Expressive Drumming is a weekly gathering where we learn, practice, and celebrate the beauty of expressing ourselves together through one song.

How is Expressive Drumming different from African drumming? How is it different from a drum circle? The instrument we play is an African drum, however, the style is not African drumming. Our style is Expressive Drumming & Chanting (EDAC). Some elements of African music are introduced and we have played a few traditional African songs, however, our focus is broader. This page explains how this style is different than an African drumming class and different from a drum circle.

Each EDAC class invites people to sing along to a Kirtan song. Kirtan is call-and-response Sanskrit chanting, originating from India. The primary instrument for this song is voice. The instruments that usually accompany the chanting include tabla (a double-headed drum from India), harmonium (keyboard-like instrument from India), and sometimes guitar.

After the kirtan song, I teach one or two songs. Often introducing new songs, I've taught over 75 songs. We sometimes use vocables and vocal toning; for example, in the songs: Boya, Wishi Ta, and Heya Heya. Our song list includes 22 different languages: Yoruba, Susu, Swahili, Duala, Setswana, Bambara, Sanskrit, Iroquois, Hebrew, Arabic, Canaanite, Aramaic, Gurbuki, Cantonese, Greek, Hawaiian, Italian, Spanish, French, German, Japanese, English.

Singing and drumming at the same time is a goal that is often attainable because our tempos are relatively slow.

You are encouraged to add your own improvisational variations to the suggested rhythms. You are encouraged to make up your own rhythms to go along with the songs.

I often play the guitar, while the group drums and sings along.

The primary instrument I teach is djembe, (pronounced jembay) using the "Gun godo pata" method of notation.

Practice sheets are available for you to use during class and to take home.

"In-the-moment" music happens during the last 30 minutes of each Saturday class, as we participate in a candlelit music meditation. We invite you to play from your heart. Together we create one spontaneous song. A variety of instruments are included in this improvisation. You may hear a Native American flute, vocal toning, and the chime of Tibetan singing bowls. If you'd like, you may choose to lie down or sit still during the meditation, while others create music. Relaxation is the goal. Everyone contributes in their own unique way.

People bring a variety of instruments. You may borrow one - or bring your own. We have included: Tibetan singing bowls, didgeridoo, Native American flute, pan flute, tabla, guitar, djembe, djun djun, doumbek, harmonium, frame drum, gankogui/agogo bell, balafon, kalimba, udu, crystal singing bowl, log drum, mini steel drum, Tingsha, shekere, sistrum, Hapi drum, shakers, finger cymbals, shruti box, and keyboard.

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Expressive Drumming & Chanting

Most Saturdays 7pm - 9pm $10

Located near Binghamton University

Open to all ages.

If this time does not work for you, scheduling lessons may be an option for you.

Let me know when you would be available to come to a class (maybe another class will be added in the future).

Preregistration is required (payment in advance is not needed).

If it turns out you won't be able to make it, just let me know. Please try to preregister by 7pm Thursday (late requests are also welcome). Send an email to rose@expressivedrumming.com with "preregistration" in the subject line. Please include the best phone number to reach you (in case of cancellation). If you join the email list, you will receive an invite each week, so you can simply reply "Yes" if you would like to come.