African Drumming Classes and Lessons
For summer 2009, private lessons in
Victoria, BC, please
contact me with your interest...
Beginning in October 2009, I will be available to teach in Maui, Hawaii. Again, please contact me with your possible interest.
Learn to play djembe (dununs optional) and understand basic hand drum
rhythms from West Africa where these drums originated. You will find
these skills and rhythms useful in general drum circles, or if you play
other kinds of music, as well as for your own practice and enjoyment.
Contact: email
or phone 1-250-516-6144
All skill levels are welcome in the drumming classes and lessons.
Instruction will cover:
- hand technique
- basic djembe parts
- dundun technique
- basic dundun parts
- simple rhythm notation to help remember parts
- listening, timing and playing in a group
...and as you are ready...
- traditional djembe solo variations
- traditional dundun variations
- rolls and other improvisation techniques
With my classes you have access to a Western perspective of African
music which I can offer through my two decades of study and practice
in a variety of musical and dance contexts.
I will provide written notation at no charge. In addition students can purchase my Roots Jam rhythm books at a substantial discount.
Private lessons are available at $20 per hour. I can supply a
drum if you need one.
About the instructor:
Nowick
Gray has been drumming since 1990, studying along the way with such
masters as Babatunde Olatunji, Alpha Yaya Diallo, Mamady Keita, Famoudou
Konate, and Moussa Traore. Nowick has organized drum events ranging
from all-night jams and trance dances to a world drum fusion clinic.
He has collected hundreds of African, Afro-Latin, and Middle Eastern
rhythms in book form, setting new standards for notating and compiling
such material. Previously playing and touring with the Nelson-based
Moving Mosaic, Nowick now lives in Victoria, BC, where he drums and arranges
rhythms for African dance classes, teaches drumming, and performs with
the percussion groups Masala and Kikeyambay.
Nowick Gray online discography


Roots Jam 3:
Arrangements for West African Drum & Dance
This all-new collection of rhythms helps you take the next step in playing West African drums for dancers, in a group, or just for fun. Learn basic accompaniment parts, selected bass drum (dunun) and bell patterns and variations, and traditional djembe solos. Roots Jam 3 adds to the previous Roots Jam books in offering complete and cohesive ensemble arrangements for 16 popular dance rhythms. Included are lessons and exercises to help you understand basic downbeat, upbeat and offbeat timing; choose from available bell and clave patterns; and learn both traditional and improvised lead djembe solos. Practice listening to and playing parts with the optional audio CD. Also featured is notation for 27 original compositions by Nowick Gray, with audio tracks on a second CD. Roots Jam:
Collected Rhythms for Hand Drum and Percussion
This unique resource contains hundreds of rhythms from the African, Latin and rock traditions, along with inspired improvisations. Easy notation, useful for all levels, from beginners to performers. Includes lesson guide, arrangements, popular styles, practice exercises, and a list of other resources. Fully indexed, 80 pages.
Roots Jam 2:
West African and Afro-Latin Drum Rhythms
An updated (2002) and expanded collection of over 125 traditional West African, Afro-Latin, and Middle Eastern rhythms, arranged for ready reference for individual learning or ensemble play. Covers djembe and dunun/bell parts and variations, in box (grid) notation for clear display of timing. Includes unique exercises, generic patterns and in-depth study of polyrhythm. Optional full-length audio CD with 28 demo and practice tracks.
Nowick Gray has been a teacher and writer for over
three decades, and a drummer since 1990. He currently teaches and
performs with a number of drum and percussion groups in Victoria, B.C.

Click here for more info or to order.

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