Discover authentic world percussion designed for schools and group music-making
The A-Star range of djembes offers an engaging and hands-on way for pupils to explore rhythm, teamwork and creativity. Rooted in African musical tradition yet perfectly adapted for today’s classrooms, these drums are a firm favourite for music teachers, hubs and whole-class projects.
A Brief History of the Djembe
The djembe originates from West Africa, particularly the Mali and Guinea regions, where it has been played for hundreds of years as part of ceremonies, celebrations and community gatherings.
Traditionally hand-carved from a single piece of hardwood and topped with goatskin, the djembe produces a wide tonal range from deep bass notes to sharp slaps.
Djembes in the School Music Curriculum
Djembes are a brilliant way to meet National Curriculum goals in music. They allow pupils to:
Explore pulse, rhythm and texture
Develop listening and ensemble skills
Perform in groups and whole-class settings
Experiment with dynamics, structure and call and response
They also support cross-curricular learning, linking to geography (African culture), history (traditional instruments) and personal development (teamwork and confidence).
Ideal Sets and Class Packs for Schools
For schools looking to teach whole-class drumming, A-Star offers a range of pre-assembled packs designed to provide everything you need in one go.
A-Star Rope Tuned Djembe Class Packs
Available in different combinations of sizes, these sets are designed for group music lessons. Each pack includes a mix of smaller and larger djembes, ensuring pupils can explore a wide tonal range.
👉 Perfect for 10–30 pupils.
A-Star Rope Tuned Djembe Drums: Pack of 4
Ideal for workshops, lunchtime clubs or community groups. These packs make it easy to equip groups with quality instruments that are built to last.
👉 Perfect for smaller groups.
A-Star Individual Djembes: Mix and Match Sizes
If you prefer to build your own classroom set, A-Star djembes are also available individually in a variety of sizes. This gives teachers complete flexibility to mix and match depending on age group, ability or classroom layout. Combine different sizes to create a balanced group sound and let pupils experience the full range of djembe tones.
👉 Mix and match to suit your needs.
Whether you’re running a one-off workshop or developing a full percussion programme, A-Star djembes provide everything you need to engage pupils and bring rhythm to life. These drums are a fun, inclusive and affordable way to make music together, and they sound fantastic too.
Explore the full A-Star djembe range here: A-Star Djembe Drums
