FAQs:
General Workshop Questions
Are World Music Drumming workshops only for music professionals?
Our workshops are recommended for those who professionally instruct or lead music, including music educators, church musicians, and community music leaders, as well as students and retired music professionals; however, those drawn to community music making experience, whether they have music as a career, are welcome!
Do your workshops only occur during the summer?
World Music Drumming workshops occur during the summer, normally between early-June thru early August. Our faculty often appear at music education events throughout the year, as a featured clinician for a conference or Saturday regional event.
What is the usual schedule of a workshop?
Classes normally run 9:00am-5:00pm, Monday-Thursday, with a shorter time-frame on Friday (9:00-@1:00). Any variation to this schedule is clearly articulated on the registration page for the specific venue.
Is it possible to take more than one class at a time, for instance both Level 1 and Level 2, during the same week?
Participants register for one class at a time. While it’s possible to take a level course (1, 2, or 3) and a non-level class (Drumming Up the Fun, Festival Brazil, Kids Choir and Drums) during the same summer, they are not taken the same week.
Do you need drumming experience to attend a workshop?
No prior experience is needed! However, those registering for Level 2 should have completed Level 1, and those registering for Level 3, should have completed Levels 1 and 2. It is highly recommended that those taking Level 3 have prior instruction from Sowah Mensah and Josh Ryan for optimal benefits.
Do I need to bring a drum?
No! Instruments are provided by the host district at each workshop, with additional support from West Music.
What resource do I need for Level 1 and Level 2?
Participants will purchase and bring the 2015 Teacher Edition of the World Music Drumming Curriculum. If purchasing from West Music, use PROMO code WMDCURR25 at check out. Participants will also need to bring or purchase (onsite) a small shekere.
Registration & Cost
Can I only register online?
Online registration is the fastest and easiest way to register, but we also welcome registrations by mail with checks or purchase orders (complete the registration form). To get started with registration, first find the workshop location, dates, and courses that you would like to participate in.
When does registration begin?
Registration for summer workshops opens in late fall. Don’t delay to register, as those venues with diminished participation numbers run the risk of cancellation (see the Cancellation Policy). Also, registering early (before May 20) saves $50 for those paying the non-discount price (not retired, not a student, not an employee of the host district, indicated as “all others”).
What does it cost to register for the workshop?
The registration cost of our 2025 workshops is as follows:. 1) Register before May 20 for a price of $545; 2) Register after May 20 (and beyond) for a price of $595. Discounts apply for full-time students, host district faculty members, and retired teachers. Consult information posted on venue pages.
Do you have a cancellation policy?
If we must cancel due to low enrollment (three weeks before the workshop), we offer options: full refund or transfer to another workshop, or hold funds for a future workshop (participant choice on this matter). If a registered participant must cancel, reimbursement will occur according to the following policy:
Cancellation at 6 weeks or more ahead of the workshop = full reimbursement (minus a 10% processing fee)
Cancellation at 4-5 weeks ahead of the workshop = 70% reimbursement
Cancellation at 2-3 weeks before the first day of the workshop = 25% reimbursement
Cancellation at 1 week before = no reimbursement.
Extenuating circumstances that warrant cancellation can happen; please contact us if this is the case
Payment Options
What are your options for online payment?
The website is designed to provide a secure means of registering and paying for the workshop online. We accept payment through credit card or Apple Pay.
Can I pay with a check?
Yes! The check should be made out to Music Workshops LLC. Download the workshop registration form, fill it out, and mail both the completed form and check to Music Workshops LLC, 3908 E. Maryland St., Bellingham, WA 98226.
Do you accept purchase orders?
Yes! Registration using a purchase order requires that the participant download a copy of the registration form, and identify payment as a PO. Email the Purchase Order to musicworkshops@me.com or wmdworkshops@gmail.com. PO’s can be mailed to Music Workshops LLC, 3908 E. Maryland St., Bellingham, WA 98226.
Professional Development Credits or Hours
How many professional development hours are credited?
Participants earn 32 hours of PD for most workshops. The Iowa workshop has the potential for 40 hours of PD, due to the Sunday evening start and the evening options. A certificate to confirm completed PD hours is emailed shortly after the workshop, and will show the completed course and the number of hours of instruction included.
Is it possible to obtain university graduate credit?
Yes, we partner with the VanderCook College of Music to provide the option of purchasing graduate credit. Participants have an opportunity to purchase graduate credits for each World Music Drumming workshop. Those choosing to do so will complete projects after the workshop and submit them to Patty Bourne within the posted time-frame. Registration and communication on graduate credit comes directly from Music Workshops LLC until the grade is posted and the transcript is ready. Information about purchasing grad credit will be available in late winter/early spring.
Didn’t find the answer to your question?
Contact us at wmdworkshops@gmail.com and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can!