World Hand Drumming (African & Latin)

Sound Hall Studios is excited to offer a World Hand Drumming class in Henrico, VA for students ages 13 and up who are ready to explore the authentic rhythms, techniques, and instruments of African and Latin percussion. Whether you have never touched a drum before or have been curious about world percussion for years, this eight-week class meets you exactly where you are and lets you move at your own pace in a fun, relaxed, and welcoming environment.

With eight weekly classes students will immerse themselves in the exciting world of hand drumming and discover the joy of making rhythm together.
Class Details
8-Week World Hand Drumming Class
Ages: 13 and up
Dates: September 20 through November 8, 2026 — 9/20, 9/27, 10/4, 10/11, 10/18, 10/25, 11/1, 11/8
Day: Sundays
Time: 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Class Size: Limited to 12 students
Cost: $200 per person
What You Will Learn in This Hand Drumming Class
This beginner world hand drumming class in Richmond, VA covers the authentic playing techniques, rhythms, and styles of African and Latin percussion instruments. Based on the progress of the class students will explore the following instruments:

Djembe
Conga
Clave
Djun Djun
Bongos
Shekere

No pressure. No prior experience required. Every lesson is designed to be fun, encouraging, and immersive so that students leave each class feeling energized and excited to keep playing.
What to Bring
All instruments are provided for use during class so there is nothing you need to bring to get started. However you are welcome to bring any hand drum you already own and the instructor will help determine whether it is a good fit for the class. Handouts will be provided throughout the course to support home practice. Having your own instrument at home is encouraged to help reinforce what you learn in class each week.
A Fun and Immersive Introduction to World Percussion
Hand drumming is one of the oldest and most universal forms of musical expression. It builds rhythm, coordination, focus, and a deep connection to musical traditions from around the world. At Sound Hall Studios we believe music should be joyful and accessible and this class delivers exactly that in a supportive and community-driven environment.

Throughout the course students may have the opportunity to play along with recordings and video review their own performances to track their progress. Depending on the comfort level of the group there may also be an end of class performance to celebrate everything learned along the way.

At Sound Hall Studios small class sizes mean more personal attention and more time connecting with the music and with each other.
Meet Your Hand Drumming Instructor — Chris Thomas
Chris Thomas is a full time percussion specialist based in Virginia with an extraordinary depth of experience across every area of percussion. He holds a Bachelor of Music Education and a Master of Music degree and is currently in his third year pursuing a Doctor of Music Education.

Mr. Thomas currently teaches percussion at four institutions — Longwood University, Midlothian High School, Midlothian Middle School, and Cumberland High School — and maintains an active private lesson studio covering snare, drum set, mallet keyboards, marching and orchestral percussion, and world hand percussion.

He currently performs with the Jazz Professors based in Farmville, Virginia and directs and composes for two marching bands and four percussion ensembles. From 1988 to 1990 Mr. Thomas taught the Royal Marching Dukes drumline and front ensemble at James Madison University before relocating to the Richmond area in 1991.

Mr. Thomas is a proud Pearl Drums and Innovative Percussion artist and brings decades of performance, teaching, and ensemble directing experience to every class he leads. He is genuinely passionate about sharing the joy of world hand drumming and cannot wait to take students on this new musical adventure.
Member Discount
This class is a premium workshop at Sound Hall Studios. Active Sound Hall Studios members receive 10% off registration. To use your member discount please contact Sound Hall Studios or visit us in person to register. Member discounts are not currently available through online registration at this time.

Call: 804-816-2350
Monday through Friday: 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Sunday: 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM