Djembe Basics Drumming Series

Discover the joy of playing the djembe in a group setting while learning the basic sounds and techniques.

No Experience is needed. Drums are provided.

It is estimated that the djembe drum is 400-800 years old. While its origins are West African, it has become popular around the globe.

You will find djembe class to be a friendly, supportive environment with people from a variety of backgrounds and ages. No Experience is needed. Drums are provided.

Classes are Tuesdays from 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm. starting February 11, 2025 (Eight classes).

About the teacher:

Clifford Koufman is a Nashville-based musician, educator, and filmmaker who blends his musical expertise with visual storytelling. He founded Sound & Rhythm Studio in 2000, dedicating over two decades to music creation and education. During the pandemic, he pivoted to filmmaking, launching his journey after expressing a long-held desire to create a film about renowned drummer Ra Kalam Bob Moses.

Currently, Clifford is working on Living Music, a documentary featuring interviews with jazz icons such as Gary Burton, Pat Metheny, Billy Martin, and John Medeski, filmed across New Orleans, NYC, Memphis, Hawaii and beyond. His storytelling also extends to producing short films, including projects with Grammy-winning artists in the American Patchwork Quartet.

With extensive performance and recording experience alongside celebrated musicians like Jeff Coffin and Danny Gottlieb, Clifford has toured internationally and received various grants for community engagement. His journey includes learning from master musicians in West Africa, enriching his artistic vision.

Clifford created “Clif Chats,” a series of over one hundred interviews with leading figures across various fields, available on the Sound and Rhythm YouTube channel. He thrives on collaboration and continually experiments with innovative ways to merge rhythm and narrative in his work.

Host or Publisher Metro Parks Music Division