OpenCourser brand icon
Sign in
We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Udemy logo

How to Play Djembe,Drum & Rhythm and teach Children. Level 1

4.9 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star
Based on 518 ratings
see reviews
Kouame Sereba

  • Ever wanted to have a playful relationship with drum, rhythm?

  • In this course you will learn how to teach and inspire children too with drum and rhythm. With each lecture you will learn easy drumming patterns, phrases and rhythmic games.

  • Soon you will want to improvise and interact, using these new skills.

  • Rhythm is not a mystery, it is not given to a chosen few. Rhythm is born into each and every one of us.

  • With this training course I'll show you how easy it really is.

  • Use them both for yourself and for your children. If you are a teacher, involve your students. Share it with your friends.

  • You do not even need a drum. You can play these rhythms wherever you want, a table, an empty bucket, or even your own chest.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • How to play with more joy, passion, and confidence and inspire the children around you.
  • This is zikalo method. the magic of playfulness! zikalo method is about developing a playful relationship with music! in ivory coast, west africa, where i grew up, in my native language "gban", the word zikalo means music where “everybody joins in” in this course you will learn easy drumming patterns, phrases and rhythmic games. not only that i will teach you the rhythms with drum, i will also teach you how you can move with the rhythms, sing them, step and clap them so that your whole body absorb them.
  • Soon, after you start this course you will want to improvise and interact, using these new skills. rhythm is not a mystery, it is not given to a chosen few. rhythm is born into each and every one of us. there is a magic and music in you waiting to come out. with this training course i’ll show you how easy it really is. use them both for yourself and with your children. if you are a teacher, involve your students. share it with your friends.

Syllabus

Introducing the three sounds: Bom, Pa, & Ta.

The vocal (Bom) is a bass sound played in the middle of the drum.

The vocal (Pa) is always light sound played with the right hand at the right edge of the drum.

The best way to learn rhythms is to listen, sing and imitate. Always sing the rhythms first, play them afterwards.

The most important thing is that you play with and vary the rhythms after being comfortable with what you hear here.


Read more

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Teaches rhythmic games and drumming patterns, which can be easily integrated into educational activities for children and foster a playful learning environment
Focuses on fundamental drumming techniques and rhythms, providing a solid foundation for individuals with little to no prior musical experience to start playing djembe
Emphasizes the use of body percussion and vocalizations alongside drumming, which helps learners internalize rhythms and makes learning accessible even without a drum
Introduces the three basic sounds (Bom, Pa, Ta) in a step-by-step manner, which allows learners to gradually build their skills and confidence
Includes bonus content featuring a performance with children, which offers practical inspiration and demonstrates how to engage young learners in drumming

