and build community leaders, so that they return to their workplace environment, and apply the skills and knowledge they have learned, to begin facilitating drum circles/classes of their own.

I not only take teacher training and drum circle facilitation very seriously, I LOVE IT! It provides a wonderful opportunity for me to give back to the community. Actually, the process encourages me to also look within, and determine how best I can support participants, teachers and students!

As a professional music facilitator I feel that I have a responsibility to pass on the knowledge and experience I have obtained for the benefit of others so they too can spread the joy of drumming.

I mean there’s more to teaching African drumming classes than just showing a couple of rhythms on the djembe; drum circle facilitation involves a lot more than jumping into the middle of the circle, waving your hands about and hoping for the best.

And a lot more to facilitating a drum circle training development program, it takes a lot of skill, knowledge and experience and I’ve learned that this is developed over time.

Is there more to drum circle training development than banging on a drum?

In 2010 I set myself a goal to further improve my skills as a drum facilitator, so I booked myself into Arthur Hull’s Village Circle Music program which is a 6 day drum circle facilitator training course in Hawaii. The program is designed to develop people’s skills to facilitate for many kinds of groups, in any type of situation. In my opinion the VCM Hawaii program is the best in the world.

Before attending the program, I used to beat myself up mentally if I made mistakes while facilitating…you guessed it I was a perfectionist. Unfortunately that kind of thinking didn’t encourage myself to be “me” and didn’t encourage me to take chances and risks. Therefore it stunted my learning process and prevented me from growing personally.

Now, it is so refreshing to challenge myself without feeling that I’m not good enough. I have managed to change my internal dialog and now I’m happy to take on board all my wonderful new learning experiences without judgement of myself. This is a message I now encourage in all my students.

Hawaii Facilitators’ Playshop – The Mentor Experience

And on to my next adventure! This month I’m travelling once more to Hawaii to attend the VCM Hawaii Mentor Program, which is an extensive 10 day drum circle training program. This is going to be a wonderful challenge for me and I am so looking forward to the experience.

Drum circle facilitation tips to help gain confidence

Drum circle rhythm games for your inner playful child

Keep up to date with our drum circle training programs

Subscribe to our blog and receive up to date training and development programs, drum circle facilitator techniques, free drumming tutorials plus heaps more. Subscription is FREE

Are you looking for a fun activity to beat away the winter blues? Want to connect with your inner creative drumming guru, meet like minded people and have heaps of fun?

Fun Beginner African drumming classes and djembe lessons in Melbourne

Learn African drumming from one of Melbourne’s most experienced and inspirational teachers.

We are offering a variety of drumming classes and djembe lessons to suit all abilities for term 3 at Narre Warren including:

• Beginner classes – 10 week course $150 or casual rate $20 per classes
• Intermediate classes – 10 week course $200 or casual rate $25 per class
• Djembe lessons – one on one $60 per hour
• Drum 4 Fun kids class (see below for details)
• Dundun master class for beginners (see below for details)

Visit our website to see which level is right for you and see how Rhythmology’s beginner, intermediate and kids African drumming classes, djembe lessons and courses can invigorate your soul.

All classes and courses have FREE drum hire. For bookings and more information please contact us.

Drumming for kids

Our school holiday African drumming for kids workshops were a huge success. So we’re excited to offer even more drumming classes. Our kid’s classes are inclusive, allowing children to be creative and share their spirit in a safe environment.

Kids love drumming

When: Monday 30 July, 4.30pm to 5.15pm
Where: Oatlands Primary School, Kurrajong Rd, Narre Warren

Cost: $15

BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL

Suitable ages: 6 up to 12 years of age

All djembe drums and African percussion provided.

Children/child must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Dundun class for beginners – NEW CLASS

Get in touch with your inner tribal drummer by playing the amazing West African dundun drums. These drums are played with sticks and produce an awesome low resonating sound for the drumming group, plus they’re heaps of fun to play.

Dundun drums are important to the djembe drumming group, giving the supporting rhythms that accompany the djembe ensemble.

Dundun students will have the opportunity to play for beginner African drumming class at 6.30pm

When: Monday 10 September at 5.30pm to 6.30pm

Where: Oatlands Primary School

Cost: $20

BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL – last dundun class was booked out!

All dundun drums supplied.

For bookings or more information

If you’re ready to start learning, please check out the class details here or contact us for bookings or more information.

Are you a team leader looking to enhance communication and build trust between your work groups, colleagues and organisation? Want a fun and energising Melbourne team building activity to create effective teamwork?

Picture your team coming together. United, making-music in full swing. Communicating non-verbally, expressing pure joy and feeling part of the whole group. Respect for each person’s part in the African drumming orchestral sound and an overall feeling of support for one another.

All this without competition and hierarchy. Because each part that’s being played contributes to the overall sound.

What is it about Rhythmology’s African drumming workshops in particular that leaves people exhilarated, refreshed, renewed and excited?

Discover how corporate team building drumming workshops can build effective teamwork

Drumming is easy! Even if you’ve never picked up a musical instrument in your life. An experienced drum facilitator will have your team making music in a matter of minutes.  Rhythmology’s corporate drumming Team Building Activities, Energisers, Icebreakers, and Playshops in Melbourne can re-inject enthusiasm into your day. Help you take risks in a completely non-threatening environment and enable you to interact with work colleagues in a totally different way.

Drumming can lower stress levels, disperse frustrations, and make your team feel alive.

More and more businesses, organisations and community groups are turning to African drumming as a way of connecting and celebrating team spirit.

