Adult Classes


Classes and Workshops

All classes and workshops present a creative challenge and encourage participants to achieve success through collaboration, while experiencing a sense of harmony, connection and wellness.






West African Djembe and Dunun Drumming Classes and Workshops

The popularity of the West African djembe has allowed me to have success as a teacher not only at LTCC, but with independent classes I offer in the Reno/Carson/Truckee areas. It is incredible how many people want to learn and play the djembe! I am happy to provide the basic skills and knowledge to all who are willing to learn. However, it must be understood that eventually, in order to grasp the full experience and flavor of the djembe or dunun drums, one must study from a Master drummer from Africa. I do my best to continue to study with Master drummers Mamady Keita and Famoudou Konate.

In Africa, the djembe is called the “unity drum” because of its ability to draw people together in communal happiness. I encourage others to learn these rhythms and hold respect for the culture that is so rich in tradition surrounding the djembe drum. When the individual voices of these rhythms are woven together, the harmony and polyrhythms created are moving and inspirational.

Using a combination of African oral translation and western music application, Liz’s teaching style is fun, practical and accessible to all participants.

A typical class or workshop generally includes:

  • Explanation and practice for developing strong drumming skills and techniques
  • Learning a West African rhythm with a few different parts intertwined
  • Working together and creating rhythmic synergy by playing the African rhythms learned
  • A brief verbal presentation of the history of the drum, its original purpose, and how that relates to present day situations