Djembe Basics

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 October 1, 2024 (Eight classes).

About the teacher:

Clifford Koufman is a Nashville-based, award-winning drummer who founded Sound & Rhythm Studio in 2000. With over 20 years of experience, Clifford carries a world of experience to every scenario, whether creating music, film, or teaching.

Clifford has interviewed jazz music icons such as Pat Metheny and Gary Burton as well as Mike Calabrese of the band Lake Street Dive. Clifford Produced a recording session in New Orleans with music luminaries Bill Summers, Johnny Vidacovich and Tony Dagradi.

He has recorded with Jeff Coffin, Ra Kalam Bob Moses, Jeff Sipe, and Danny Gottlieb as well as performing for years with other musical luminaries. He's honored to be the recipient of multiple grants, the Thrive award to build community through community drumming classes, performances, and drum circles, and the Regional Arts & Culture Council professional development grant to study music in Guinea, West Africa. He's toured internationally, throughout the US, and in Alaska.

Clifford has spent time living and learning from master musicians in Ghana and then Guinea, West Africa, and has performed, taught, and worked with thousands of people as well as working with numerous bands, songwriters, and composers throughout the United States. In an effort to share his musical experience and inspiration, He began "Clif Chats" where he has conducted over one hundred interviews of creative people at the top of their fields. Clif Chats can be watched on the Sound and Rhythm YouTube HERE . Keep a look out for the film he is directing about the drummer/composer Ra Kalam Bob Moses.

Clifford embraces the spirit of collaboration in Nashville, performing, recording, and writing. He is continually experimenting with a hybrid drum set, incorporating percussion and drum set elements with various hand drums. He also facilitates leadership development events using the drum circle as the vehicle.

Host or Publisher Metro Parks Music Division