Workshops & Special Series
Workshops & Special Series
Workshops & Special Series
Dan Engebretson
Skill Builder: West African Solo and Improv Workshop
Playing a solo on your drum is a way to musically express yourself in the moment. In this workshop, you’ll learn the basics of solo improvisation —where and how to start a solo, how to lay down a strong foundation, adapt to the rhythm, let go of the fear of soloing, and bring your solo to a satisfying close.
Limited to 12 participants — All genders — Age 16+
Level: Some experience is helpful but not necessary.
Instructor: Dan Engebretson (see bio here)
Date: Friday, February 13, 2026
Time: 6-9 pm
Cost: $40
Jo Klein
ANNOUNCING DRUM BASICS CAMP!
Announcing Drum Basics Camp, an exciting new 4-part drum series at the WDC! Are you eager to learn how to drum, but don't know where to start? Then this is for YOU!
Class members will explore both hand and stick drumming. Easy, energizing exercises will be utilized to build skills. This is your opportunity to explore an enriching musical experience. The focus will be on having fun!
Drums are provided.
Level: Beginners
Instructor: Jo Klein (see bio here)
Dates: Wednesdays: March 18, March 25, April 1, April 8
Time: 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Cost: $60
Class size is limited; preregistration is required.
Sandi Likely
Taiko Fun!
Join Sandi Likely on Friday, February 20th for an exciting evening of Taiko, a form of Japanese drumming. The drums are made using wine barrels and cowhide/skin. Students will have the opportunity to learn basic hits and stances.
Level: Beginners
Date: February 20
Time: 6:30 – 8:00
Location : WDC Studio
Time: 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Cost: $60
Class size is limited; preregistration is required.
Niki Murray
Drum Kit for Absolute Beginners Workshop
With experience playing drums across a range of genres, Niki brings a playful, down-to-earth approach to rhythm that celebrates creativity and confidence over perfection.
A lifelong fan of drumming and community music-making, Niki loves helping others discover their inner drummer. Her workshops at the Women’s Drum Center create a welcoming, judgment-free space where beginners—especially women—can explore the drum set, find their groove, and experience the vitality and connection that drumming brings.
Limited to 10 participants — women and marginalized genders only — Age 14+
Level: Beginner
Instructor: Niki Murray (see bio here)
Date: Friday, March 28, 2026
Time: 10:00–11:30 am
Cost: $35
Allie Birdseye-Hannula
Corrective Movement for Drummers
Kick it with this Corrective Movement for Drummers workshop
Join us for this 1-hour session focusing on stretch and strength activities to enhance your stick and hand drumming abilities. We’ll work on the muscle groups you rely on to support drumming precision with activities designed to:
· Reinforce and support ergonomics in drumming
· Train or retrain muscles through corrective movements
· Strengthen supporting muscle groups for greater endurance
· Stretch supporting muscle groups
Bring a yoga mat or blanket to move on and a water bottle. Wear comfortable clothes and non-street gym shoes or grippy socks.
Arrive 10-15 minutes in advance to get set up and situated.
Level: All
Instructor: Allie Birdseye-Hannula (see bio here)
Date: Saturday, March 7 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Time: 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Location : WDC Studio
Cost: $15
Class size is limited; preregistration is required.
Allie Birdseye-Hannula
Marching Bucket Drums: Make & Take
Join us for this workshop where we’ll transform and personalize a bucket drum into a marching bucket drum. We’ll also spend some time playing the bucket drums so you can walk away with energizing grooves to play on your brand new (bucket) drum!
The bucket is a great percussion alternative for when you don’t want to bring out a fancier drum, don’t have a personal drum, or need something that can be left behind in an emergency. And sometimes you have to be mobile with your bucket drum - to second line, march, groove, dance, or catch up with friends. This workshop will help you transform a regular bucket into a bucket drum you can take with you on the go.
Cost includes price of supplies – you’ll walk away afterwards with your very own marching bucket drum.
Optional: Bring your own stickers, markers or other items to decorate your bucket.
Level: All
Instructor: Allie Birdseye-Hannula (see bio here)
Date: Saturday, March 7, 2026
Time: 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Location : WDC Studio
Cost: $45
All gender - Age 16+ (ages 12-15 if accompanied by a parent)
Class size is limited; preregistration is required.
Alex Ray
Frame Drum Awakening
The Frame Drum Awakening Workshop is a ceremonial gathering where participants are invited to bring a frame drum—or any drum they wish—to be awakened through ritual and intention. Through guided ceremony, herbs and stones are offered to infuse the drum with personal meaning, purpose, and spirit. Singing and shared drumming will open the space, honoring the drum as a living instrument and companion.
This is a moment to listen, set intentions, and begin (or deepen) the relationship with your drum.
All materials will be provided for the awakening ceremony, but you are more than welcome to bring a special amulet or ceremonial object for use during the event as well.
Note: Event is free to all participants in the February 21, 2026 Frame Drum Making workshop hosted at the Root Rhythm studio. The Women’s Drum Center welcomes a suggested donation of $15 for all other attendees.
Level:All
Gender:All welcome
Instructor: Alexandra Ray, of Root Rhythm (see bio here)
Date: Friday, February 27
Time: 7:30-8:30 pm
Cost: FREE or $15 donation at the door
More Coming Soon!
Throughout the year, we offer a variety of workshops and class series that range from trying something new to developing your technique.