Drumset & Hand Percussion Programs

Soul Drums: Over 10 years serving the drum and percussion community!!

These are very exciting times to be part of the activities at Soul Drums!

Since 1995 our goal has been to provide an exciting and modern program of education in drumset and hand percussion.

By participating in any one of our programs, retreats, recitals, private or group classes, you are actively supporting drums and drumming our community.

Many special guests have contributed to our cause and have engraved their names on our “Pole of Fame”.  Some of these artists include Terry Clarke, John Riley, Babatunde Olatunji, Giovanni Hidalgo, Thoman Lang, Jeremy Taggart and Santanas’ Percussionists, Raul Rekow and Karl Perazzo.

Not only do their names remain but their spirit and integrity continue to resonate with us.

Whether you are a teacher or a student, the cycle of rhythm feeds the soul and leads us all into the future together.

Download our "Soul Drums Percussive Arts Academy" Brochure Here (PDF format)

Drumset Lessons

We are committed to having the most comprehensive drumset education in the music community.

Our teachers are professional musicians capable of providing our students with the fundamental skills necessary to explore all musical styles: rock, jazz, R&B, funk, latin, metal, punk, worldbeat, etc.  Students of all ages and skill levels are welcome.

Hand Drumming & World percussion

Discover a whole new world of rhythms!

What draws drum enthusiasts to Soul Drums, in addition to our drumset lessons, is our keen interest and passion for world percussion. For those adventurous spirits who wish to explore the complex poly-rhythms of Africa (djembe), Latin America (congas, bongos, timbales, etc), the Middle East (doumbek), or India (tabla), we can help you discover a whole new world of rhythms!

Group Lessons

Call for more information and pricing.

If you have the desire to participate, but wish to do so in a group situation, we can accommodate your request. Group size ranges from as small at 2 to as large as 300 in our community/ corporate events. Call for more information and pricing.

Recitals

An invaluable experience of performing

Our recitals encourage the student to develop confidence as musicians. Performing for an audience is just a important as practicing and playing for one’s teacher. The recital offers the invaluable experience of performing with either our live studio band (made up of local professional musicians) or the student’s favourite CD. This also provides an opportunity for parents to see how well their children are progressing and for student to encourage and learn from the peers. These recitals are a fun experience for both students and audience!

Drum Circles

High on the fun scale

Since the first mainstay course “World Circle Drumming” drum circles and group activities rate very high on the fun scale. Soul Drums provides an open forum drum circle every Saturday from 10:30am to 12:00 noon in our ensemble room. These drum circles are facilitated by Joauin Hidalgo and special guests.

Rumba Workshops

The essence of Afro Cuban Rumba

These workshops will help better define the true essence of Afro Cuban Rumba. Congas, timbales, and bongos will be the instruments of focus. We concentrate on the basic patterns including Yambu, Guaguanco, Columbia, Son, Bolero and Guaracha. A general look in to the Yoruba culture and how its rhythms are performed on the bata will be featured.

Classrooms

Available for any number of students

These intimate workshops are available for classes up to 400 students.

They include a performance demonstration and an extensive “hand on” session, and all instruments are provided.

The program can be adapted for any age group focusing on combining the power of self-confidence with the joy of music making in a group setting.

Click here to download the *.pdf brochure

Retreat Weekends

A break from your regular routine

“The Cultural Explosion”, “The Healing Power of Rhythm”, “The Mentor Program” are just a few of the themes explored in our extremely popular Retreat Weekends. Hosted by Doug Sole, these weekend getaways provide all the experiences one would desire and a break from your regular routine.

Click here to download the *.pdf brochure

Outreach Programs

Internationally recognized

The Soul Drums Outreach programs have effectively grown to be internationally recognized. The range of satisfied clients include hospitals, universities, public and secondary schools, corporate business, therapists, and public “health and wellness” conferences.

Interactive Concert Performance

Elembentary & Secondary School Interactive Concert Performance: The History of Rhythm

These exciting multicultural experiences are offered to schools that wish to involve a large group of students. Theses programs are extremely flexible and can offer a multitude of messages through the presentation format. A large collection of instruments from around the world are played. Uses and origins are also discusses in a question and answer demonstration.

A hands-on session that becomes an improvised performance piece is always the highlight these events!

Training Programs

Creative Arts Learning Partnership

"HUMAN RHYTHMIC ENERGY" Transformational Leadership for Classrooms

DATES: Tuesday evenings Oct 7, 14, 21, 28 - 2008

TIMES: 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

LOCATION: St. Georges Anglican Church, 5350 Yonge St., West side, 1 block north of Soul Drums Ltd.

For Music/ and Arts Teachers; Hand Drum Enthusiasts, Community members, kidsa-risk professionals, Social workers, Group Counselors!. Learn to lead a class, start a short study group or even introduce a course in multicultural integration using the rhythmic potential of your students. No prior drumming knowledge or ability is required!

Click here to download the *.pdf document