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Welcome to the Drummer's Toy Store


Rhythm Traders, founded in 1992, is a locally owned full-line drum shop with the Northwest's most extensive selection of drum sets, cymbals, marching & symphonic percussion, electronic kits, sampling pads and triggers, djembes, congas, and world percussion. We offer lessons, repair, rentals, school packages, and have an extensive kids' drum section for the wee ones.

Stop by in person or online, and discover our low prices and huge selection of drums, percussion, cymbals and accessories. Find out what Oregonians have always known; that they can shop locally while still getting the best prices, and superior product knowledge & customer service from fellow drummers. We have FREE on-site parking, and there's NEVER sales tax in Oregon. Sticks, heads, and cymbals are 40% OFF everyday. Come see why we're The Drummer's Toy Store...

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Upcoming Classes


Group Classes


Djembe Explore! Beginning djembe. Covers hand technique (bass, tone, slap), basic rhythms, and intro to dununs (the bass drums) in a low-pressure setting. You will explore the polyrhythmic patterns of West Africa, learn supporting/accompaniment rhythm, as well as the breaks, signals and arrangements for traditional West African rhythms. Teachers will also discuss origins, context, and culture in this Ongoing/Drop-in group lesson. Bring your own Djembe. Dununs will be provided. Taught by Caton Lyles. $20

Cost: $ 20.00
Intermediate Djembe (Saturdays, 1:30pm - 2:45pm) - For those who have basic technique under their belt and 1 year of familiarization with djembe including basic accompaniment patterns, the intermediate course continues the West African rhythm journey with more complex rhythms, breaks, solo phrases, as well as use of dununs in a group setting. Students will study the works of master Djembefolas Mamady Keita and Famoudou Konate as well as specific rhythms played for harvest, fishing, courtship, marriage and other life-cycle ceremonies. This is Ongoing/Drop-in. Bring your own Djembe. Dununs will be provided. Taught by Caton Lyles. $20

Cost: $ 20.00
Conga Explore! (Saturdays, 3:30pm - 4:45pm) - Beginning Conga. Covers hand technique (bass, tone, open slap, closed slap, heel-toe), basic rhythms (Tumbao/Marcha, Rumba, Makuta, Comparsa) in a low-pressure group setting. Students will also learn the accompaniment clave, bell, and shekere instruments and patterns used in those rhythms. This is Ongoing/Drop-in course and will prepare students for the Afro-/Cuban Rhythm Lab where they continue their rhythmic journey by applying technique along with other percussion and rhythm section instruments. Congas will be provided. Taught by Caton Lyles. $20

Cost: $ 20.00
Brazilian Rhythm Lab with members of Portland Samba (Wednesdays 6-7:15pm.): Designed for beginning students, established drummers wanting to probe deeper, and music teachers alike. Students will specialize in their chosen instrument (surdo, tamborim, repinique, caixa, pandeiro, ago-go, timbau, etc) in a low pressure and supportive setting while gaining familiarity with all the instruments used to play popular Brazilian rhythms including Samba, Samba-Reggae, Pagode and Maracatu. For those performance inclined, this course will serve as an introduction and feeder group to local samba ensembles. This is Ongoing/Drop-in. Limited to 8 students. Wednesdays 6-7:15pm.. Instruments provided. Taught in rotation by members of the Portland Samba community. $20

Cost: $ 20.00

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Come and visit us

3904 NE MLK Jr. Blvd
Portland, OR, 97212
Hours:
Tue - Sat 11am -7pm, Sun 12pm - 5pm
1-503-288-6950
info@rhythmtraders.com

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