Drum Making Workshop
Saturday, May 30th 2026 9am – 5:30pm
sliding scale – see below
This day begins and ends with a sharing circle, a deeper and slower way of relating where you share your heart honestly while others simply witness, without feedback or advice.
In the morning make your own 16” or 18” sustainably harvested raw hide hoop drum (details below). This way of drum-making follows both the Red Road traditions interwoven with the Northern European Runic path. The materials you will use are all consciously selected from sustainably harvested raw hide, along with wooden frames handmade by a wonderful family in Pakistan whose livelihood is dependent upon creating tools and supplies for musical instruments of all kinds. Together we create, with honor for the animal that has left its life behind… to transform its skin into a beautiful and usable instrument, that we may bring its energy back, as a powerful ceremonial tool!
After a homemade lunch, Jeannie will tell a Wise Woman folk tale, then we will have time time to find ourselves in this story during a group dialog. Folk stories are rich in human archetypes that invite us into our hearts. With playfulness and honesty, these stories show how you are part of Us
The day concludes with a drumming circle, where you can experience the power and healing of making yourself heard, then you will make yourself comfortable and receive a sound journey, a healing space where you receive the kinds of sound that help you release stress from the body and process what matters most.
Schedule and Registration Information
Our workplay together will be Saturday May 30th, 9am to 5:30pm in Port Townsend (exact location given after registration).
Organic lunch will be provided. If you have any dietary restrictions, please indicate that in the comments on the registration checkout page.
The workshop total price is $390, which includes a 16" drum with mountain deer hide. You may choose to make an 18" drum for $10 more.
Drum Choices
You have a choice of drum size and hide type. There are always exceptions and nuances in the sound of a handmade drum and no two drums will make the exact same sound. However, generally speaking, the thicker the hide, the deeper the sound and the thinner hides offer a higher, more ethereal sound.
As for sizing, usually the larger the frame, the deeper the sound. In this workshop you can choose your choice of a 16” or 18” frame, both of which give a nice resonant sound to the drum, always keeping in mind that each drum is an individual and its voice can vary from what is expected.
- Mountain Deer Hide can vary in color from dark brown to beige to reddish brown. Its thickness can vary from thin to medium.
- Elk Hide is usually white to a creamy yellowish color. It can be medium thick to very thick.
- Water Buffalo can be beige, light or dark brown. It typically is a thicker hide.
We'll use mountain deer hides for must drums, but you may choose to use Elk or Water Buffalo for $20 more. We have limited availability for these, so if you'd like this option, please get your registration in soon. We can't guarantee availability, but we'll do our best to accommodate your preferences.
Cancellation and Refund Policy
The $100 registration fee paid here is a non-refundable deposit. The remainder of the retreat cost ($290 + size & hide choices) is due on or before the day of the event, payable via Venmo, Zelle, or in cash. Payment information will be provided by email after initial registration. There are no refunds for the event, but if you must cancel you may receive credit toward attending another workshop in the future.
This day begins and ends with a sharing circle, a deeper and slower way of relating where you share your heart honestly while others simply witness, without feedback or advice.
In the morning make your own 16” or 18” sustainably harvested raw hide hoop drum (details below). This way of drum-making follows both the Red Road traditions interwoven with the Northern European Runic path. The materials you will use are all consciously selected from sustainably harvested raw hide, along with wooden frames handmade by a wonderful family in Pakistan whose livelihood is dependent upon creating tools and supplies for musical instruments of all kinds. Together we create, with honor for the animal that has left its life behind… to transform its skin into a beautiful and usable instrument, that we may bring its energy back, as a powerful ceremonial tool!
After a homemade lunch, Jeannie will tell a Wise Woman folk tale, then we will have time time to find ourselves in this story during a group dialog. Folk stories are rich in human archetypes that invite us into our hearts. With playfulness and honesty, these stories show how you are part of Us
The day concludes with a drumming circle, where you can experience the power and healing of making yourself heard, then you will make yourself comfortable and receive a sound journey, a healing space where you receive the kinds of sound that help you release stress from the body and process what matters most.
Schedule and Registration Information
Our workplay together will be Saturday May 30th, 9am to 5:30pm in Port Townsend (exact location given after registration).
Organic lunch will be provided. If you have any dietary restrictions, please indicate that in the comments on the registration checkout page.
The workshop total price is $390, which includes a 16" drum with mountain deer hide. You may choose to make an 18" drum for $10 more.
Drum Choices
You have a choice of drum size and hide type. There are always exceptions and nuances in the sound of a handmade drum and no two drums will make the exact same sound. However, generally speaking, the thicker the hide, the deeper the sound and the thinner hides offer a higher, more ethereal sound.
As for sizing, usually the larger the frame, the deeper the sound. In this workshop you can choose your choice of a 16” or 18” frame, both of which give a nice resonant sound to the drum, always keeping in mind that each drum is an individual and its voice can vary from what is expected.
- Mountain Deer Hide can vary in color from dark brown to beige to reddish brown. Its thickness can vary from thin to medium.
- Elk Hide is usually white to a creamy yellowish color. It can be medium thick to very thick.
- Water Buffalo can be beige, light or dark brown. It typically is a thicker hide.
We'll use mountain deer hides for must drums, but you may choose to use Elk or Water Buffalo for $20 more. We have limited availability for these, so if you'd like this option, please get your registration in soon. We can't guarantee availability, but we'll do our best to accommodate your preferences.
Cancellation and Refund Policy
The $100 registration fee paid here is a non-refundable deposit. The remainder of the retreat cost ($290 + size & hide choices) is due on or before the day of the event, payable via Venmo, Zelle, or in cash. Payment information will be provided by email after initial registration. There are no refunds for the event, but if you must cancel you may receive credit toward attending another workshop in the future.
If you'd like to get on the waitlist, please use my contact form to share your name, email, and a note letting me know you'd like to be on the list for this event. If you'd like to know about future circles like this, consider joining my newsletter.
