First Wednesday of the Month at 6:15 pm
Sessions begin at 6:15pm
Free of Charge
Click RSVP for Dates.
Arizona Musicfest’s beginner-friendly West African Drumming class is presented by Arizona Rhythm Connections. Join us for these fun, community-building sessions as Frank Thompson guides you through learning techniques and styles on the Djembe an Djun. Explore traditional songs and develop your improvisational skills in a community-based environment.
No drum? No problem! Drums will be provided for each participant.
Getting Here
Led By
Frank Thompson
Frank is a professional drum circle facilitator and educator. He is the founder of the AZ Rhythm Connection (AZRC) and has been facilitating rhythm for over 30 years. Frank is a Teaching Artist and resident artist at many Arizona musical arts and community based institutions. Including Free Arts of Arizona, the Musical Instrument Museum (Curator of West African and Latin Drumming Programs), Arizona Musicfest, He is a former Faculty Associate at Arizona State University. Frank is former Vice-Chair of Ear Candy Charities and Board Member of TheCancer Support Center of Arizona. He is the Author of One Drum and A Dream. He serves as the Director of Training and Head of Creative Arts for One Day Adventures Team Building Events. Co-Founder, Drumming Through The Heart with Dr. David Engstrom, Ph.D., ABPP. Facilitator and Program Developer: Honor Health Therapeutic Drumming and Music for Infusion programs. National Trainer, REMO Drum Company: Health Rhythms Protocol. Pre-Approved Continuing Education Provider, Certified Board of Music Therapists.