Corporate team building

These are practical hands-on African drumming workshops, interspersed with discussions and exercises relating to particular topics including:

• team leadership
• co-operation not competition
• team-building
• communication skills
• encouraging creativity

Duration 60 minutes to half day

Playshops

These are purely fun. African Drumming without discussion.

When you want to reward your team for their hard work, or increase productivity by taking them out of the day to day work headspace, or promote creativity by integrating left and right brain.

Rhythmology Playshops are energising, motivational, and stress-busting. Team spirit is automatically enhanced and subtle tensions are dispersed. 

Duration 45 to 60 minutes

Ice breaker

Ice breakers are fun, pure enjoyment.  They give your team the opportunity to get to know each other out of the work context and be supportive to each other as they drum together. 

Duration 15 to 45 minutes 

Energisers

What about that post-lunch slump?  Why waste part of the afternoon when you could be energising your Melbourne conference for the afternoon ahead.

Or create a buzz for delegates to leave on, as you close the conference with a high-energy African drumming workshop or interactive performance that brings the whole day to a close with a celebration of playing together. 

Duration 15 to 25 minutes

Benefits of corporate team building drumming workshops at work includes:

• inter-team bonding and positive group dynamics
• increased levels of motivation
• improved communication
• boosted self-esteem and confidence
• embedded mutual respect
• enhanced ability to creatively problem solve
• the workplace being a fulfilling and dynamic environment.

If you want to enjoy the rewarding benefits of seeing your team in harmony and united as one, please contact us for details on how we can make that happen.

Whether you’re looking at party ideas for kids, a baby shower, birthday party, Bar Mitzvah, engagement party or wedding celebration you want your special occasion to be memorable.

Unleash Your Jungle Themed Party with the Sounds of African Drumming

An African drumming workshop is an awesome party idea for little girls, boys and adults, bringing huge amounts of fun and enjoyment for all.

Imagine welcoming your party guests with an energetic African drumming workshop, pulsating tribal rhythms and wild dance moves. People are naturally drawn to the energy and vibe of African drumming. It brings out our inner tribal spirit to connect with the music, no matter what your age.

Or get everyone joining in the tribal music-making with an interactive African drumming Melbourne performance. Everyone gets to play an African djembe drum or African percussion instrument and be part of the tribal rhythms. A jungle drum party facilitated by an experienced drumming workshop facilitator can bring energy and fun into your space. Bringing your party alive, leaving guests connected and enriched by a very memorable party celebration.

Awesome tips for organising African drumming workshops with your themed party

Plan your party well in advance is important. If only it was as quick and easy as waving a wand and … Voila! Party organised. Unfortunately you’re probably not Hermione from the world of Harry Potter and so you will need to use Muggle methods to solve this problem. (apologies to JK Rowling)

Hiring an African drumming group to perform or facilitate drumming workshops, will definitely provide a highlight for your jungle themed party.

African drumming Melbourne workshops are an awesome activity for all kinds of parties

Details to consider when hiring a Melbourne drumming group

• enough chairs for all participants
• big enough space for drummers, dancers and participants
• access for drumming group to load-in instruments
• performance area away from food

Here are some great tips for planning a successful jungle party indoors or outdoors.

Jungle theme party ideas

• If you’re catering it yourself, it’s ok to ask for help from your friends. People love to help, it brings community members together. Maybe they could bring a plate of their favourite dish that they love to make.
• Picture  your space looking like a jungle. Colours of green, swinging vines, a couple of palm trees, giraffes, loins, elephants, zebras and monkeys and maybe throw in some small djembe drums. You can be creative and have so much fun with the main cake and lollies too, the ideas are endless.
• And then there’s the costume that you can go to town with. Kids love to get dressed up as their favourite jungle animal or safari boys and girls costume with hats. Adults can really let their hair down and go wild with leopard and zebra print costumes.

Jungle themed party nibbles  

We all love food and here are some great snack suggestions for your unique jungle theme party:

• little cupcakes with frosted lions, monkeys and zebras
• animal cake candles
• animal crackers
• sandwiches using animal shaped cookie cutters
• banana chips
• lolly snakes

When it comes to liquid refreshments why not try a lovely fruit punch for the kids. The adults can have fruit punch with a kick called “Jungle Juice”. It includes vodka, or white rum, fruit juices and plenty of fresh cut fruit.

Another great decoration idea you could add are toy African animals such as monkeys, giraffes, lions, elephants, snakes, and insects. Place them near the drumming action and when the party’s over you could give them out to your guests as a memento of your occasion.

Discover how you can benefit from having Melbourne’s leading African drumming workshops facilitators for your Jungle themed party. Give your party guests unforgettable moments of connection, joy, fun and laughter.

Want more information about African drumming Melbourne workshops and performances for children and adult parties or events?

To book drumming workshops for you next party and special event, please contact us.

Get your dancing shoes on, its party time!

We are relaunching our website and to celebrate we’re having a drum party and you’re invited!

Rhythmology African djembe drumming students will perform traditional West African rhythms.

We encourage people to dance – drumming and dancing go together to create a cool vibe.

Facilitated Drum Circle

This is a fun family event, very relaxed.

Everyone is invited to participate in the music making. Peta will be facilitating a community drum circle, so if you want to be part of the music bookings are essential.

Drums and percussion instruments, tea and coffee will be supplied.

Where: 79-93 Kurrajong Road, Narre Warren

When: Monday 2 July, doors open 6.15pm action will start 6.30pm

Cost: FREE

Bookings please contact us.

phone Peta on mobile: 0413 597 279

Want more information about our African drumming Melbourne classes?

If you would like more information about our African drumming classes and drum circles please contact us today.

Keep up to date with upcoming events by subscribing to our newsletter.