Drumming

Class Description

Beginner African Drum Class and Drum Circle

Looking to drum up some good energy and shake off the stress of the day? Join Tanya Porter and a vibrant, welcoming community for a playful and powerful African Hand Drum class and drum circle experience!

This 9-week course blends traditional West African rhythms and techniques with mindfulness-based drumming practices, offering a joyful space to reconnect with rhythm, body, and breath.

Whether you’ve never touched a drum before or you’ve dabbled in rhythm, this class is designed to meet you where you are. You’ll:

Learn proper hand technique and foundational djembe rhythms
Build coordination, confidence, and rhythmic vocabulary
Strengthen focus and mind-body awareness through rhythm
Explore Rhythmic Re-framing—Tanya’s signature modality combining drumming, language, and mindfulness
Experience the joy and healing connection of drumming in community

Laughter and smiles guaranteed!

This class is open to all levels, including absolute beginners. Drums are provided for all participants, but if you have your own djembe, feel free to bring it along!

Come drum, connect, and lift your spirit—one beat at a time.

Intermediate/Advanced African Drum Class

Ready to take your drumming to the next level? Join Tanya Porter for a dynamic and energizing Intermediate/Advanced African Drum Class—a deeper dive into the world of traditional rhythm, conscious connection, and creative expression.

In this 9-week session, we’ll build rhythmic repertoire and refine technique through the study of traditional West African rhythms, ensemble playing, and Rhythmic Re-framing—a unique modality that blends rhythm, drumming, language, and mindfulness to foster deeper connection with Self, community, and the planet.

This course is ideal for returning students and experienced drummers who want to:

Expand their vocabulary of traditional West African rhythms
Deepen group playing and listening skills in ensemble settings
Explore complex rhythmic layering and polyrhythms
Engage in Rhythmic Re-framing exercises to strengthen mind-body connection and emotional presence
Experience the unifying power of rhythm as a grounding, healing, and joyful force

Bring your djembe if you have one—or let us know if you need one provided. This class is designed to challenge and inspire, while always holding space for fun, community, and creative growth.

Let’s build rhythm together—and keep the beat alive.

Tanya - Drum Teacher

Tanya Porter is the creator of the mindfulness drumming modality Rhythmic Re-framing, bridging her 30 years of drumming experience together with her yoga and meditation practices. She is also the founder and Living Arts Director of The Inner Space; teaching meditation and classical yoga to both adults and youth for over 20 years.

Her drum story began in 1986, at the Ontario College of Percussion, and later with internationally renowned Afro-Cuban and West African drum masters such as Ignacio Depineda, Carlos Godinez, Djibe Sane, Famoudou Konate, Billy Konate and many others. She has recorded with numerous artists including: Corky and the Juice Pigs, Lili Zohar, Magdeline, Rick Monaco, and Michael Holt and in soundtracks for CBC, YTV and for independent films. She has composed and recorded soundscapes for many live theatre and dance productions.

Tanya has performed with Juno nominated Mr. Something Something, Kenny Kirkwood, The Spirit Drummers, Agoya and the Samba Squad, was a member of traditional Malinké drum ensemble Bolokelen from 2000-2005, a member of the original West African band Ainiké from 2007 – release of the recording Ainike in 2010, was a member of the original composing/recording quartet Drum Cultures and is a founding member of The River Pilots, composing, recording and performing original music since 2007.

Tanya teaches Rhythmic Re-framing drumming and mindfulness workshops in private, corporate and educational settings. Most recently she has developed and released the online music course for the amazing and unique 432hz Spirit Drums.

Drumbio

TESTIMONIALS

“Tanya’s drum classes take me to another world! It’s a place where I feel connected with myself, fellow drummers and the world. For one hour a week, time stops but the beat goes on."

SARAH

"I absolutely love the experience of hearing and feeling the rhythm of the djembe drum and the connection of community it brings.

Thank you (Tanya) for allowing such joy and freedom in your classes and providing such a safe and welcoming environment."

JANET L.

"Each time the drumming circle gathers we share some laughter and some wonderful sound vibrations. Tanya is a gifted teacher, encouraging each drummer to reach for the next stage in their development - whatever that stage might look like; for some it's the courage to drum alone, for others it might be to master a complex rhythm. As a newer drummer I have always felt supported and encouraged and look forward to the hour we spend together each week."

KATE

"I've been attending African hand drumming classes and must say that Tanya is an amazing teacher. Lessons are very peaceful and engaging. Tanya will encourage you to balance your immersion in the rhythm with the responsibility to play your part, in order to respect the music you're playing, other drummers in the circle, and the harmony you're creating together. It's been a great experience, thank you Tanya 🙏"

IGOR B.