A Brief Background....... Since learning the drum kit in high school I progressed into hand percussion as I found it easier to transport and be able to play more frequently, and with more people, without having to set-up a full drum kit. After being drawn to the wide variety of awesome sounds and different drum styles, at a local folk festivals, it was quite clear to me that I needed to obtain one of those wonderful instruments. Which by the way, were originally made as healing implements. Click here for more info. Upon buying my first drum, a set of L.P Junior Congas in 1998, hand drumming, or percussion drumming, has played a huge part in my life. In 2001, after three years of playing hand drums with a small group of friends, I tried my hand at a community event to meet more people interested in drumming in my area. The event went from one extreme to the other before I finally decided that if I was going to make some noise in the main street of town then I needed to get lots of people involved and at the same time raise some money for charities. So that's what I did. From this event the 'Kirtana Drum Circle' was formed, which is a free community group open to all ages and abilities. Visit the Community Circles page to see more on community drum circles, includes a link to Kirtana Drum Circle's page. It soon became clear to me that drumming and especially drumming with others, held some special quality that was unique and quite uplifting. I began researching and found out that I was well behind the eight ball. But, after catching up to speed and seeing what was already available, by way of drum circles here in Australia and internationally, I decided to join the thousands worldwide, already facilitating drum circles due to the many benefits they offer, and Essential Rhythms went from being an idea to a reality. I hope you enjoy surfing my site and I also hope that you gain as much enjoyment out of playing a drum, or two, as I do. If not you had better contact me a.s.a.p, you may need a healthy dose of random rhythmic release. :-) Peace, health and happiness to you all. Shayne Willis.  - Manager & Facilitator

Mission Statement