World Percussion Fundamentals
The foundation course. Cajon, djembe, frame drums, darbuka, riq, udu, tombak, congas, bongos and calabash — taught as one connected family of drums rather than a dozen isolated instruments.
Course Overview
Twelve instruments, one shared language of rhythm — 16 modules and 295 video lessons.
If you want to learn...
- core technique that transfers across every hand drum
- cajon and cajon kit, with jingle stick and cabasa
- frame drum in three positions — freehand, lapstyle and upright
- djembe, darbuka, riq, udu, tombak, calabash, congas and bongos
- ghost notes, finger rolls, snaps and floating hand
- essential rhythms from the Middle East, Africa, Iran and Cuba
- jam tracks to play along with, solo and in ensemble
Then this course is perfect for you!
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Full Name
Description
Course Curriculum
1. Introduction1 lesson
2. Universal Percussion Concepts16 lessons
3. Cajon21 lessons
4. Cajon Kit16 lessons
5. Djembe23 lessons
6. Frame Drum Freehand17 lessons
7. Frame Drum Lapstyle22 lessons
8. Frame Drum Upright21 lessons
9. Darbuka17 lessons
10. Riq19 lessons
11. Calabash20 lessons
12. Udu22 lessons
13. Tombak26 lessons
14. Congas26 lessons
15. Bongos20 lessons
16. Pandeiro10 lessons
17. Jam Tracks13 lessons
Get Started Now
Individual Course
€199 €149
Pay once for ongoing course access
WPA membership
€29 €19 /month
Unlimited courses & community access — billed quarterly
Your Instructor
David Kuckhermann is a Grammy-nominated percussionist, educator, and founder of World Percussion Academy and Handpan Dojo.
For over 30 years, he has taught students around the world through live workshops, masterclasses, and online courses, helping countless students build a deeper connection with rhythm and percussion.
His musical journey includes studies with renowned teachers such as Glen Velez, Behnam Samani, Ramesh Shotham, and Ustad Fayaz Khan, as well as international performances with artists including Dead Can Dance, Lisa Gerrard, Omar Faruk Tekbilek, Pera Ensemble, and Voix de Bulgares.
In his teaching, David combines deep knowledge of many percussion traditions with clear, structured methods and his own creative concepts — making world percussion accessible for beginners and advanced players alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about learning hand drumming online with us — from djembe and congas to darbuka, cajón, frame drums, and beyond.
Getting Started
Do I need any musical experience to start?
Which drum should I start with?
What if I don't own a drum yet?
Online Learning Advantages
Why learn online instead of in-person?
Can I really learn rhythm and feel from videos?
How does online learning compare on cost?
Course Structure and Content
How are the courses organized?
How long does it take to complete a course?
Feedback and Community
Can I get feedback on my playing without a live teacher?
Is there a community of other students?
What if I get stuck on something?
Technical and Practical Concerns
What equipment do I need beyond the drum?
Will my neighbors hate me?
What if I have a physical limitation or injury?
Enrollment and Access
How long do I have access to a course once I enroll?
Can I try before I buy?
Do you offer scholarships or discounts?
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