African Drumming
Workshop
October 11th - 10.00am-12.00pm
Wooden Roots Thompson Dr, Woodbridge IP12 2TW
Hands-on Drumming: private group training session
Step into the uplifting world of Wooden Roots with us and experience the vibrant energy of traditional West African drumming. No previous experience needed—just bring your heartbeat!
Wooden Roots is located in Rendlesham, just outside Woodbridge in Suffolk and it is large drum business, with a shop, classrooms and workshop. Marcus and Gemma, who are the founders of Wooden Roots run drumming classes for children and adults everywhere, at local schools, care homes, prisons and offices.
We all have rhythm within us, even if we haven’t met it yet. They teach all levels and this workshop will be a special introduction to drumming to uplift our spirits and enjoy a group session. This easy-to-follow, joy-filled session will help you connect with your natural rhythmic flow, enjoy the magic of teamwork, and create music together.
Cultural Roots of African Drumming
In many African traditions, drums are considered sacred. They connect communities, honor ancestors, and support ceremonies like births, initiations, and healing rituals. The repetitive, polyrhythmic patterns of African drumming can entrain the brain (helping it shift into meditative or trance states). This supports relaxation, stress release, and emotional healing. Drumming engages the whole body—hands, breath, posture. It grounds you in the present moment and channels energy outward.
How drumming connects with the enegy of the heart
In many spiritual traditions, the heart is seen as the centre of love, compassion, and deep intuition. Heart energy work involves opening, balancing, and radiating energy from the heart. Expanding heart energy can release grief, foster compassion, and strengthen connections with others.
Resonance: The drumbeat can sync with the heartbeat. Many drumming practices start with rhythms that mirror the pulse of the heart, creating a deep sense of unity.
Emotional Release: Drumming helps move stuck emotions, while heart energy work helps integrate them with compassion.
Community & Connection: Both practices dissolve the sense of separation. In a drumming circle, you feel the collective heartbeat; in heart energy practice, you extend loving energy beyond yourself.
Spiritual Alignment: Together, they combine grounding (earth/rhythm) with expansion (heart/energy). It’s a powerful way to harmonize body, mind, and spirit.
What to Expect in the Workshop
Workshop Length: 2 hours
Hands-On Drumming: Up to 45 minutes
This workshop is designed to be fun, energizing, and uplifting—no musical experience required! Each participant will be provided with a drum to play and a hot beverage refreshment to enjoy.
Our experienced facilitators will guide you through simple and enjoyable drumming techniques. The group is divided into sections, each playing different rhythms that blend together into a powerful, shared sound.
Not only is group drumming exciting, but it also offers proven wellness benefits: it can reduce stress (by lowering cortisol) and boost endorphins, leaving you feeling refreshed, connected, and inspired.
Join Us at the Wooden Roots West African Drums and Percussion
Building 136, Bentwaters Parks, Thompson Dr, Woodbridge IP12 2TW Suffolk
Musical instrument shop, located in Rendlesham, just outside Woodbridge in Suffolk. It is run from a 3000 square foot unit. Bentwaters is a disused American Air Force Base and the beauty of it is that it is very handy as a drum shop because the everyone can make as much noise as they want.
