Learn traditional hand drumming from Guinea, West Africa! Our hand drum class is open to everyone, from beginners to professional drummers.

Helen Bond will teach traditional Guinean hand drumming and culture! She has spent 21 years traveling in Guinea learning about their music and culture. This class is a great introduction to West African music and its role in Guinean life.

In this drum class, you will learn basic rhythms on dunun drums and the djembe accompaniment parts. You will also learn the origins of each rhythm, and receive expert instruction on all instruments in the traditional djembe orchestra.

Hand drumming is a great way to learn musical principles of rhythm, tempo, and collaboration, and to have a lot of fun! No hand drumming experience is necessary. Drums are provided if you do not have your own.

What is Guinean Hand Drumming? 

Hand drumming has a rich history in Guinea, West Africa, dating back to the 13th century. The drum was a central part of Guinean everyday life and was used for communication, religious ceremonies, and entertainment.

Dunun drums, also known as Djun-djun drums or talking drums, are a family of West African bass drums that are played with sticks. Dunun drums are commonly used in the traditional music of the Malinke people of Mali, Guinea, and other parts of West Africa. Dunun drums consist of three to five cylindrical drums of different sizes, each with a different pitch, and are typically played in ensembles with other percussion instruments such as the djembe and the balafon. They are often used to provide the bassline in West African music and are known for their deep, resonant sound. Dunun drums are an important part of the cultural heritage of West Africa and are widely used in both traditional and contemporary music.

The djembe, a rope-tuned skin-covered goblet drum played with bare hands, is thought to have originated from the Mandinka people in Guinea. The djembe was traditionally played by men and was used to accompany traditional dances and songs. The drum was also used as a tool for communication, with different rhythms representing different messages.

Today, Guinean hand drumming remains popular both within Guinea and around the world. Many musicians and enthusiasts travel to Guinea to study with master drummers and to immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of Guinean hand drumming.