Rhythm For Unity (Hand Drum Lessons)
1 employee
21 years in business
About this pro
Tom has been facilitating drum circles for 20 years and has taught beginner hand drumming for nearly that long. Class objective is to give students a basic overview of hand drumming technique and teach several support rhythms so that student is able to play confidently with others. Class is "beginner friendly" so if you've ever wanted to experience the drum, join us! . • Learn basic hand drum technique (bass, tone slap) • Use simple spoken phrases to learn to play drum rhythms • Learn to read simple drum notation so you can remember parts learned • Learn to “hold the beat” while others play different parts • Learn about different sounds from different drums. www.rhythmforunity.com
I love helping others get started and grow on their "Rhythm Path" by making it comfortable, accessible and fun to learn to play a hand drum. I've seen the "light go on" in many student's eyes over the years and the vast majority are still actively drumming.
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Credentials
Milwaukee, WI 53213
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It was fun and challenging. Provided materials for practice at home including a CD to play along with. Provided rental of a hand drum for the duration of the class. Tom has lots of energy and enthusiasm. I would highly recommended taking a class with Tom.
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What we (my partner Michael and I) like the most about Tom's hand drum lessons is that he has the perfect balance between structure and creativity. He is also very patient, caring, kind, and exudes happiness and good energy. And, of course, he knows his craft!
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Tom is able to bring the joy of drumming to anyone! He makes it so accessible and fun.
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Tom gill has such great energy. a real down to earth people person. he knows how to make drumming a fun experience whether youre a seasoned drummer or its your first time in a circle.
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FAQs
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Get to know the student's goals and desires and customize the lessons to fit their needs. Introduce student to hand drum in a way that focuses on success and enjoyment. The PROCESS is part of the reward!
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
20+ years of facilitating drum circles with Rhythm For Unity. 16 years of teaching beginning hand drum to others.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Basic lesson is $30 for 45 minutes. Suggested that the student commits to studying for 6-8 weeks to maximize the experience.
How did you get started teaching?
Was drawn to hand drums, took lessons from various teachers to help me feel comfortable exploring rhythm and drumming. Did years of self instruction as well and from early on, began sharing what I knew as I found others were curious as well.
What types of students have you worked with?
In drum circles, all ages (1-104!) and all abilities, and inclusive of people with special needs &/or physical and cognitive challenges...the drum is a natural healing instrument! Have done private and group lessons for children and adults (separately and also parent/child), also experiential "rhythm adventures" for severely challenged students where the focus is on engagement, less on building skills.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Facilitating a drum circle for a mixed-age group of people with cognitive challenges. Evening was a celebration of the group's potential to create in-the-moment music using drums and other percussion instruments.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
See if you can persuade others to join you in studying the instrument of choice. It's fun and more effective to have someone else to practice and play with.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What is it that attracts you to the drum? The beats, the healing potential, the interaction with others, etc?