Drum Making

So, why “Playshops”? Simple, there’s no work when you’re having fun!

OK, I hate to say this, but J.K. Rowling got it wrong.

Those that trade in magic, for the most part, don’t buy their tools from a shop.

They make them.

They always have.

Now here’s your opportunity to make your own ancient, special, unique magical tool – imparting your spirt, blessings and energies into the finished drum.

So, lets start with the basics – the Group Playshop.

This is the most fun (play with your friends!!), the fastest (only 2-3 hours), and the most affordable. So, since I’m quite sure you’ll have a lot of questions about this process, shall we get started? Here are the questions I get the most. If I miss something, ask!

“Are these Native American drums?”

Yes and no. Yes, Native Americans still make similar drums, but so do a lot of other cultures around the world. These are, essentially, the same kind of drums any of our ancestors might have made thousands of years ago when they were still working with stone tools – only better, thanks to a little modern technology that help longevity (I’ll show you how in the class). They’re truly Pan-cultural and part of our DNA – no matter what your background.

“What are my hide selections?”

Buffalo, Elk, or Deer. These are all hunted animals – no farm slaughters – and are all blessed and all the parts used long before I ever see the hides.

“What are the differences?”

Tough question to answer, as every drum is utterly different than every other one (the beauty of this particular medium), but IN GENERAL:

Buffalo – deeper pitch, less resonant, more grounding, heavier.

Elk – Medium to higher pitch, most versatile, longer resonance, energy varies. Elk is my “go to” hide for almost everything.

Deer – light weight, higher pitched, simple, clean resonance, very “air”/”Higher chakra” kind of feeling.

Again, remember, these are generalizations (really, I can’t stress this enough) and what your drum becomes is also DIRECTLY related to your personal energy resonance.

“What size can I make?”

14″, 16″, 18″ and 20″ Yes, generally, bigger is deeper and louder. If you want to wake the dead, do a 20″ Buffalo. For ceremonial/divining work, a 16″ Elk or deer might be a better choice. You get the idea.

“OK… How much…?”

Not all hides come in all sizes. Why? Simply, over the years, I’ve learned which ones work best at what range and this represents what I feel is the best set of choices.

“What if I want to make something bigger?”

Great! At that point, they get pretty time consuming and aren’t group class friendly. Talk to me about what you’d like to do and we’ll make some time for a 1-on-1 session. This works REALLY well for mother drums if you’re so inclined. (See “Individual Playshops”)

“When do I have to let you know?”

Well, the first best answer is always, “The sooner the better”, but usually 2-3 weeks in advance, which will allow me enough time to order and process everything I need. Remember, I’m customizing this to you, so I don’t order anything until it’s all paid for. This isn’t “one size fits all” like so many others are.

“How many people do I need?”

At least 4, depending on how far I have to travel.

For longer drives (more than an hour or so), I’d like at least a half a dozen.

For real long trips, things that might require lots of fuel and/or hotels, we can discuss group sizes and rates to make things equitable for everyone.

“What kind of payments do you take?”

Easiest – PayPal. I’ll send an invoice for your choice to your e-mail.

Next easiest – Credit Card by phone. (Note, also PayPal.)

Yes, a check is fine if it’s in my hand by the deadline.

Cash is cool too, if you come by the workshop or find me at a Festival.

“OK, now that that’s out of the way, what do I have to bring?”

A sunny disposition, a sense of adventure, and two hands (or a friend with two hands). I supply all the precut and punched hide, hoops, tools, and materials for drum sticks. Of course, drum sticks!!

“Will we be decorating our drums?”

Nope, not this time, but I’ll happily answer all your questions as to how to personalize your new baby.

“How long does it take?”

About 2-3 hours, depending on the group. About 3-7 days before the drum is ready to play.

“Do we get to take them home?”

Of course! What would be the fun, otherwise?

“How do we contact you?”

FB is generally easiest, also allowing me to set up an Event for sign-ups of course, but you can also:

e-mail me at drummaker@thedifferentdrum.net

or call or text me at (916) 835-1863 .

Individual Playshops

In this class, everything is the same as the group session, except we start with the full hide— cutting the heads and lace and punching all the holes for two drums (one for you and one for me to teach with) – in my workshop. In one or two sessions (on your schedule), you’ll sand and polish a hoop (if needed), then cover it in the hide of your choosing (Deer, Elk, or Buffalo) to create an absolutely individual piece of audible art. Weight, size, and complexity of sound and design are all decided prior to construction. Price of the class is determined by the individual’s choices of size and materials. This is an amazing investment of your energy into what will surely become one of your most sacred, beloved tools.

This is also the recommended way to make a Mother Drum. Put your soul into the Magic of the Mother.
Note: Making the Mother Drum also works fabulously as in a Group Dynamic where the drum will be a centerpiece. Ask how we can make this work for you!