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save

Reviews summary

Easy djembe for beginners and kids

According to learners, this course offers a highly accessible and easy-to-follow introduction to playing djembe and rhythm, particularly emphasizing how to engage and teach children. Students appreciate the instructor's engaging and passionate teaching style and find the method of vocalizing rhythms before playing to be very helpful for learning. The course is widely seen as great for absolute beginners, parents, and educators, and a notable plus is that you don't require a real drum to start. However, a few reviewers found the rhythms covered to be very basic and felt the production/video quality could be improved. Overall, it's considered a largely positive and effective course for its intended audience.
Instructor is passionate and makes learning fun.
"The way the instructor explains Bom, Pa, Ta and sings the rhythms first makes it so much more accessible."
"Loved this course! The instructor is so engaging and knowledgeable."
"The instructor is passionate."
"He makes learning rhythm feel natural and fun."
Course breaks down djembe basics into simple steps.
"This course is fantastic! It breaks down djembe basics into super easy steps."
"The way the instructor explains Bom, Pa, Ta and sings the rhythms first makes it so much more accessible."
"A great introduction to djembe drumming and rhythm."
"It's perfect for anyone wanting to connect with rhythm..."
Method and rhythms are effective for teaching kids.
"I've already started teaching my kids some simple patterns, and they love it."
"It's definitely geared towards beginners and teaching children, which was exactly what I needed."
"As a primary school teacher, I was looking for ways to incorporate music and rhythm into my classes..."
"The simple rhythms and games are perfect. Highly recommended for educators or parents!"
Some reviewers noted issues with video production quality.
"The video quality isn't always top-notch..."
"Honestly, I found the video quality quite poor, making it hard to see the instructor's technique clearly at times."
"the production quality could be better."
Rhythms are quite simple; may not suit those with experience.
"It's okay for absolute beginners, but the rhythms covered are very basic. I was hoping for a bit more complexity..."
"The rhythms felt repetitive after a while. It's very, very basic."
"Maybe good for someone who has literally zero rhythm experience..."
"Was expecting more varied rhythms or deeper instruction."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in How to Play Djembe,Drum & Rhythm and teach Children. Level 1 with these activities:
Practice Basic Djembe Strokes
Reinforce the fundamental Bom, Pa, and Ta strokes before starting the course to build a solid foundation.
Browse courses on BOM
Show steps
  • Review videos demonstrating proper hand placement and technique for each stroke.
  • Practice each stroke individually, focusing on clarity and consistency.
  • Combine the strokes into simple patterns.
Explore 'The Djembe Guide' by Ianto Thornber
Deepen your understanding of djembe techniques and rhythms with a comprehensive guide.
View The Djembe Guide Volume Two on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the sections on basic strokes and rhythms.
  • Try playing along with the exercises in the book.
  • Research the history and cultural significance of the djembe.
Practice Rhythms with a Partner
Improve your timing and coordination by practicing the course rhythms with a partner.
Show steps
  • Find a partner who is also taking the course or interested in learning djembe.
  • Choose a rhythm from the course to practice together.
  • Take turns leading and following the rhythm.
  • Provide each other with feedback on timing and technique.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Create a Rhythm Teaching Video
Solidify your understanding by creating a short video demonstrating how to teach a simple djembe rhythm to children.
Show steps
  • Choose a simple rhythm from the course or create your own.
  • Plan how you will explain and demonstrate the rhythm to children.
  • Record a video of yourself teaching the rhythm.
  • Share your video with other students for feedback.
Read 'West African Rhythms for Drumset' by Royal Hartigan
Explore the broader context of West African rhythms to deepen your understanding of djembe music.
View Melania on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the introduction to understand the cultural context of the rhythms.
  • Study the transcriptions of West African rhythms.
  • Adapt some of the rhythms for the djembe.
Compose a Simple Djembe Piece for Children
Apply your knowledge by composing a short djembe piece specifically designed for children to learn and enjoy.
Show steps
  • Choose a theme or story for your piece.
  • Incorporate the Bom, Pa, and Ta strokes in a creative way.
  • Add rhythmic variations and dynamics to make the piece engaging.
  • Test your piece with children and get their feedback.

