World Music Drumming Summer Workshops 2026
West Music is proud to partner with World Music Drumming for the 2026 Summer Workshops, bringing the joy of rhythm and hands-on learning to 10 U.S. locations! With support from Remo, Inc. and West Music, these workshops offer Levels I, II, and III, plus the engaging Drumming Up the Fun! session—perfect for educators, musicians, and drumming enthusiasts of all levels.
The Foundation of World Music Drumming
World Music Drumming is first and foremost a learning community, engaging teachers and community leaders in professional development workshops. Our focus is classroom drumming, singing, and movement in the style of the music of West Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Founded in 1997 by the late Will Schmid, and now directed by Dr. Patty Bourne, World Music Drumming is taught in over 20,000 schools worldwide.
The program uses drumming to teach students about communication, listening, cooperation, leadership, creativity, and cultural appreciation. It’s based on several keywords, as seen in the graphic to the right, to reinforce and engrain these concepts. Many participants share that when they bring World Music Drumming back to their students, they often find that the students who might otherwise “fall through the cracks,” or who experience a great deal of frustration in other aspects of school, are able to be successful in this curriculum. Ultimately, the goal is for all students to emerge as more confident, empathetic, and collaborative learners—equipped with lasting skills that transform every facet of their lives.
Cedar Rapids Drumming Flagship
The World Music Drumming Flagship, a.k.a. “drum camp,” is back in West Music’s own backyard of Cedar Rapids, Iowa from June 21-26! This special week is filled with a Sunday evening reception and weeknight events, including a visit to the West Music Fulfillment Center! A special block of hotel rooms at the Hotel Kirkwood is also set aside to offer more time for community building. Plus, there is an expanded group of World Music Drumming faculty! We are proud to partner with Remo, Inc. to support this musical week.
Why You Should Attend
1. Professional development at it’s finest! You’ll meet music educators from across the country that will become lifelong friends!
2. A week filled with drumming, movement, singing, leading, and learning will have your cup running over! You’ll bring back musical gems to your classroom and catch the World Music Drumming bug! Don’t just take our word for it, watch our video featuring a teacher testimonial on their experience.
3. Representatives from West Music, Remo, & the World Music Drumming faculty will be onsite to connect you with instruments and instructors, as well as help to build meaningful relationships and start you on your musical journey.
IOWA TEACHERS! Earn Renewal Credits While You Drum
Iowa teachers can make this workshop work even harder for them—earn 2 license renewal credits (one-third of your 5-year requirement) for just an additional $100. Even better, there’s no extra coursework—simply attend, participate, and you’re done. Your credits will be processed and added directly to your AEA transcript, making this an easy, affordable way to check a major box for recertification.
How to Add Renewal Credits:
- Register for the workshop through the WMD website as usual.
- Then complete your credit registration and additional $100 payment here
World Music Drumming Workshops 2026
| Location | Classes Offered | Start Date | End Date | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta, GA Powers Ferry Elementary | World Music Drumming Level 1 | 06/15/26 | 06/19/26 | View Website |
| Cedar Rapids, IA Prairie High School | World Music Drumming Level 1 World Music Drumming Level 2 World Music Drumming Level 3 | 06/21/26 | 06/26/26 | View Website |
| Dearborn, MI McCullough Unis, K-8 | World Music Drumming Level 1 World Music Drumming Level 2 | 08/03/26 | 08/07/26 | View Website |
| Dickinson, ND Roosevelt Elementary | Drumming Up the Fun | 07/06/26 | 07/10/26 | View Website |
| Dublin, OH (Columbus) Bailey Elementary | World Music Drumming Level 1 World Music Drumming Level 2 World Music Drumming Level 3 | 07/27/26 | 07/31/26 | View Website |
| Elizabethtown, PA Department of Music, Elizabethtown College | World Music Drumming Level 1 World Music Drumming Level 2 | 07/06/26 | 07/10/26 | View Website |
| Hempstead, NY Hempstead High School | World Music Drumming Level 1 World Music Drumming Level 2 | 07/06/26 | 07/10/26 | View Website |
| Hurst, TX (Dallas/Ft. Worth) Shady Oaks Elementary | World Music Drumming Level 1 World Music Drumming Level 2 | 07/13/26 | 07/17/26 | View Website |
| Jacksonville, FL Fishweir Elementary School | Drumming Up the Fun | 06/08/26 | 06/12/26 | View Website |
| Kent, WA Kent Lab Academy | World Music Drumming Level 1 Festival Brazil! | 07/20/26 | 07/24/26 | View Website |
Did you know that West Music is a partner of World Music Drumming?
West Music sends a pop-up store of printed resources, instruments, and accessories that complement the World Music Drumming curriculum program to every U.S. workshop along with a knowledgeable staff member to help guide you in your selections.
Have questions, need guidance on products or recommendations on workshops? Contact Tereasa Evans, National Events and Program Manager, at tevans@westmusic.com for more information.