Overview of Drumming Classes
The Rhythm Hut offers a range of drumming classes for adults and kids. There are entry level and progressive classes in African and Japanese Drumming. Terms run for 7 weeks and all classes are invited to perform at KaBoom, the end of term concert held at The Rhythm Hut in week 8 to celebrate the experience with classmates and friends.
Dates
Term 4 commences Monday October 18th
Term 3 KaBoom Concert is Friday 17th September
Open Nights Saturday 9th 4.00pm & Wednesday 13st 6:30pm
Individual Class Descriptions
Taiko 1
In Taiko 1 you will learn the basics of taiko playing. This includes stance, grip, form, beginner rhythms, performance techniques and how to enjoy playing the taiko. Over the term the class works on rhythms and choreography to create a complete performance piece. This class is suitable for beginners with no experience and longer-term students who enjoy the gradual working pace of Taiko 1.
Taiko 2
Taiko 2 assumes knowledge of stance, grip, form, basic rhythms and terminology.
Here we build on the basics of taiko 1 whilst incorporating more challenging rhythms and choreography in a faster moving learning environment. Students without previous taiko experience are advised to enrol in taiko 1 before undertaking this class. Students with other musical backgrounds may enquire as to their suitability for Taiko 2.
Djembe 1
Djembe 1 is the greatest way to get introduced to African Drumming and playing the Djembe drums in a large group. A range of djembe specific techniques including bass, tone and slap are taught as well as entry-level rhythms and exercises. Students engage in the creation of a community-drumming piece that includes several rhythms with the option of soloing for confident beginners. Recreational drummers who have never worked with structure and want to understand more about what they are doing will benefit greatly from Djembe 1. The class is expertly led to cater for a range of skill levels including beginners with no drumming experience.
Djembe 2
Djembe assumes knowledge of bass, tone and slap techniques as well as a basic understanding of rhythm. This class moves much faster than djembe one and involves more complex rhythms, calls and syncopation. Students with no experience of hand drums are advised to enrol in djembe 1, however for the more musically inclined Djembe 2 may be suitable. This class offers the opportunity to explore rhythmic phrasing for djembe and soloing.
During a term the Djembe 2 class will often learn a traditional song from places such as Indonesia, Africa and the Pacific. The singing is a fun, easy and uplifting complement to the drumming experience.
Kids Drumming
This is the perfect place to start any child on a lifelong musical adventure. Kids will learn how to play simple rhythms on a range of drums. Counting beats, rhythm games, reading drum notation and movement are all part of our kids drumming classes. There are 2 classes: Ages 5–8 and 9–12. Students are encouraged to work towards a performance piece for the end of term concert. Their performance is a tremendous confidence booster and always a crowd favourite.
Teen Drumming NEW
Teen drumming is a fun and energetic way to engage in music after school. Teen drumming is not style specific and may include both Taiko and Djembe playing. Stance, grip, form for Taiko, bass, tone and slap for djembe may all be part of the vocabulary. Students learn about musical time and create rhythms working towards KABOOM - end of term concert.
Taiko Fitness DROP IN (pay when you come)
A typical taiko fitness class will leave you exhilarated. Taiko drumming can be an extremely physical activity involving intense aerobic arm work and strong lower body exercises. Continuos stroke making on a taiko drum at fast pace with strict body form will challenge the fittest of people. Warm up, stretching, general fitness and strength exercises are part of the Taiko Fitness class. As this is not a technique class you do not need experience to join. Taiko fitness is the perfect training adjunct to any of other taiko classes.
Percussion Playground
Back by popular demand, we're re-starting percussion playground for children aged 2-5 years old and their parents!
Tired of hearing the same two pots banged together at home? Have your child explore a variety of instruments with you in a warm and welcoming environment… A way for both parents and their children to enjoy a warm welcome to the world of percussive music.
Djembe
The Djembe is a traditional hand-drum originating from West Africa and is central to the musical traditions of peoples such as the Malinke. More recently artists such as Ben Harper have made the djembe more recognised in popular culture. Notable exponents in Australia include the Bangoura brothers from Guinea.
Taiko
Japanese Taiko drums are the largest drums in the world. Also known as festival drumming, the style of playing is called Wadaiko, known for its rigorous training requirements and awe-inspiring stage performance. Groups such as Ondekoza (Demon Drummers), Kodo and Drum Tao have put taiko drumming on the international radar over the last 20 years. Notable groups in Australia include Taikoz & Rhythm Hunters.