Career center

Learners who complete How to Play Djembe,Drum & Rhythm and teach Children. Level 1 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Drum Circle Facilitator
A drum circle facilitator leads group drumming events to promote community building, stress reduction, and creative expression. This course directly supports drum circle facilitation by providing simple rhythms, patterns, and games, that are easily taught. The course emphasizes ways to play with the rhythms, enabling the facilitator to introduce a playful aspect of music in their drum circles and create a fun environment. The drumming patterns and ideas taught in the course will give the facilitator new ideas to incorporate in future sessions.
See salaries and explore the career path for Drum Circle Facilitator
Camp Counselor
A camp counselor supervises and leads activities for children at a summer camp, fostering a fun and safe environment. This course is quite helpful for camp counselors who want to incorporate music and rhythm into their camp activities. With simple rhythmic games, that can be performed without a drum, the counselor can lead musical activities to engage kids. Emphasis is placed on making playing music playful, as highlighted by the Zikalo method.
See salaries and explore the career path for Camp Counselor
Early Childhood Educator
An early childhood educator works with children in preschool or daycare settings, focusing on social, emotional, and cognitive development. Children naturally respond to music and rhythm. This course helps early childhood educators use rhythmic games and drumming patterns to engage children and foster their development. The course emphasizes making playing with music playful so that children feel like they can explore their rhythm and discover the music within, even when they are not using a drum.
See salaries and explore the career path for Early Childhood Educator
After-School Program Coordinator
An after school program coordinator plans and organizes activities for children in an after school setting. This course is useful for the coordinator for introducing rhythm and drumming into the program's activities. The course focuses on simple patterns and games that are appropriate for children. Emphasis on making playing with music playful, and how to share the rhythms with children allows the coordinator to build confidence in children.
See salaries and explore the career path for After-School Program Coordinator
Recreational Therapist
A recreational therapist uses recreational activities, including music, to improve the physical, emotional, and social well-being of individuals with disabilities or illnesses. This course helps a recreational therapist incorporate rhythm and drumming into therapeutic interventions. With a focus on simple patterns and games, the course will be helpful for clients with varying abilities. The course's teachings of how to share the rhythms with the children, inspiring movement, singing, stepping and dancing will be useful in this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Recreational Therapist
Music Teacher
A music teacher shares their passion for music with students of all ages, fostering creativity and musical understanding. This course may be quite helpful because it provides educators with rhythmic games that are perfect for beginners, particularly children, and simple drumming patterns. Introducing the Zikalo Method that prioritizes playfulness will give music teachers a unique pedagogical approach. This course teaches how to involve students by sharing the rhythms to move, sing, step, and clap with them.
See salaries and explore the career path for Music Teacher
Community Arts Worker
A community arts worker facilitates arts-based activities and workshops within a community setting to promote social inclusion and well-being. This course helps community arts workers use rhythm and drumming to engage community members. The course focuses on simple patterns and games, which makes it accessible to individuals with varying levels of musical experience. Through the Zikalo Method and the course's lessons, a worker can help develop the unique musicality of each individual.
See salaries and explore the career path for Community Arts Worker
Elementary School Teacher
An elementary school teacher creates an engaging and supportive learning environment for young children across a range of subjects. This course assists teachers in integrating rhythm and music into their lesson plans. The course focuses on easy drumming patterns appropriate for children. By emphasizing the playful Zikalo Method, elementary school teachers can help children get in touch with the inherent musicality within them, and this course teaches educators how to bring that out by playing rhythms on drums or just stepping and clapping without a drum.
See salaries and explore the career path for Elementary School Teacher
Music Therapist
A music therapist uses music-based interventions to address the emotional, cognitive, and physical needs of individuals. This course may be helpful because its focus on rhythm and drumming provides additional tools for a music therapist. The course's emphasis on simple patterns and rhythmic games could be beneficial for clients with diverse abilities, and the Zikalo method will give a unique point of view. This course teaches the user how to inspire movement, singing, stepping, and dancing in their patients.
See salaries and explore the career path for Music Therapist
Special Education Teacher
A special education teacher works with students who have a wide range of learning differences and disabilities. This course may be useful, as rhythm and music provide a unique avenue for engagement, especially with simple patterns and games. The course shows how to teach rhythm not only with a drum, but also moving, singing, stepping, and clapping it. With this course, the special education teacher can incorporate the Zikalo Method by developing their students' playful relationship with music.
See salaries and explore the career path for Special Education Teacher
Music Director
A music director oversees the music programs within an organization, such as a school or community center, providing artistic leadership and guidance. This course may be helpful for music directors to incorporate rhythm and drumming into their programs, especially with younger students. The course focuses on simple patterns and rhythms. The course can help build a sense of community through creating drum circles with the easy patterns.
See salaries and explore the career path for Music Director
Percussionist
A percussionist plays percussion instruments in a variety of musical settings, including orchestras, bands, and ensembles. This course may be useful in building a foundation in drumming and rhythm. The drum patterns and rhythmic games are valuable for percussionists looking to improve their skills. The course helps develop techniques to improvise and interact with other musicians. It also emphasizes the importance of rhythm as an innate ability, which can inspire percussionists to explore their own musicality.
See salaries and explore the career path for Percussionist
Music Store Owner
A music store owner manages a retail business that sells musical instruments, accessories, and sheet music, catering to musicians of all levels. A music store owner may wish to give lessons in addition to selling instruments. This course helps the owner develop drumming lessons to teach. The course focuses on simple rhythmic games that are perfect for beginners. The course may allow them to expand their services and draw more customers.
See salaries and explore the career path for Music Store Owner
Fitness Instructor
A fitness instructor leads group exercise classes, motivating participants to achieve their fitness goals through various workout routines. This course may be helpful for incorporating drumming and rhythmic exercises into fitness routines. The course focuses on simple patterns that can be easily adapted into a workout. This course can help fitness instructors emphasize the connection between rhythm and movement, making workouts feel more musical and engaging.
See salaries and explore the career path for Fitness Instructor
Art teacher
An art teacher instructs students in various visual arts disciplines, fostering creativity and artistic expression. This course may be useful for helping students learn music. Art and music can be combined by using artwork to express the rhythms. The course focuses on simple rhythms and patterns, that make it easy for beginners to learn. After this course, the art teacher will have the tools to teach their students about music.
See salaries and explore the career path for Art teacher

