World Music Drumming

What is World Music Drumming?

World Music Drumming is a fun and engaging program where participants learn drumming techniques, sing lots of great songs with accompaniments and movement, and connect to the African and Latin American cultural traditions from which the music performed.  

The World Music Drumming Curriculum is a step-by-step approach to the teaching process of new techniques and songs in the classroom. Designed and field-tested with middle school general music classrooms, World Music Drumming is now in over 20,000 schools worldwide and extends into lower elementary and High School.

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A Shared Vision

In 1996, Will Schmid sought to bring the excitement of world music and drumming to middle school (and grades 3-5, 9-12) curriculums. The aim was to teach African and Latin-American Culture while simultaneously developing important skills in communication and listening, cooperative teamwork and respect for others.

Through funding and support primarily from Remo, Will began an 18-month Pilot Project that set out to develop a 30-lesson curriculum for middle school general music classes that engages students through an active, hands-on approach.  

The results produced a flexible curriculum of 32 lessons divided into 7 units, each of which culminates in an ensemble.  

Remo Inc., Remo Belli, CEO and Founder, has been a major supporter since the beginning. Our Tubanos and World Music Drumming Sets have provided a platform for teaching the music curriculum.

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Week-long Workshops  

Presented by experienced master educators, World Music Drumming Workshops are offered in the Summer for music educators, counselors, community recreation leaders, players and church musicians who wish to return to their schools and communities, having experienced highly effective and meaningful instruction, and ready to incorporate the World Music Drumming Curriculum framework within their program. World Music Drumming Workshops are offered at Three Levels.

Level 1

Learn to implement the World Music Drumming Curriculum into a classroom and/or community setting.

Level 2

For those who have taken Level 1 and wish to deepen their application of the World Music Drumming Curriculum as well as improve musical skills and teaching effectiveness. Participants are introduced to Ghanaian flute playing, and Ghanian and/or Afro-Cuban drumming, songs, and dance.

Level 3

For those who have taken Levels 1 and 2 and desire to hone in on their skills as an ensemble player. Dive further  into Ghanaian and Afro-Cuban drumming, singing, and dancing, gyil xylophone, flute playing, gourds.

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Who is this for?

• Band, Orchestra or choir teachers who:
  
  •  Are looking for a way to turn general music into something interesting for both themselves and their students.  
  • Believe that an “active approach” is a better way to get to the heart of music making  
• 6^th, 7^th, or 8^th grade general music classes whose students aren’t engaged by the usual passive curriculum typically characterized by worksheets.  
• 1^st through 5^th grade general music teachers who would like to involve their students in a more multi-cultural curriculum by doing African and Caribbean drumming and singing
• 9^th-12^th grade music teachers who are looking for a new elective for general students
• Teachers of adults who are looking for a popular new course option.

Curriculum Learning Objectives

Communication & Collaboration

• Develop listening skills, respect for others' contributions and personal space, understanding of turn-taking (silence and participation), and the ability to lead and follow within a group setting.
• Demonstrate the value and techniques of cooperative teamwork.

Percussion Performance Skills

• Learn and demonstrate proper techniques for playing a variety of drums and percussion instruments.
• Perform songs accompanied by percussion and instruments from diverse cultural traditions.
• Move expressively to music while singing or playing instruments.

Creativity & Musical Expression

• Improvise complementary drumming patterns within an ensemble.
• Collaboratively create original drum ensemble pieces inspired by different drumming traditions.

Active Listening & Musical Analysis

• Listen critically to percussion-based music and demonstrate understanding by echoing rhythms, identifying instruments, recognizing musical styles, and connecting music to its cultural origins.

Cultural Awareness & Appreciation

• Explore and value the musical traditions of Africa, the Caribbean, and other cultures.
• Compare traditional and contemporary drumming practices and develop respect for the people and cultures represented.

Music & Cultural Connections

• Understand how music reflects broader cultural themes and patterns found in art, dance, literature, social customs, and everyday life across different societies.