Rhythms of Africa With African Drumming Workshops for Schools
Our African drumming sessions are suitable for primary schools, secondary schools, enrichment days, Arts Week, Black History Month, cultural events, and whole-school celebrations.
Our workshops give pupils and participants of all ages – from EYFS, KS1, KS2, KS3, KS4, to KS5 – a hands-on drumming experience, exploring traditional African beats, percussion instruments, storytelling, and rhythm-based activities.
Bringing African Djembe Drumming Sessions to Schools
EYFS–KS5 & Community Hubs
VG Dance Workshops delivers African drumming workshops for schools and community hubs across the UK, offering interactive, curriculum-linked sessions for EYFS, KS1, KS2, KS3, KS4, and KS5 pupils as well as family learning days, enrichment projects, and cultural events. Our workshops combine traditional African drumming, percussion, storytelling, and cultural activities, making them ideal for Arts Week, Black History Month, assemblies, and whole-school celebrations. Pupils and participants develop confidence, creativity, teamwork, rhythm, listening skills, and cultural awareness while exploring the rich musical traditions and heritage of Africa. Perfect for primary and secondary schools, community hubs, and cultural festivals, our inclusive and engaging African drumming workshops inspire, educate, and bring the joy of rhythm to all ages and abilities.
Meet Your African Drumming Teacher
Led by expert facilitator Vivian Gayle who has roots in traditional African music, his sessions combine rhythm, history, and creativity—perfect for Arts Week, Black History Month, enrichment days, curriculum-linked learning, and whole-school cultural events.
African Drumming Workshops Across the UK
We run African drumming workshops in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool, Leeds, Bristol, Cardiff, Bath, Nottingham, Oxford, Cambridge, Chester, Brighton, Bournemouth, Reading, Milton Keynes, Leicester, Derby, Sheffield, Swansea, Portsmouth, and Southampton – plus many more towns and cities across the UK.
Wherever your school or community group is based, VG Dance Workshops will bring the powerful sound of African drumming to your doorstep.
African Drumming Workshops by Key Stage (EYFS – KS4)
Our African drumming workshops are specifically tailored for schools and educational settings. Each session is designed to meet the developmental and curriculum needs of:
EYFS - African Drumming Workshops
Focus: Sensory play, rhythm discovery, music and movement
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Fun drumming games and movement
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Interactive rhythm stories
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Introduction to beats and sounds
KS1 African Drumming Workshops
Focus: Exploring sounds, listening skills, musical patterns
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Call-and-response exercises
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Simple rhythm games using djembes
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Cultural introduction to African instruments
KS2 African Drumming Workshops
Focus: Ensemble drumming, rhythm development, cultural understanding
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Polyrhythmic group work
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Stories and songs from African drumming cultures
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Student-led rhythm creation and performance
KS3 African Drumming Workshops
Focus: Musical form, improvisation, historical links
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Perform traditional and modern African rhythms
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Understand rhythmic cycles, cross-rhythms
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African music’s global influence (e.g., Afrobeat, jazz, hip-hop roots)
KS4 African Drumming Workshops
Focus: Composition, music analysis, cultural identity
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Compose African-inspired original works
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Analyze structure and global influence of African drumming
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Explore music’s role in cultural expression and resistance
WORKING WITH THE BEST IN THE INDUSTRY
TESTIMONIALS
Book Your African Drumming Workshop Today
Ready to explore the rhythms of Africa with your students? Book a workshop with VG Dance Workshops today! Contact us to learn more about our workshops and how we can tailor a program to suit the needs and interests of your school. Let's drum together and celebrate the vibrant music and culture of Africa!
