Learn!
Begin or continue your exploration of hand drumming with Ghanaian Master Drummer, Yaw Amponsah. Learn multi-part rhythms, hand drumming technique, and cultural and historical context of drumming in Ghana with this dynamic percussionist, teacher and story teller.
Private lessons, group classes, and workshops are available to all people of all ages and experience levels. Drums are provided during the lesson, class or workshop.
Learning Opportunities
Private Lessons
Ideal for students of all ages and experience levels to learn at their own pace.
Why Private Lessons: This learning experience is tailored to each student and is designed to identify and focus on your specific strengths and areas for growth. You will have undivided attention given to your growth as a drummer.
Group Classes
Ideal for students of all ages and experience levels to learn with a group of 2-4 students.
Why Group Classes: Group classes are a great way to play music with people and build community. Classes are designed to meet the needs of all of the students. Interested in drumming, but not sure if it is for you? Grab a friend and try a class!
Workshops
Ideal for students of all ages. Can be organized by age range, experience level, or in the context of an event.
Why Workshops: Workshops are designed specifically as a one-time experience. Students are first taught basic technique and to play together. They are then introduced to traditional rhythms, stories, cloth and other aspects of Ghanaian culture.
Meet Your Instructor
A Master Drummer from Ghana, Yaw Amponsah is a versatile percussionist who is passionate about performing, teaching, and preserving traditional music and culture of Ghana.
Private lessons, group classes, school and community workshops are available.
Inquire about learning opportunities
FAQs
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Fill out the information on the form above and we will get back to you within a couple of days!
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Private lessons with Yaw are $100/hour.
Additional fee for travel time may be required.
Group classes with Yaw are $40/hour per student.
Minimum 2 students, maximum 4 students.
Workshops with Yaw are negotiated.
Minimum 5 students, maximum 10 students.
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Private lessons generally take place in the student’s home or at a community space. Classes and workshops generally take place at a local community space or at a studio in Seattle, WA. Alternate locations can be considered.
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Private lessons and group classes generally take place once a week.
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Yes. I work with students on all aspects of hand drumming and musicianship. Quality of sound and how to get that good sound is a focus, as is timing, drum language, listening and responding, and understanding your own power with the drum.
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I do not hold recitals, but dedicated students may be invited to play at community events.
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Should you need to cancel your lesson or class with me, please let me know as soon as possible. Please give me at least 24-hour advance notice. Cancellations without 24-hour notice will incur the normal lesson or class fee. Thank you for your understanding.
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You do not need to have your own drum to begin lessons and classes. However, if you plan to continue studying the art of drumming, you will need your own drum. I can give you guidance on what to look for and will let you know if any appropriate drum is for sale in the community.
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Yes, though my approach and one of my top priorities is to ensure that my students understand all parts in a rhythm including the bell, shekere, support drum parts and main drum parts. You will learn these foundational skills prior to taking on lead roles. A building without a foundation will inevitably collapse. My goal is to help you develop into a strong drummer capable of holding your own in any drumming experience you may find yourself in.
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Traditional drums and percussion instruments from Ghana are used in lessons and classes. These include kpanlogo, kete, Fontomfrom, Atumpan, shekere and bells.