African Drumming Circles
with Richard Parker
Enhancing Wellbeing through the power of rhythm
With an emphasis on community, wellbeing and creativity these African Drumming Circles are designed to enrich and inspire your life.
Imagine the sense of satisfaction to be able to drum with total confidence and ease…
Or the thrill as you realise you are playing your part within a group of awesome drummers…
And where you are guaranteed to leave feeling energised and uplifted…
Come and join these creative African Drumming workshops where you will learn to play the Djembe drum as a part of a group, and experience the power of your rhythm mixing with the incredible sounds of the collective groove…
All you need is… to bring yourself, an open mind and a willingness to learn in a creative and playful way.
Have no fear… no previous musical or drumming experience is required… so whether you are completely new to drumming or have some experience, these workshops will work for you.
African Drumming Circle - Drop-In Session
For beginners, improvers and experienced.
Feel the power of drumming and the instant effects on your wellbeing.
Djembe drumming for all levels.
Rhythmic Roots African Drumming Course
A 6-week immersion into African Drumming.
You'll be amazed at how quickly you can learn and grow your playing on the djembe.
Rhythmic Roots African Drumming Improver Workshops
Take your djembe playing further and prepare for a challenge as we dive deeper into West African Drumming.
Promises to be tons of fun and deeply rewarding.
Drumming in Nature
Happening thought May & June
A perfect opportunity to come together and drum outside in nature, with our long and (fingers crossed) warm and dry summer evenings.
What’s in it for you…
Learn an instrument that has instant playability
Be part of an energising group experience
Feel a sense of wellbeing… guaranteed!!!
Connect with like-minded people
Be in a creative and uplifting environment
Join the fun, friendly and upbeat drumming tribe
In Their Words…
“I loved it. Thank you. You have such a great way of encouraging, including, reassuring, challenging and guiding us. I have always been drawn to group drumming events at festivals etc... I can’t believe I am actually playing in a group of drummers now! And a new experience to start the year too.” - Alison
“If my facial expressions and occasional whoops don't express my glee at attending your sessions, I'm not sure what can.
But on a more serious note, I have found something amazing by coming. I can't quite explain it but it fills me with joy. The whole room doing their own thing individually but then forming as one is just an incredible feeling.
I absolutely LOVE it and to be free to go with what you feel is awesome. I love the way the sessions are structured but in a very groovy way!
In short - it's a medicine I never knew I needed!” - Diane
Benefits
Drumming is proven to:
Reduce Stress, Tension & Anxiety whilst increasing Energy
Build Confidence & Motivation
Inspire Creative Thinking
Create Connection & Community
Your Teacher
Richard Parker
Richard brings a skilful and unique approach to teaching West African Djembe drumming. He uses a blend of creative free playing, easy to follow techniques and uplifting rhythms, plus his extensive skills as a group facilitator. He makes everyone feel included and is great at bringing everything together, resulting in making it a super easy, rich and fun learning experience.
African Drumming Circle
Drop-In Sessions
Beginners | Improvers | Experienced
Feel the power of drumming and the instant effects on your wellbeing. Djembe drumming for all levels
-
Level, Times & Costs:
All Levels (suitable for beginners): 7.30pm - 8.45pm (£10 - 1hr 15mins)
Improvers & Experienced Add on 8:45pm - 9.30pm (£6 - 45mins)
Venue:Edmund Kell Unitarian Church, Bellevue Road, Southampton SO15 2AY
Drums: Each participant requires one adult-sized Djembe or Bougarbou drum. Djembe/Bougarbou drums are available to hire. Cost £2 per session.
-
Level, Times & Costs:
All Levels (suitable for beginners): 7.30pm - 8.45pm (£10 - 1hr 15mins)
Improvers & Experienced Add on 8:45pm - 9.30pm (£6 - 45mins)
Venue:Edmund Kell Unitarian Church, Bellevue Road, Southampton SO15 2AY
Drums: Each participant requires one adult-sized Djembe or Bougarbou drum. Djembe/Bougarbou drums are available to hire. Cost £2 per session.
-
Level, Times & Costs:
All Levels (suitable for beginners): 7.30pm - 8.45pm (£10 - 1hr 15mins)
Improvers & Experienced Add on 8:45pm - 9.30pm (£6 - 45mins)
Venue:Edmund Kell Unitarian Church, Bellevue Road, Southampton SO15 2AY
Drums: Each participant requires one adult-sized Djembe or Bougarbou drum. Djembe/Bougarbou drums are available to hire. Cost £2 per session.
-
Level, Times & Costs:
All Levels (suitable for beginners): 7.30pm - 8.45pm (£10 - 1hr 15mins)
Improvers & Experienced Add on 8:45pm - 9.30pm (£6 - 45mins)
Venue:Edmund Kell Unitarian Church, Bellevue Road, Southampton SO15 2AY
Drums: Each participant requires one adult-sized Djembe or Bougarbou drum. Djembe/Bougarbou drums are available to hire. Cost £2 per session.
-
Level, Times & Costs:
All Levels (suitable for beginners): 7.30pm - 8.45pm (£10 - 1hr 15mins)
Improvers & Experienced Add on 8:45pm - 9.30pm (£6 - 45mins)
Venue:Edmund Kell Unitarian Church, Bellevue Road, Southampton SO15 2AY
Drums: Each participant requires one adult-sized Djembe or Bougarbou drum. Djembe/Bougarbou drums are available to hire. Cost £2 per session.
Click on a date for more information
About:
Perfect for beginners to try out an African Drumming Circle.
