Weekly Classes
Weekly Classes
Follow your interests and find your drum style. Our weekly classes are open to all experience levels unless a prerequisite is stated.
Questions? Visit our FAQs page or Contact Us!
Are you a returning student? Click HERE for registration.
Sundays
West African Level I
10:30 - 11:30 am
Instructor: Dan Engebretson
Open to people of all gender identities.
West African Drumming Level I is a beginning-level class structured to teach basic rhythms and techniques while building confidence and understanding of the music. This class satisfies the prerequisite for Djembe Diyamu and is open to all gender identities.
Level: Beginner (no prerequisite)
Cost: $15 per class
West African Level II / Djembe Diyamu
11:45 am - 1:45 pm
Instructor: Dan Engebretson
Open to people of all gender identities.
Diyamu means “to speak” in the Malinke language; West African drum songs are conversations between drums, songs, and dancers. Djembe Diyamu is an advanced drumming group. In this ongoing co-ed class, you will explore the polyrhythmic patterns of West Africa, learning accompaniment rhythms, breaks, and exciting arrangements for traditional and modern West African rhythms. Dan also provides skill-building exercises to improve your playing and teaches the meaning and cultural history of the songs he teaches.
Prerequisite: One West African Drumming Level I class and/or approval from the instructor.
Level: Intermediate-Advanced
Cost: $20 per class
To Register: Djembe Diyamu is a performance group at the WDC. This class has open membership; however, please Contact Us to register!
Mondays
5:00 - 6:00 pm
Instructor: Jo Klein, drumHeart Assistant Director
Drum Basics
Open to women and people of marginalized genders.
Enjoy a relaxing and fun start to your week! In addition to covering different rhythms and songs each week, this ongoing class offers the opportunity to learn freestyle drumming on various percussion instruments in a low-pressure setting. Both hand drumming and stick drumming will be taught throughout the year.
Level: All Levels Welcome
Prerequisite: No drumming experience is necessary, drums are provided.
Cost: $15 per participant / per class
Private/Small Group Lessons
6:00 - 9:00 pm
Cost: TBD
Open to people of all gender identities.
This time is available for private or semi-private lessons. Do you and your family, friends, and/or co-workers want to experience the exhilarating joy of drumming? We are available to provide a thoroughly innovative and memorable event for birthday parties, church and work retreats, Girl Scout Troop activities, etc. No drumming experience is necessary! Any and all levels will find it fun and intriguing. We have a large variety of drums and percussion instruments to share and can facilitate the private drum party or lessons at our studio or your place!
Email us with your interests, and we’ll match you with an instructor.
Tuesdays
Hand Drum for Beginners
5:00 - 6:00 pm
Instructor: Bettie Seitzer
Open to women and people of marginalized genders.
Even if you have absolutely no musical experience you will be playing a song at the end of the very first class! Hand Drum for Beginners is a class designed to get you started comfortably with the most accessible instruments in the world. We want you to experience the fun of making music in a group without having to spend months or years struggling to master a difficult instrument. Over time you will build skills and confidence while having a lot of fun in a nurturing environment.
Level: Beginner
Prerequisite: No drumming experience is necessary, drums are provided.
Cost: $15 per participant / per class
Women Who Groove
6:30 - 8:30 pm
Instructor: Bettie Seitzer
Open to women and people of marginalized genders.
Women Who Groove laugh a lot while making wonderful music using traditional African Drums and sometimes buckets! You will learn and perform songs unique to the group, and leave every class relaxed and energized. Exercises and fun jams will help to build your skills. The Instructor provides practice videos to help you learn the songs. The group is invited to perform at public events and the annual concert, but performing is an option, not an obligation.
Level: Intermediate
Prerequisite: Attending one Hand Drum for Beginners class and approval from the instructor.
Cost: $20 per participant / per class
To Register: Women Who Groove is a performance group at the WDC. This class has open membership; however, approval from the instructor is required. If you would like to join WWG, please plan on attending one of our Tuesday evening beginner classes first (Hand Drum for Beginners) to fulfill this requirement.
Wednesdays
Private or Small Group Lessons
6:00 - 9:00 pm
Cost: TBD
Open to people of all gender identities.
This time is available for private or semi-private lessons. Do you and your family, friends, and/or co-workers want to experience the exhilarating joy of drumming? We are available to provide a thoroughly innovative and memorable event for birthday parties, church and work retreats, Girl Scout Troop activities, etc. No drumming experience is necessary! Any and all levels will find it fun and intriguing. We have a large variety of drums and percussion instruments to share and can facilitate the private drum party or lessons at our studio or your place!
Email us with your interests, and we’ll match you with an instructor.
Thursdays
drumHeart Rehearsals
6:30 - 8:30 pm
Director: Alexandra Ray
Open to women and people of marginalized genders.
drumHeart is the WDC’s premiere performance drum ensemble, currently directed by Alexandra Ray and Jo Klein. For over 30 years, drumHeart has delivered powerful drum music for community fundraisers, walks, and runs. They are equally at home at the Orchestra Hall as at the Minnesota State Fair. Their repertoire includes original songs composed for the group, traditional West African music, and Brazilian samba music. Through this variety, drumHeart delivers unique performances that leave audiences energized by world music.
Level: Advanced
Prerequisite: Audition and approval from the drumHeart Director
How to Join: drumHeart auditions are held twice a year at the WDC. Please Contact Us for more information!
Fridays
6:30 - 8:00 pm
3rd Friday of the Month
Open to people of all gender identities.
Co-ed Drum Circle
Jo Klein, instructor/facilitator
Upcoming: May 17, Co-ed Drum Circle, percussion, rhythm, and freedom of expression will be explored with facilitator Jo Klein through lively games and songs, and exuberant drum improvisation. All levels of experience are welcomed and encouraged. The ambiance is loose, easy, and FUN!
No druming experience necessary. For persons 16 and older.
Cost: $15 per participant / per class
Saturdays
Rhythms of Wellness
Resuming 2024
Drumming is a wonderfully positive mental health tool as well as a catalyst for stress relief. A bit like exercising, but with the added benefit of creativity that music can bring. Workshops will be held in person quarterly on Saturdays at the WDC studio unless otherwise noted. Please review each workshop description carefully.
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