‘I hear a drum in my soul’s ear coming from the depth of the stars!’ (Rumi)

This is a series of hand-drumming workshops using traditional African rhythms.

We will be learning hand-drumming technique and exploring the rich layers of African polyrhythms, as well as using group improvisation to find our own voices for expression. There will also be opportunities for soloing over our supportive group rhythm, suitable for beginners and improvers but most of all the emphasis will be on joy!

‘…Rhythm and expression of it through dance and drum brings community together and helps them grow. This experience binds the circle in a spirit of friendship that crosses all lines of race, age, gender, and faith. – and by its very nature is life-affirming…’

‘…Finding connection and a sense of belonging and making each other’s gifts shine – the aim to bring a sense of freedom and confidence, grounded by the respect for the discipline of west African drumming…’ 

£5 a session if the 6 sessions are paid for up front or £6 a session drop in. Drums provided.

For more information please contact Rachel at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Please see diary page for details of the new Drumming sessions.

These will still be on a Tuesday evening except for Tuesday 16th November when there is no Drumming class at the Pwerdy. Contact Rachel for more details 

Rachel Hargrave

Since graduating from Winchester College of Art, where she wrote a dissertaion on energy and rhythm, Rachel has worked as a free-lance artist and musician.

Rachel began her exploration of African drumming fifteen years ago – travelling and researching African rhythms, music and traditions and spending time in intensive study with master drummers form west Africa. Rachel went on to study Afro-Cuban music with Ravin Jayasuria of One Voice Music

With over ten years experience of leading workshops with a wide range of groups, Rachel is a qualified community music tutor having successfully completed the Community Music Wales tutor training course in 2002. She has worked for a number of organisations such as ArtsCare, Share Music, Dash (Ludlow Carnival), and Mojas Multi-Arts Projects

As a percussionist and performer, Rachel has played with a number of groups working in a variety of styles, from the Afro-Jazz and Latin inflected music of Mojas to the Afro-Celtic grooves of Fireweb and the experimental soundscapes of SoundWaves.

Comments from Participants of Previous Worshops:

“Welcoming, motivational, and just lovely!”

“ … never thought I had a sense of rhythm, so glad I came to your sessions I found something wonderful”

“… very welcoming, I am so much more confident now, I feel I could have a go at anything.”

“exciting and empowering... caring, friendly and supportive.”

“ grounding, inspiring, challenging, exciting, supportive, great fun...fabulous!”

“… best workshops ever”