For the past five months, I’ve been offering free daily classes in djembe, dunun, shekere, and other percussion instruments. I’ve been broadcasting on Facebook and Instagram live from Thailand, either outdoors at the Chiang Mai University campus or from a sound booth in my condo.

These sessions are entirely free, and I’m not looking for any donations. My main goal is to learn and share. Though I’m a teacher, I consider myself a lifelong student as well. I love sharing my discoveries with others, and I’ve witnessed incredible transformations in those I’ve worked with, both online and in person. I’m not saying this out of arrogance; I genuinely believe that with the right guidance, nearly anyone can learn. This is based on my own experiences.

I teach because I’ve discovered methods that can assist even those who struggle with learning, as I’ve experienced similar challenges myself and occasionally still do. Not everyone learns at the same pace! My teaching comes from the heart because I believe there are aspects of hand drumming that connect diverse cultures—from West Africa, The Congo to Cuba, Brazil, Haiti, and beyond. Anywhere the drum has traveled to or come from.

In my classes, I cover the foundational principles and rudiments of drumming that are beneficial regardless of your style. I also express my thoughts through articles on this website, which I encourage you to check out (I might be a bit biased, ha!). Being a teacher doesn’t mean you have to be the best djembe player; it’s about knowing how to teach rhythms patiently and effectively, and helping others understand how to strike the drum and learn effectively.

We all need to learn how to learn. Studying isn’t just about having a drum and memorizing a rhythm. It’s also about learning to play together with others. The art of sharing is something many of us still need to grasp, along with the importance of humility and surrendering to the learning process. There’s a lot more to it than what it seems at first glance. I’m here to support you every step of the way!