Rites of Rhythm | A Women’s Frame Drum Initiation Workshop
Date & Time
Saturday December 5th, 2026
11:00 am-6:00 pm
Location
Every drum has a living spirit of its own waiting to be awakened in relationship with you. This workshop was created in sacred collaboration with my own frame drum, Rainbow Horse. Her undeniable will has been a teacher to me of rhythm and women’s rites. Women have had frame drums in their hands across the world for millennia. By saying yes to this initiation, you will become one of them.
During our time together I will share rhythms, songs, folklore, and movement to bring you into living, sovereign union with your drum. I want to awaken the listening required to embark on a lifelong adventure with these magical, powerful beings.
I am calling this workshop an initiation not because it is necessarily for beginners. You can be initiated again and again into the mysteries of this work. Whether you have been drumming for years or this is your first time you will leave with a deepened relationship with your instrument.
The Rhythms: I will be teaching handstyle rhythms with choose-your-own-adventure levels of complexity from beginner to intermediate. This means that we will be drumming without a mallet and instead be using our hands and fingers to create sound on the face and bodies of our drums.
The Songs: The Voice and The Drum are ancient lovers longing to be reunited. We will learn several simple songs and vocal embodiment exercises to unlock this union. You do not have to consider yourself a singer to sing with your drum. Trust me, your drum wants you to use your voice.
The Folklore: In deep listening with the frame drum I was gifted the legend of its creation. This is just one of many frame drum creation myths and I have to say that the delivery of this legend was extremely mysterious. All I know is that I have been tasked to share it with you.
The Movement: Frame drums are portals of creativity and their gifts are seemingly endless. I will offer an introduction to dancing with your drum as a way to create a more embodied connection, foster playfulness and sensuality, and spark creativity.
Flow of the Day
11:00 am | Arrival, folklore
12:00 pm | Connecting with your instrument
1:00 pm | Rhythm
3:00 pm | Break & lunch
4:00 pm | Movement
5:00 pm | Voice & Rhythm
6:00 pm | Departure
Cost
I am offering a sliding scale pricing model. Please choose the level of financial contribution that most aligns with your resources.
$150 - Supported Rate | For those in need of financial support.
$200 - Standard Rate | Reflects the true cost of the workshop.
$250 - Sustaining Rate | For anyone who has the ability to pay extra to support the community.
Please pay via venmo @LeilajStrong or Zelle (leilajordan38@gmail.com). Cost includes a nourishing lunch midway through our day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a frame drum?
“A frame drum is any drum whose width is greater than its depth, usually with a single drumhead. There are numerous variations of this type of drum, in many different sizes. Some are played with the hands, including the Middle-Eastern Tar, the Moroccan Bendir, the Iranian Daf, the European tambourine. Some are played with a wooden stick, such as the Irish Bohdran.
The Buffalo Drum is inspired by the indigenous cultures of the Americas, and is played with a mallet or beater, (a wooden stick with a padded fabric head). This type of drum is also known as a hoop drum or medicine drum.” - from Rhythm Harmony
What is the best type of drum for this workshop?
We will be playing our drums finger style which means that instead of using a mallet or stick we will be playing with our hands and fingers. Most frame drums are suitable for this style. Buffalo drums and some hide drums may have a quieter or muted sound but can certainly be played with your hands. I prefer a 14-22” drum. Anything smaller can be challenging to play.
If you have any questions about what type of drum to bring or buy if it’s your first drum, please reach out! I also have a small number of hand-painted frame drums available for purchase.
Here are some of my favorite, affordable frame drums:
Remo Fiberskyn Drum - lightweight and has a deeper sound
Remo Renaissance Drum - lightweight and has a brighter sound
What experience level is ideal for this workshop?
This workshop is open to any level from beginner to expert. I will be offering varying levels of challenge for rhythms, songs, and movement so that each person can find their personal growth edge. This workshop is designed to be both educational and heart centered. One of the main purposes during our time together is to create an intimate relationship with the drum you bring which is something that anyone can do at any level!
It’s worth noting that I, myself, am only an intermediate drummer. I will have resources available for anyone wishing to deepen their practice by working with some of the teachers I am lucky to learn from.