Two new groups starting on:
– 14th of May*
– 8th of October
*filling up! few spots are still available
**** Introduction to frame drums: a class on 10.05.2025 ****
If you would like first to explore the frame drum and see it it’s something you would like to study, sign up for my introductory class!
In this new series of frame drum courses I accompany participants from taking their first steps in frame-drumming, through a comprehensive rhythmical development, into taking their playing and musicianship to a higher level!
The first module of the series will focus on building a solid foundations for playing a lap-style frame drum, and comprehending and embodying various rhythmical ideas. The continuation of the course – module #2 – is planned for Autumn 2025.
This course is for everyone interested in studying this instrument – regardless of their former musical experience. It’s also for all of those who wish to enhance their rhythmic expertise. A drum is a great tool to comprehensively understand the rhythm, and start ‘speaking’ rhythmic language more fluently.
I’ll provide you with exercises to develop your playing and rhythmic skills; a system of tools you can use to develop in the direction you choose. We will study essential techniques, learn and create grooves, solo phrases, and compositions, work on the sense of rhythm and pulse through the movement, work with timing and limb independence.
Music is movement!
A method I use to teach rhythmology, is what I call Bodies In Pulse!-Pulse in Bodies! (BIP!/PIB!) that I have been researching since 2013. It relies both on developing rhythmic skills through an intuitional somatic practice, and on deepening the understanding of rhythm.
Also when it comes to studying drum techniques, I pay a great attention to the ergonomy of movement: avoiding unnecessary tensions, creating a healthy relationship between the body and the instrument. This serves not only for a highly dextrous and effortless playing, but also a greater ability/availability to engage in a musical flow. Finally, it helps avoid instrument-related injuries, which are very common in the world of professional music.
Borys is a very skilled teacher, who can move seamlessly in one lesson between a purely technical approach to rhythm analysis and playing the instrument on one side, and a more intuitive playful approach on the other, so he always manage to find the leverage point for the learning process to happen. Highly recommended also for individual lessons!
Module #1 course encompasses the following areas:
- modern ‘lap-style’ (sitting) technique for frame drum
- chosen advanced techniques
- traditional Mediterranean grooves & their variations
- introduction to improvisation
- compositions in different time signatures
- limb independence exercises
- exercises to develop the sense of rhythm and pulse
For a good learning environment it’s essential that there is one group committed for the whole course. That means it won’t be possible to join only partly. If you are interested in exploring the frame drum and deciding whether it’s something you would like to study, consider joining my introductory class (the nearest one will happen on the 10th of May!)
In case someone will have to miss a meeting, it will be fully recorded on video and available for participants. A missed meeting can also be possible to be compensated by joining a class of another group of mine.
Sign up:
borys.drums(at)gmail.com
details:
→ time
There are two courses of module #1 starting in 2025:
1. Spring group (starting on the 14th of May 2025) ONLY FEW SPOTS AVAILABLE
Wednesdays / 19:00-20:30
Dates (18,5h of classes in total):
-
- 14th, 21st, 28th of May;
- 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th of June
- Intensive weekend workshop (8h) ending the first course: 27-29th of June
2. Autumn group (starting on the 8th of October 2025)
Wednesdays / 19:00-20:30
Dates (18,5h of classes in total):
-
- 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th of October;
- 5th, 12th, 19th November
- Intensive weekend workshop (8h) ending the first course: 22-23.11.2025
→ place:
Berlin Frame Drum School – Exerzierstrasse 10 13357 (Wedding/Gesundbrunnen)
→ prices:
- €370 – standard price
- €330-370 is a range of prices for the unwaged and people with a lower budget
- €370-410 is a solidarity price. By paying above the standard price you are able to cover the costs of participation of people with a smaller budget.
→ instruments
limited amount of high quality drums is available for rent for 50 Euros for the whole course. I can also advice you on buying your own instrument depending on your budget*
*for some orientation: frame-drumming is not an expensive hobby :) A highly professional drums, which I use, cost between 300-400 Euros. A basic, affordable drum is a cost of 100-150 Euros.
→ sign up:
To ensure the spot transfer a downpayment of €180 (the downpayment is non-refundable) to the account number given in response.
impressions from the previous courses:
Borys Slowikowski is a fantastic teacher. To learn with him is a gratifying experience driven through curiosity; exploring rhythm and the elasticity of time-travel. The emphasis is on strengthening listening and assimilation while we play together.