Individual or Small Group Drum Making Workshops

At Our Portland, Oregon Location

Willie_Drum
After his drum making workshop, Willie & his drum pray, “Spirits, lost spirits, all sentient beings, to the BUDDHAS n Bodhisattvasand to all elements ,energies auras, our loving mother earth and father universe…and we as beginners in this spiritual realm…prayers for compassion and a true natured heart…Tats.Mae.wee..”

INCLUDES:
Deer, Elk, Horse, Moose or Buffalo head & lacing
Cedar or Willow Oak Hoop
Beater
One-on-One Instruction
(small groups of 2-3 people can be accommodated)

ALL MATERIALS ARE PROVIDED

The workshop is $80.00 plus the cost of the kit you choose. (For example: 15″ Elk Deodar Cedar Kit ($140) + $80 = $220 for the workshop)

$25.00 deposit required

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Learn to make a drum with our experienced instructors at Cedar Mountain Drums.

Scheduled at your convenience any time the store is open, or by appointment. Suitable for individuals or small groups. Rattle making and Dream Catcher making workshops can also be arranged.

Located at our
2237 E. Burnside Portland, Oregon Store

Call for more information or to schedule a time
Call 503-235-6345 or email us.

Shawn’s Drum Making Workshop

(with thanks to Shawn and her husband for sharing these with us)

Shawn checks out the Moose rawhide head for her new hoop drum
Shawn checks out the Moose rawhide head for her new hoop drum

Depending on the situation, we start with either a full hide or pre-cut heads and lacings.  When you arrive, these are already soaked and are ready to go.  Shawn has chosen to make a Moose drum on a Yellow Cedar rim.
Even if we don’t start with a whole hide, all aspects of drum creation are covered, both the mechanics and the ceremonial and energetic functions. (This is Michelle, one of our drum making instructors.)

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Smudging with white sage and sweetgrass purifies the environment and brings in positive energy

 

We generally begin by smudging ourselves and the materials we will be working with.  If this is a new experience for you, we will share the methods and meanings behind the activity. if you like.

In our workshops, every step is covered in depth to ensure a happy, great sounding drum.

Once the materials are ready, it’s time to make a drum!

Michelle teaches Shawn how to cut Moose lacing for her drum.
Michelle teaches Shawn how to cut Moose lacing for her drum.
Pulling the lacing after cutting makes the assembled drum more consistent.
Pulling the lacing after cutting makes the assembled drum more consistent.
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In our workshops, every step is covered in depth to ensure a happy, great sounding drum
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Moose rawhhide head and lacing for Shawn’s new drum
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It’s important to personalize your drum and make it your own
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Every drum starts the same — with respect for Father Sky and Mother Eart
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Our drums are cross laced for a more even pull on the head.
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It’s all about balance…
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Our four directions handles help pull the head tighter still for a great resonant sound
Keeping centered helps your drum stay centered as well
Keeping centered helps your drum stay centered as well
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Tying off the handles is the final step of the tightening process
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Balanced and centered…

 

Moose and Buffalo rawhide is so thick that we scallop the edges for a nicer look
Moose and Buffalo rawhide is so thick that we scallop the edges for a nicer look
Congratulations! It's a drum!
Congratulations! It’s a drum!

When your drum is finished, we help you construct a beater. Two or three days after taking the drum home, it dries completely and comes to life!