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Beginners International Drumming - West African/Cuban/Brazilian
A course designed to introduce learners to the fundamentals of polyrhythmic drumming and
the joy and fulfilment that can bring, both for the group and the individual.
Jon specializes in West African rhythms, having trained in Ghana, but also Cuban and
Brazilian music. Cultural and traditional rhythms and techniques from these parts of the world
will be used to produce exciting and stirring music. Jon will also take time to teach the history
and cultural significance of the rhythms, giving context to the music.

As well as traditional Mandinka Djembe drums, learners will also have the chance to play
Ghanaian Kpanlogo drums, Djun Djun bass drums, African and Cuban Congas and a range of
Brazilian Samba percussion. Various sticks, bells and shakers will also be involved to produce
the multi-layered sound of poly-rhythmic international percussion.

The aim of this beginners course is to help learners develop sufficient skills and the
confidence to progress to a further, more advanced performance group, when the learner and teacher feel it suitable.
Prosp User 3
This course is open to people of all abilities. This course leads to further stages of learning
drumming and performance skill, which in turn could lead to work as a professional musician or community music facilitator.
Prosp User 4
Participants don’t need to bring anything although comfortable clothes would be appropriate.
Prosp User 5
Instruments will be provided, some may be lent to learners for practice. Learners will be encouraged to bring their own drum if they have one. NO CLASS 26th October2026 closed for half term
Prosp User 6

In order to support keeping York moving, consider travelling to your course by bus or bike. Click here to check out the bus routes closest to the venue for this course using the iTravel website, or discover York's cycle routes by clicking here.
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Alongside gaining course-specific skills, you will develop and showcase transferable skills that boost your confidence, employability, and ability to engage in further learning or volunteering.
Alongside gaining course-specific skills, you will develop and showcase transferable skills that boost your confidence, employability, and ability to engage in further learning or volunteering.
Employers highly value these transferable skills because they equip employees to excel beyond their basic job roles.
Employers highly value these transferable skills because they equip employees to excel beyond their basic job roles.
On your International Drumming course you will be developing the following transferable skills:
listening, communication, creativity, team work and innovation.
Prosp User 8

Learners who live in devolved authorities

Learners who live in devolved authorities
York Learning receives government funding which allows us to offer courses at a lower cost. The guidelines relating to devolution means that we cannot apply this funding to learners who live in devolved areas such as the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
York Learning receives government funding which allows us to offer courses at a lower cost. The guidelines relating to devolution means that we cannot apply this funding to learners who live in devolved areas such as the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
If you live outside of this area, we recommend that, before committing to a course with York Learning, you explore options to study the course in your local area.
If you live outside of this area, we recommend that, before committing to a course with York Learning, you explore options to study the course in your local area.
If you would prefer to continue your learning with York Learning please note that the price of the course could be double the advertised cost.
If you would prefer to continue your learning with York Learning please note that the price of the course could be double the advertised cost.
In this case, please contact us on 01904 554277 to complete your enrolment.
In this case, please contact us on 01904 554277 to complete your enrolment.

Learners under the age of 19

Learners under the age of 19
Please note that Adult Education funding is for individuals who are over the age of 19 on the 31st of August prior to the start date of their course.
Please note that Adult Education funding is for individuals who are over the age of 19 on the 31st of August prior to the start date of their course.
This means that there will be an additional cost for learners who are under 19 who wish to access funded courses.
This means that there will be an additional cost for learners who are under 19 who wish to access funded courses.
For safeguarding reasons, we cannot accept learners who are under 18 on courses except by prior arrangement. This does not apply to programmes which are designed for 16-18s.
For safeguarding reasons, we cannot accept learners who are under 18 on courses except by prior arrangement. This does not apply to programmes which are designed for 16-18s.
If you are under the age of 19, please contact us on 01904 554277 before booking.
If you are under the age of 19, please contact us on 01904 554277 before booking.
BT1/SS3
14/09/2026
23/11/2026
18:00 - 19:00
Monday
1.00 hrs per wk
10 weeks
Jon Ward
85.00
No fee reductions apply