WELCOME TO THE DRUM CIRCLE! Here you will find information on:
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| Course Descriptions | |
If you have just entered the land of the drum, welcome to the circle! This is a whole world of its own, a diverse community of people spanning the globe. Here in Brisbane, Elliott Orr has been teaching weekly classes since 1995, sharing the simple joy of African rhythm with some 10,000 people. After all this time, and all these people, he is still loving it!!Currently the community classes are held on Friday evenings at the West End Croquet Club. Classes are grouped into courses of 3-6 weeks, over which time a complete African piece is taught (it is more important to play one rhythm well than to play a bunch of rhythms poorly). This year Elliott has introduced a new format where the class is broken into 3 sessions. Basic payment covers 2 sessions. Session 1 - Devoted to entry-level beginner drummers who are discovering how to find the bass, tone and slap. Learn the A.B.C. of the djembe in a fun, relaxed and friendly environment. It flows at a comfortable, easy going pace and while it is pitched at entry-level beginners, fully fledged beginners and more advanced drummers are totally welcome - after all, lets face it, one can always improve one's technique. More advanced drummers will be stretched accordingly. Session 2 - This is for everybody, an overlapping session for all levels. Focus here is on the actual rhythms contained in the piece of the course. There are usually 2-4 accompaniment hand drum parts to any particular rhythm and in this session you will get to know these parts and learn how to start and stop them. Session 3 - This last session is for 'fully-fledged' beginners, intermediate and advanced drummers who have not only developed a reasonable technique but are ready to learn the more complex aspects of the piece. These include learning and placing the call, any breaks or bridges and solo phrases. ![]() Each session is separated by a tea break, a chance to catch the breath and catch up with friends. NEW DRUM COURSE STARTS FRIDAY AUG 20th This course will focus on the rhythm Nyanza which is the WATER rhythm of the latest Banakuma (sacred collection of rhythms) that Chris Berry taught earlier this year. It's a very beautiful and trance-like rhythm with an energising song. This will be a 6 week course, with the final class being taught by guest drummer Pape M'baye. Of Senegalese origin, Pape will bring his brother and son who are both accomplished musicians. These classes will be open to all. These guys are performing with their band at Brisbane Festival's 'Into Africa' on Sat 25th Sept. Spankinhide is also performing at 'Into Africa'. |
Course Timetables | |||||||||||||||
Please note that we have introduced a new structure where the two levels, 'Technique/Beginners' AND 'Beginners/Intermediate' are together for Session 2 from 7.35 - 8.20. There will be tea and coffee in the breaks.
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| How to book in for a course |
Email – send an email to info@talkinthedrum.com.au • Email your name and return email address • Names of any other participants you are booking in on behalf of, • Your mobile number, • The course you would like to book in for • If you require a drum for the class drum hire is $5 per class. Phone – give us a call • Elliott – 0407 372 554 |
| Frequentley asked questions | |
| Q. Which class is for me? | If you have not been to any of our classes before the course for you is the “Technique” course. Once you have attended a technique course you will be ready to become a fully fledged beginner and can self select which sessions you attend. |
| Q. Do I need my own drum? | No you do not need your own drum. We have drums for hire at $5 a class. We suggest that you begin by hiring a drum so that you can determine if drumming is something you feel you will stay with before purchasing one. |
Q. Do you know where to buy a drum? | Yes- We sell drums and run drum making courses. For more information contact Elliott – 0407 372 554 |
| Q. How do I pay for my course? | Payment can be made of the first night of the course. |
Q. Are kids welcome to class? | Yes. While these classes are predominantly adult-based, kids are welcome. Ten is the recommended minimum age. |
| Teachers | |
![]() | Elliott Orr Elliott has been the pioneer of the djembe throughout Qld and has taught well over 10,000 people. As founder and director of Talkin' the Drum he is dedicated to building communites through rhythm. With 15 years of weekly teaching experience, Elliott has mastered the art of guiding people from the first step in this dynamic form of drumming. Known for his patience and exuberance, Elliott will share with you good djembe technique and an endless number of rhythms. |
| Community Drumming Circles | ||
| Where | When | |
| FNQ | ||
| Cairns | ||
| Rockhampton | ||
| SEQ | ||
| Brisbane Parklands | Roma St Parklands adjacent to Roma St Railway Station, | The first Thursday of the month 7pm |
| NSW | ||
| Byron Bay | ||
| ACT | ||
| VIC | ||
| WA | ||
| If you would like to let us know about your local drum circle email us at info@talkinthedrum.com.au | ||


