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African Drumming Workshop
Our African drumming workshop immerses children in the rhythms and musical traditions of West Africa through energetic, hands-on percussion. Using traditional djembes and a range of authentic instruments, pupils learn how rhythm works, how patterns fit together, and how group music-making creates impact.
Designed to complement the National Curriculum, the workshop supports musical skills such as pulse, timing, coordination and ensemble awareness. By playing together in a drum circle, children experience cooperation, listening and shared creativity, while gaining an appreciation of African musical culture.
National Curriculum Links
Key Stage 1
Pupils:
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Use their voices and bodies to explore pulse and rhythm
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Play untuned percussion with control and expression
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Learn to listen and respond to others in group music-making
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Begin to recognise music from different cultures
Curriculum focus:
Use their voices expressively, play tuned and untuned instruments musically, listen with concentration, and understand music from different traditions.
Key Stage 2
Pupils:
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Develop secure understanding of rhythm, tempo and structure
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Perform in ensemble drum circles, maintaining their own rhythmic part
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Explore layered rhythms and call-and-response patterns
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Learn about West African musical traditions and cultural context
Curriculum focus:
Play and perform in ensemble contexts, develop an understanding of musical structures and traditions, and appreciate a wide range of high-quality live and recorded music.
Key Stage 3
Pupils:
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Perform increasingly complex rhythmic patterns
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Understand how rhythm functions within musical traditions and styles
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Develop ensemble awareness, listening skills and musical independence
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Explore music as a cultural and social practice
Curriculum focus:
Perform, compose and listen with increasing complexity, and understand musical traditions, genres and historical contexts.
Key Stage 4
Pupils:
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Apply rhythmic skills to performance and composition
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Analyse rhythm and texture within world music traditions
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Develop ensemble and leadership skills through group performance
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Support GCSE performance, composition and listening objectives
Curriculum focus:
Develop technical and expressive performance skills, broaden musical understanding, and engage critically with music from diverse cultures.
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