Our Facilitator Training FAQs cover everything from course content and session formats to accreditation and classroom applications
Designed for teachers and facilitators bringing drumming and rhythm-based learning into schools and community settings.
Absolutely.
Level 1 is designed for complete beginners and covers the essential drumming and facilitation skills you’ll need to run engaging sessions.
The learning curve for the djembe is gentle, helping you develop skills and flow at your own pace.
You’ll also receive resources and materials to help you keep developing your skills beyond the course.
Yes. The program gives you everything you need to start facilitating straight away – starter rhythms with Audio and notation, exercises, musical games, and clear teaching resources including the Workshop Template, Rhythmic Flow Chart, and Starter Pack of Games and Icebreakers.
You’ll also learn strong facilitation techniques, so you can confidently lead your own sessions.
Our facilitator training attracts a wide mix of people. Around 60% are teachers, while the rest come from fields such as wellbeing, youth services, mental health, community programs, and arts therapy.
Participants join for different reasons – to build new skills, add creative tools to their work, or explore drumming as a way to engage and inspire others.
The training aligns with the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (AITSL) and the New Zealand Teaching Council’s Code and Standards. Educators can record this training as professional learning toward maintaining accreditation.
The training consists of three levels, each designed to build on the previous one.
In most cases, we recommend starting with Level 1, even if you’ve completed other facilitator or drumming programs. Level 1 introduces key themes, tools, and methods that form the foundation for Level 2. It also includes lots of fun & engaging rhythm games.
Those with prior experience in drumming often find it most effective to complete Levels 1 and 2 together over one weekend.
Typically, experienced music teachers sign up for Levels 1 and 2 over one weekend, even without prior drumming experience. Inexperienced music teachers often choose to complete Level 1 first, then apply what they’ve learned before returning for Level 2.
Level 3 is an in-depth two-day training that focuses on musicianship, facilitation, and leadership. It’s recommended for graduates of Levels 1 and 2 who are ready to expand their teaching practice.
Each level builds your confidence and ability to facilitate engaging sessions, giving you practical tools to bring drumming into your classroom or community work.
You can choose one of two easy ways to register:
1. Fill out the registration form below
We’ll confirm your place and send next steps and invoice by email.
2. Get your ticket online
If you prefer to book instantly, you can purchase your ticket through our online store.
Each Level is a one-day intensive workshop (6 hours), except for Level 3, which runs over two days.
For example, Levels 1 and 2 are typically held on a weekend – Level 1 on Saturday and Level 2 on Sunday, from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm AEDT or AEST.
All levels are available online and in person across Australia and New Zealand.
Private or one-on-one sessions may run for a shorter duration
Both formats cover the same content and include live, interactive facilitation. The only difference is the medium.
In onsite sessions, we supply djembes for participants who need them, but if you already have your own, you’re welcome to bring it along.
For online sessions, you’ll need access to a djembe, and we can help you purchase one at a discounted rate.
You’ll receive a full Training Manual – the backbone of the program – designed to guide you during the course and help you take your learning into classroom or workshop settings. It comes with a suite of practical, road-ready materials, including:
Workshop templates
Rhythm notation (call and échauff)
Audio files for beginner through advanced levels
Glossary and instructional references
Hand signals guide
Rhythmic Flow Chart
“Teacher’s Bag of Tricks”
Instructional resources, curriculum materials & themes
Ongoing digital resources and take-home packs
These tools are built to help you deliver drumming-based learning, support student engagement, and bring structure and creativity into your sessions.
The training builds both your musical and teaching skills through practical, hands-on learning. You’ll gain an understanding of drumming technique, rhythm structure, and group facilitation, learning how to lead sessions with confidence and flow.
Each level explores a new layer of development. You’ll work with djembes, dununs, shakers, and bells, learning how to add instruments into complete ensembles. The training also covers communication tools like hand signals, body language, and pacing to help you lead effectively.
Beyond the music itself, the program includes guidance on session design, classroom planning, and adapting material for different age groups and learning goals. You’ll leave with a clear framework for running your own workshops in classrooms, wellbeing settings, and community programs.
Our facilitator training is carefully aligned with the Australian Curriculum, supporting teachers to meet key learning outcomes through rhythm-based activities.
The content links directly to the curriculum’s Achievement Standards and Content Descriptions, helping you integrate drumming into music and wellbeing programs with confidence.
Throughout the training, we identify how each activity connects to core areas such as Exploring and Responding, Developing Practices and Skills, Creating and Making, and Presenting and Performing.
The program also supports Intercultural Understanding and Personal and Social Capabilities, giving you the tools to address both artistic and social-emotional learning outcomes in your classroom.
By using simple skill codes, we make the curriculum links easy to apply in lesson planning.
Tailored sessions available anywhere in Australia (and beyond), scheduled at a time that suits you. Ideal for individuals or pairs seeking focused, flexible learning with personalised guidance.
We travel to your location across Australia for training that fits your timetable. Designed for organisations or local groups of schools and community programs training teachers, coordinators, and youth workers together.
Additional travel costs may apply to onsite book-your-own training.
To see pricing for our scheduled facilitator training programs, view our standard rates here.
For more information and booking inquiries, please fill out the details below and we will get in touch.
We are known for our quick replies
For experienced drumming facilitators, our training offers valuable new perspectives, techniques, and tools to enhance your teaching practice. Even if you’ve completed other programs, Level 1 introduces a unique approach to facilitation that focuses on group dynamics, session structuring, and adapting content for different learning environments. You’ll gain new insights into West African cultural context and practical classroom applications, which can enrich the way you lead your sessions.
We recommend starting with Level 1 because it provides a strong foundation, covering essential themes and methods specific to our training. Many experienced facilitators choose to complete Levels 1 and 2 together for a deeper, more cohesive learning experience.
Facilitator training is a multi-level program designed to build your skills as a drumming educator – covering instrument technique, ensemble facilitation, program design, curriculum alignment, and leadership over time.
Graduates can begin leading sessions after completing Level 1, with additional levels available to deepen their learning.
Professional development workshops are shorter, focused sessions that dive into specific topics or skills (for example, rhythm games, wellbeing through drumming, classroom integration) without the full training pathway.
If you want deep, long-term growth and the ability to lead your own drumming programs, facilitator training is the way to go. If you’re seeking a targeted skill boost or introduction, a PD workshop might suit you better.
Drumming and culture are inseparable. Our facilitator training weaves in the cultural background of West African music so you can appreciate not only how to play, but why the music exists in the way it does.
Throughout the training, we explore the social and cultural roles of music and dance in West Africa – from celebrations and rituals to storytelling and everyday life. You’ll learn how these traditions inform the rhythms and ensemble structures you’ll be teaching.
Understanding the cultural context deepens your connection to the music and helps you share it respectfully and authentically in your own sessions.
Dance is central to West African music – it’s not just an addition but an essential part of the ensemble.
You’ll learn how movement interacts with drumming, exploring the call-and-response between the dancer and drummer.
We look at the cultural role of dance in African communities – from storytelling and celebration to rites of passage – and how to include movement and body percussion in your own sessions.
Drumming supports focus, confidence, and self-expression. It helps students develop emotional regulation, social awareness, and teamwork skills while building confidence and resilience.
The training also links these outcomes with the Australian Curriculum’s wellbeing and arts strands, helping educators use drumming to promote mindfulness and positive classroom energy
You’ll gain hands-on experience in leading groups, managing energy, and maintaining engagement.
The training builds communication, teamwork, and classroom management strategies, helping you confidently guide groups of any size or age.
You’ll also learn how to adapt content for different skill levels and educational settings
The facilitator training aligns with both the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (AITSL) and the New Zealand Teaching Council’s Code and Standards, covering areas such as curriculum planning, differentiated instruction, and inclusive classroom practice.
Educators can record this training as professional learning towards maintaining accreditation.
We can provide further information on these links to help you secure approval for funding for your registration.
Yes. We offer a range of classroom instrument packs that complement the facilitator training, each designed to suit different age groups, class sizes, and budgets.
Educators receive discounted rates and personalised advice, and we can tailor packs to match your program’s goals and student needs. They’re a great next step for teachers who’ve completed the training and want to bring drumming into their classroom or community setting.
See how our school packs can support your program.
The main instrument is the djembe, a versatile West African hand drum that’s accessible for all levels.
You’ll also work with other core ensemble instruments, including dununs, bells, abnd shakers, learning how each contributes to a complete arrangement.
Each training level explores the ensemble in more depth.
Yes. You can register through the form and choose to pay by invoice.
We’ll reserve your spot, and your place will be confirmed once payment is received.
Yes – you’re welcome to cancel or reschedule if your plans change.
For changes made 7 or more days before the course, you’re entitled to a
full refund or credit towards a future date.
For changes made less than seven days before your booked training, a $75 + GST fee applies to cover admin and preparation costs.
No-shows are non-refundable and non-transferrable.
You’re welcome to send someone else in your place at no extra cost, just let us know with at least 1 day’s notice.
Get in touch with our team for personalised advice. We’re known for our quick replies!
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