Krista Holland's Frame Drumming Academy was born from her studies with the late Layne Redmond, author of When the Drummers Were Women, and Layne's ongoing encouragement for the teachings of the frame drum to be shared with others.

The Academy courses are a global fusion of traditional and modern drumming techniques and rhythms passed down from Krista's teachers and their teachers - most notably Layne Redmond, Babatunde Olatunji, Hamsa El Din, Walter Garces, Yshai Afterman and other influential teachers along with Krista's original compositions and her unique synthesis of teachings.

Krista and the Frame Drumming Academy teachers are honored to share the traditional rhythms, ancient history, mythology, and modern research connected to this vast family of remarkable percussive instruments - the frame drums.

WHY DRUM?

Have you ever longed to play a musical instrument or wished you hadn't given up on early musical studies?

There is nothing quite like the practice and study of music, drumming, and rhythm for bringing a sense of connection, meaning, focus, soulfulness, and creativity to one's life.

By learning to play the frame drum or by deepening your practice of drumming, you open up a world of possibilities for connecting to an instrument that is both accessible and powerful.

The frame drum's power lies in its fascinating poly-cultural ancient global history and unique ability to help shift and transform consciousness through rhythmic repetition and brainwave stimulation.

The frame drum's accessibility lies in its highly portable design and beautifully resonant, harmonic, and rhythmic sounds. 

One unique feature of the frame drum is that it can be played individually for meditation, prayer, and sacred practice or within a circle or community of other drummers for connection, celebration, ceremony, and fun!

Imagine yourself playing the frame drum as a relaxing and stimulating instrument for sacred practice, meditation, mental strengthening, psychological recalibration, and greater general health and well-being.

The frame drum is the perfect instrument to bring into your life as a complementary healing tool, whether you desire an instrument for solo practice or seek ways to feel more connected with others and community.

Learning to play the frame drum is something a person can do at any age or stage of life.

You are invited to join us on the rhythmic journey. Come learn to play the frame drum!

OUR TEACHING APPROACH

The Frame Drum Academy welcomes people from all ages, stages, learning styles, and walks of life who are interested in learning to play the frame drum.

The Academy courses and circles are uniquely designed with a mandala-like approach that seeks to incorporate many different learning styles and methodologies. We aim to help students of all ages and stages discover various ways to access, digest, and synthesize the musical, drumming, and rhythmic teachings.

All the courses honor the global poly-cultural history and teachers of the frame drum. Those with a more in-depth interest in the fascinating ancient feminine and artistic history of the frame drum or sacred drum will find a treasure trove of imagery, wisdom, and teaching in the Sacred Drumming branch of the Academy.

FIELD SCHOOL & RETREATS

Join an International Retreat and Field School to immerse yourself in the practice of the frame drum and the cultural stories, lore, and myths of the sacred drum. Connect in a welcoming rhythmic circle that weaves ceremony, ritual, prayer, and artistic discipline together in a cohesive experience and practice. All levels of learners are welcome to join in the adventure, as there are many paths and ways to connect to the rhythms and myths of the frame drum. You only need an intrepid spirit, your heartbeat, and a frame drum!

Dedicated students of The Frame Drumming Academy can progress to learning to teach and facilitate frame drumming circles through our Frame Drumming Academy Facilitators Course. Students learn the art of circle facilitation and the Academy curriculum, focusing on bringing the rhythms, myths, and modern research of the frame drum to unique demographics of people and communities.