Our aim is to connect people with West African music and teach them how to play in a supported environment.
Our student resources offer everything you need between classes – request a class recording, connect in your private Facebook group, hire a drum, and use your student discount.
See our handbook and instructional pack for extra support.
Our students receive a student card, which entitles them to a 10% discount at both our online and St.Kilda shops.
We also offer ongoing support and advice, and personal guidance in choosing a drum tailored to your needs.
And if you ever miss a class, you won’t fall behind – we record every session.
Just request the video and we’ll email it to you, so you can keep up with practice at home and join the next djembe class with confidence.
Each djembe class has its own private Facebook group, where students and teachers share practice material, videos, and updates.
It’s the best place to post recordings from class, so everyone knows what to practice at home.
We also share details about upcoming African drumming workshops, retreats, and special events in these groups.
When you join a class, ask your teacher to invite you to the group – and don’t forget to follow our main African Drumming page to stay up to date with the community.
In our Melbourne classes you’ll always have a drum to play.
If you want to take one home to practise between djembe lessons, you can hire a drum for just $20 per week.
Love your drum? Our Rent-to-Own plan means your hire fees go towards the djembe’s price.
You can choose a drum from our Ghana djembe series or Second-Grade range, with more options available at our shop.
A step-by-step guide to learning traditional djembe rhythms and full arrangements.
Comes with a detailed booklet. Also available in digital formats, so you can practise anywhere.
Now in its third edition, the pack has been expanded to include a lifetime’s worth of material.
The rhythms featured are favourites in our school of djembe, helping you learn patterns that are commonly played in our Melbourne djembe classes and group sessions.
Designed as a practical guide to the fundamentals of African drumming, giving you tips and resources to keep building your skills after class.
Inside, you’ll find:
An introduction to what a djembe is and its role in West African music.
Guidance on technique and finding your sounds.
Ways to connect with the drumming community in Melbourne and beyond.
Our YouTube channel is packed with free learning resources to support your drumming journey.
You’ll find tutorials, technique tips, dexterity workouts, and plenty of practical “how-to” videos to help you grow your skills.
We’re always adding new content and love hearing what our community wants to learn.
If there’s a drumming exercise, rhythm, or skill you’d like covered, let us know – your request could be the next video we share.
Yes, you can.
Just pop into our St Kilda shop and your teacher will help you make the swap.
We want every student to feel comfortable with their drum, so if the sound or size isn’t quite right, you’re welcome to change it.
Yes, you can put your drum hire on pause, just bring it back to us while you’re away.
Keep in mind that the paused weeks don’t count towards your Rent-to-Own plan.
This means the time on hold won’t be deducted from the final cost of your djembe, but it does give you flexibility if you need a short break from djembe classes or practice
Choosing the right djembe starts with how it feels, sounds, and fits your body.
Look for a well-carved shell that balances comfort and weight, a smooth edge for easy playing, and a skin that’s right for your level – thinner for beginners, thicker for more control.
Beyond that, trust your ear and pick a drum that moves you.
We’ll guide you through the process, and our full Djembe Choosing Guide dives into drum size, timber quality, skin feel, and tonal resonance.
How often you’ll need to tune your djembe depends on how much you play and your location’s climate.
A drum that’s used regularly might need a quick tune every few weeks, while one that’s played less could go a couple of months.
Heat and humidity also affect the skin tension, so the best guide is your ear – if the sound feels flat or dull, it’s time for a tune.
If you’ve bought an African djembe from us, you’ll receive lifetime free tuning.
You’re always welcome to bring it into our St Kilda shop and we’ll tune it for you.
We can also guide you through the process so you know how to tune at home.
Get in touch with our team for personalised advice. We’re known for our quick replies!
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