DRUMMING CIRCLE

What is it?
The Family Drumming Circle is a community of people of all ages interacting together to explore the world of music through rhythm, music's most fundamental element. It is something completely different than private lessons or group rehearsals; it is an opportunity to create music recreationally in a comfortable social environment. It is also an uplifting and energizing special time not only for parents and children, but for all to experience community together.

While some discussion on playing technique is covered, the focus of the sessions will be on participants interacting with each other and creating music in the moment, rather than learning how to drum. The majority of the time will be spent playing and participants will have the opportunity to play and experiment with a variety of hand drums and other percussion instruments during the different sessions.

Beginner and experienced musicians and non-musicians alike, all are welcome and all will benefit from the skills built during the sessions. The Drumming Circle is an open environment where everyone is a participant and everyone is involved as an equal. Participants will develop their listening skills, learn the importance of working as a group and experiment with improvisation and much more. Aside from all of that, Drumming Circles are FUN!

When is it?
The Family Drumming Circle is currently on hiatus.

How much does it cost?
Each 16 week session of a 45 minute circle costs $240.

How do I join?
Call us at 416-537-5995 to register; registration forms are available to be printed off from our website as well.

Who is facilitating the Family Drumming Circle?

Nick Shao, (Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance, U of T)

Percussionist Nicholas Shao has been playing music since the age of 10. His career thus far has been brief but rewarding and nothing short of eclectic.

Over the years, he has developed a solid foundation in traditional drumset playing which has allowed him to explore different styles of drumming from various cultures around the world such as West African drumming and Japanese Taiko drumming.

He has performed all across North America, in the Netherlands, Austria and Hungary with a diverse number of jazz, rock, world music and orchestral ensembles including the Toronto All-Star Big Band, the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra and the Kiyoshi Nagata Ensemble.

Originally from Etobicoke, Nicholas started playing the drums at the Humber College Community Music School and continued on to attend the Etobicoke School of the Arts where he was awarded the prestigious Lionel C. Wooster Jazz Award. From there he entered the University of Toronto where he completed his Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz Performance. In his spare time, he enjoys playing and watching baseball.