Easy to follow and super accessible regardless of experience.
No previous musical or drumming experience is required.
You'll be amazed at how quickly you can pick up the basics.
Next-level sessions - perfect for improvers & experienced players who want to hone their technique and develop their drumming & rhythmical ability to the next level.
Join us to play lots of new and exciting rhythms.
Promises to be inspiring, energising and uplifting.
African Djembe drums are available to hire.
Levels:
Beginner (newcomers or have played a little)
Improver (can play the three Djembe sounds and can hold a West African rhythm by yourself)
Experienced (can confidently play the three Djembe sounds and can pick up more complex West African rhythm patterns)
Inclusivity:
There are reduced-price tickets available for these sessions if the price is outside of your budget. Please get in touch to briefly explain your circumstances.
Join the Drumming Community:
If you can’t make these dates and would like to hear about future workshops & courses. Sign Up Here.
Rhythmic Roots African Drumming Course
Discover the rhythms of West Africa and connect with your community in our 6-week African drumming course, Rhythmic Roots. Learn to play the djembe drum, explore the uplifting energy of West African rhythms, and unleash your creativity through embodiment practices. Join us and experience the joy of drumming while connecting with like-minded individuals who share your passion for music and community.
Next One Starts: TBC
Dates: TBC (6 consecutive Thursdays)
Times: 7.30pm - 9pm
What You’ll Learn:
West African Djembe Drumming Technique
Traditional West African Multi-Part Rhythm
Creativity and Self-Expression through Drumming
Group Playing & Listening Skills
Embodied Rhythmical Development
Body Percussion
You'll also get to play on the African Bass Drum (Dundun) & Hand percussion (Bells, Woods & Shakers)
This course is for complete beginners to improvers. Great for anyone new to African Drumming who wants to learn the basics. Also great to support those who are developing or refreshing their playing skills.
Venue: Edmund Kell Unitarian Church, Bellevue Road, Southampton SO15 2AY (Close to the city centre)
Cost: £80
Inclusivity: There are a few reduced-price tickets available for this course or the option to pay in instalments if the total price is outside of your budget. Please get in touch to briefly explain your circumstances.
Drums: Each participant requires one adult-sized Djembe or Bougarbou drum. Djembe/Bougarbou drums are available to hire. Cost £12 (for 6 sessions)
Join the Drumming Community - If you can’t make these dates and would like to hear about future workshops & courses. Sign Up Here.
Drumming in Nature
Southampton Common (full location further below)
A perfect opportunity to come together and drum outside in nature, with our long and (fingers crossed) warm and dry summer evenings.
With easy-to-follow rhythms and creative facilitation to inspire and encourage all to play.
Suitable for all levels, from complete beginners to those with experience who simply love to drum.
Drums can be provided, however, feel free to bring your own.
Bring your own chair (with an extra cushion to sit on and lift you up).
Planned Thursday Dates (2024):
No more dates planned for 2024
Join the mailing list to receive updates about date confirmation based on the weather.
Times: 7pm - 8.30pm
Cost: £10 per session (+ £2 for drum hire)
Drums: Each participant requires a suitable hand drum. Djembe/Bougarbou drums are available to hire. Cost £2 per session. Let me know in advance if you would like to hire a drum.
Booking: If you need to hire a drum let me know, otherwise turn up and pay on arrival (cash or card).
As these sessions are held outside and weather-dependent, please keep an eye on this web page for confirmation that the session is going ahead. I will update the website dates regularly, especially on the session day. You are also welcome to get in touch to check if it is going ahead or let me know your interest in attending especially if you would like to hire a drum.
Location: Southampton Common, near the underpass.
Google Maps Link (to our location on the common)
Nearest Address for Parking: Highfield Road SO17 1BF
On-street parking is free on Highfield Road at this time.
Finding Us: Walk through the underpass from Highfield Road onto the main part of the Southampton Common, we will either be off to the right or left of the path, soon after entering the main part of the common.
BRING YOUR OWN CHAIR (with an extra cushion to sit on and lift you up)
Level: Suitable for all levels, from complete beginners to those with experience.
Join the Drumming Community - If you can’t make these dates and would like to hear about future workshops & courses. Sign Up Here.
Rhythmic Roots African Drumming Improvers Workshops
Take your djembe playing further and prepare for a challenge as we dive deeper into West African Drumming. Promises to be tons of fun and deeply rewarding.
Dates: Dates coming soon…
Times: TBC
What You’ll Learn:
Explore new drumming skills
Hone your technique, refining and focusing on sound quality
Develop your groove & rhythmical ability with challenging timing exercises
Build your dexterity, focus and stamina in extended arrangements
Gain confidence in playing solo
Learn a new Traditional Multi-Part West African Rhythm
Aimed at anyone who wants to advance both their playing technique and group playing skills to the next level.
Requirements:
Attended at least 6 or more African Drumming workshops.
Have a good grasp of the basics.
Have experience in playing the three main sounds (bass, tone & slap) and are ready to further develop how you play them on the drum.
Your sense of rhythm, timing & group playing skills is developing.
If you are unsure if you meet the requirements, please get in touch.
Venue: TBC
Cost: TBC
Inclusivity: There are a few reduced-price tickets available for this course or the option to pay in instalments if the total price is outside of your budget. Please get in touch to briefly explain your circumstances.
Drums: Each participant requires one adult-sized Djembe or Bougarbou drum. Djembe/Bougarbou drums are available to hire. Cost £12 (for 6 sessions)
Join the Drumming Community - If you can’t make these dates and would like to hear about future workshops & courses. Sign Up Here.