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in How to Play Djembe,Drum & Rhythm and teach Children. Level 1.
Cover image
The Djembe Guide Volume Two
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of djembe techniques, rhythms, and history. It serves as a valuable reference for understanding the cultural context of the instrument. It also provides additional rhythms and exercises to expand your playing ability. This book is best used as additional reading to supplement the course.
The Djembe Guide Volume Two
Paperback
Check
The Djembe Guide Volume Two
Kindle Edition
Check

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:
Facebook
LinkedIn
Reddit
X
Link
Email

Similar courses

Here are nine courses similar to How to Play Djembe,Drum & Rhythm and teach Children. Level 1.
Getting Started With Music Theory
Most relevant
Teaching Popular Music in the Classroom
Most relevant
The Place of Music in 21st Century Education
Most relevant
Guitar Scales and Chord Progressions
Most relevant
Jazz Improvisation
Most relevant
How to play Drums : The Ultimate Guide to Drumming
Most relevant
How to play Djembe, Drums & Rhythm. Level 2
Most relevant
Intermediate Cello Course, Part I - Best Etudes by S. Lee
Most relevant
How To Play The Djembe: For Beginners
Most relevant

Udemy Buyer Protection & Guarantee

Verified partner policies & purchase protections

Global Marketplace Leader
Free Trial & Audit

Free Lecture Previews

Free preview video lectures available for all courses; optional 7-day free trial on Personal Plan subscriptions (cancel before trial ends to avoid conversion).

Return & Refund Policy

30-Day Money-Back Guarantee

30-day money-back guarantee on all eligible individual course purchases (provided course content has not been substantially consumed or downloaded). Subscription fees are non-refundable once billed.

Buyer Protections

Verified Academic & Industry Partner

Lifetime access to purchased individual courses and future updates, verifiable certificate of completion, and direct student Q&A forums.

Key Purchase Protections
30-day 100% money-back guarantee on course purchases
Lifetime access on web, mobile, and offline
Certificate of completion included with purchase
Direct instructor Q&A and active student community
OpenCourser Verified Partner Policy details last reviewed: 2026-10-22
Course image
Rating
4.9 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star
Effort
2 total hours
Via
Udemy
Instructor
Kouame Sereba
Language
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Teaches rhythmic games and drumming patterns, which can be easily integrated into educational activities for children and foster a playful learning environment
Focuses on fundamental drumming techniques and rhythms, providing a solid foundation for individuals with little to no prior musical experience to start playing djembe
Emphasizes the use of body percussion and vocalizations alongside drumming, which helps learners internalize rhythms and makes learning accessible even without a drum
Introduces the three basic sounds (Bom, Pa, Ta) in a step-by-step manner, which allows learners to gradually build their skills and confidence
Includes bonus content featuring a performance with children, which offers practical inspiration and demonstrates how to engage young learners in drumming
Share this
Share to help others discover this course.
Facebook LinkedIn X Reddit Link Email
Begin learning today
Enroll now to gain full access to How to Play Djembe,Drum & Rhythm and teach Children. Level 1.
Enroll now
Save for later
Add this course to your list. Find it anytime.
Save
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser