Please note: this class is no longer running. It might resume at some point depending on demand, perhaps at a different venue/time. If you're interested in drumming (either adults or children) in the Leighton Buzzard/Dunstable/Luton area, please read this page and then email me to register your interest and I'll see what I can do.

The old page follows, as an example of how it was run...


Kids' djembe class in Linslade

[ Drumming is fun! ]High energy African drumming and song, for children aged 7-11

I'm happy to announce that I'm starting African drumming classes in Leighton Buzzard, near Milton Keynes, where children can learn traditional rhythms from West Africa and sing the joyous songs they accompany. As well as djembe we play dun duns, Ghanaian drums and percussion. You can drop in any week, but you'll get the most out of it with regular attendance.

[ Chrissie and Malc playing lotsa drums, photos by Phoebe White (handheld!), animated by Malcolm ]Please bear in mind that this group is all about learning traditional rhythms, not just going bongo bongo and making lots of noise! Attendees should be keen players, not just be being brought along due to lack of childcare at home; we are not a creche. Just in case you're wondering, both myself and my co-facilitator Chrissie Martin are First Aid trained and CRB/DBS-checked (Enhanced Disclosure) for working with children.

Please contact me to book your place and leave a parent's mobile number in case of emergencies.

Parents: as well as this Linslade class, which is just for children, I also run parent+child drumming classes in St. Albans. And older children aged 12 and above are welcome to join my adult classes at St. Albans or Clophill, provided that they can behave maturely and are accompanied by a parent. I can only be in so many places at once, and demand for a niche service like African Drumming is often spread too far and wide to sustain a group, so I hope you don't mind travelling a bit further if your children are really keen.

Where?

The venue was Southcott Village Community Centre, right in the middle of Linslade, not far from Leighton Buzzard town centre. It's easy to get to, right at the end of Grasmere Way, LU7 2QN next to Tesco Metro. There are three free car parks surrounding the Community Centre, each accessible from a different road, the nearest being the one which approaches from Bideford Green, but depending on which direction you're coming from, you can also park in the ones at the end of Coniston Way or Grasmere Way and walk round to the doors on the other side.

Please bring a small chair (Primary School size) for each child, as the hall only has adult-sized chairs which don't work for small children's drums.

When?

The first six trial sessions were from 10-11am on Saturday mornings 7th, 14th and 28th September 2013, then 5th, 19th and 26th October, up until Half Term. (I can't do 21st September and 12th October.)

Cost

This cost includes use of dun duns but djembe hire is £1 extra, so please let me know a day in advance so I know to pack a spare drum for you, or bring yours if you have your own.

Frequent Flyers

To encourage regular attendance which leads to faster progress, I also offer reduced prices to frequent attendees for six-week blocks paid for in advance. This saves money over the single weekly drop-in payment, even if you miss a week.

If you join us at the start of a six-week block, then advance payment can be decided upon at the end of your first session; if you love it, go for it! Or if you're not sure that you can commit, or if you join in midway through a six week period, you can keep paying weekly until subscriptions are next due.

> > > Frequently Asked Questions

Please note: this class is no longer running. It might resume at some point depending on demand, perhaps at a different venue/time. If you're interested in drumming (either adults or children) in the Leighton Buzzard/Dunstable/Luton area, please read this page and then email me to register your interest and I'll see what I can do.