What is World Music Drumming?
The World Music Drumming Curriculum was created by Dr. Will Schmid, in collaboration with Ghanaian Master Drummer Sowah Mensah. It was field tested with elementary and middle school students, revised with input from these pilot teachers, released for publication in 1997 with an enhanced teacher’s edition published in 2015.
The curriculum is taught during summer workshops for music educators, community-based music leaders, and church musicians, and presented by experienced master educators. The curriculum is designed to engage students and participants in multi-faceted music making experiences that align with the theoretical principals of West African, Caribbean, and Latin drumming and singing traditions. The World Music Drumming Curriculum is comprised of 7 units of study with 33 sequential lessons, each building skills in listening, focus, teamwork, developing community, refining playing skills, and recognizing the value of respectful participation.
Professional development workshops are designed to allow participants to return to their schools and communities, having experienced highly effective and meaningful instruction, and ready to incorporate the World Music Drumming Curriculum framework within their program.
Why WMDr?
Expand your instructional toolbox with sequential student-centered curriculum that engages learners in music-making
Explore social/emotional learning strategies to bring all students into the music-making process
Learn historical, social, and theoretical principles of West African, Latin, and Caribbean drumming and song
Complement music programs built on National Core Arts Standards
…all while having a great time with your peers in music education.
