I am a professional percussionist who is always searching for quality, hard to find instruments offered by knowledgeable folks. I found success today at Alan Tauber's Drum Connection in Arlington MA. I spent about an hour there and virtually every instrument I picked up was of a high quality- Not only has Alan got it together in terms of material culture, but the spirit of percussion abounds here- The service is friendly, passionate and helpful, the presentation is neat, engaging and organized, and these are world percussion instruments that you would ordinarily have to search everywhere for...water gourd drums from West Africa, Mbira from Zimbabwe, tabla and pakavaj from North India.....and the ever popular djembes...really good ones made of exotic hardwoods crafted by living artisans......and this is the tip of the iceberg! The shop is only one aspect of Alan's mission....he has brought into realization a drum academy instructed by masters from Africa and domestic teachers as well- He brings student study tours to Africa annually to learn the traditions from living players... He holds rhythm classes for young kids--so important in this day and age of rampant video game mania,.....did I mention that he has a mailing list of about 5000? I have about 53 weekly private students...I teach several adult hand drumming classes a week, I'm an adjunct professor who teaches at lots of schools and colleges- I'm directing all of my students to the Drum Connection from now on for all their percussive needs...stop into the shop and see for yourself what can be accomplished by a man with a vision and a dream. John M. 12'20/12 read more

I love the DrumConnection in Arlington, MA. They offer so much in the way of drums/percussion instruments, classes/workshops and monthly drum circles in Arlington (Friday evenings) and Framingham (Saturday evenings). You'll need to check their MeetUp groups for specific times and dates. The DrumConnection is also a great place for fundamental beginner djembe classes to learn proper technique and rhythms. I bought my first djembe from Alan Tauber (the owner) and he really took time to help me find the right djembe for me. After that purchase, I took some beginner classes and dropped in the Friday night drum circles. Fanta does a really great job leading this circle. She combines beautiful energy, songs and dance to make the rhythmic evening special. Lillian and Alan also add to the mix. I began drumming 5 years ago and have made lifelong friends from these initial circles at the DrumConnection. Now when we see each other at these circles or drum workshops we hug one another. That is one thing about drummers, they hug each other when saying or goodbye. Thank you DrumConnection! read more

The DrumConnection in Arlington is a delightful store to visit & explore. Although quite small in size, it contains a surprisingly wide variety of percussion instruments from all over the world. Almost all instruments are within reach for hands-on experience. From giant handmade West African Dunun drums & some of the finest sounding Djembe drums I have heard in many moons - to enchanting, one-of-a-kind Log drums, hand carved Krins, Moon drums, tiny Doumbeks, Balafones, rattles, bells, Kalimbas, that don't just look good - they sound GREAT! I find myself returning again & again because there is just too much to take in - in one visit. A colorful, warm & friendly atmosphere, no high pressure sales pitch, plus an opportunity to meet & greet some of the finest Musicians of all time! Videos playing of Master Djembefolas in action add another dimension to each visit. Who could ask for more? Oh yes, this is where I take my drums to be re-headed. They do a great job. read more

We happened upon the Drum Connection one afternoon and had been considering getting a djembe for my daughter to continue her drumming lessons taken at school. We found the folks at Drum Connection very relaxed and informative as she tested out the drums. I really appreciated that the owner didn't try to sell us something that would be difficult to maintain for a young person, and would grow with her. This is a quality place, the kind I cherish in Massachusetts - courteous, old-school, knowledgeable professionals with very dry humor. He also tuned a used drum I was able to come by w/o charge, much appreciated. We haven't tried classes here, but look forward to giving them a try in the future. As for price, I compared the Remo to those on-line and found them comparable. There is not a significant mark-up to make me want to buy on-line vs. support a local store where I can try things out and have professional input. Thanks Drum Connection - we will be back! read more

I am totally new to drumming. I found a drum that needed repair and took it to this store. The owner, Alan, took all the time I needed and answered every question I had with the hope but not the expectation that I would have them do the repairs. Well I did get them to do it and I picked it up last night. Alan had a workshop about to start but still took the time to explain the work and what I needed to do to maintain my new drum. He even welcomed me to stay for the workshop. I learned a lot in one evening and my drum sounds great. Actually I went to the store with high expectations because a couple of years ago members of our church got together and bought a djembe for our new minister. The member who found this place and purchased the drum here for us has delighted as was our minister who returned with her to learn more about the drum she had received. It is rare today to find a delightful buying experiencing but this is one of those places. read more

I'm new to the djembe and drum circles in general. The drum circle I attended last week was a blast. Very relaxed and friendly, the drumming was amazing. Alan and Fanta were both very warm and welcoming. As others have noted, great energy. I'm definitely going back. I returned to the store today to purchase my first djembe. Alan was more than helpful. He gave a mini-lesson on the spot so I would know how to evaluate the variety of drums, their tonal differences, etc. He also played several of them for me to have a better impression of what it sounds like once technique is mastered. The drum I finally settled on is incredible, love it. My wife was looking for a bodhran, and he gave demonstrations of those as well! Alan clearly loves what he is doing and it shows in the friendly, professional and deeply knowledgeable service. Way better than 5 stars. read more

I feel so privileged to be able to study with the great West African Master Djembefola and teachers that Alan brings to the Drum Connection: Famadou Konate, Mamady Keita, Bolokada Conde, Wadaba Kourouma (coming again Oct 13-16), Namory Keita, Issa Coulibally, Sayon Camara, Babara Bangoura, Billy Konate, Monette Marino and many others for regular classes and workshops. This is such a fun and friendly drumming community with so much going on for all levels...classes, workshops, drumming for charity events, marathons, performances, drum circles and yearly trips to West Africa. The shop sells beautiful drums from Guinea, Ivory Coast, etc and does tuning, new skins and repairs. Classes and drums for the kids too. I'm truly amazed by all that goes on here. Love this place! read more

Great store, great classes! I love the store. The place is jam packed with everything percussion, many African plus jewelry and more. It's all hands-on. The classes are good for the non-professional. They are very welcoming. the teachers are patient and know how to work with beginners. Yet once you've been there a while there's lots to be learned. I'm in my late 50's and this is a great activity to get involved with. It helps you concentrate, raises your mood. The other students are friendly. The classroom is well maintained for temperature summer and winter. I just want to add, ignore the scathing, 2 star review. That's what makes the drum circles and classes so great, the annoying people weed themselves out. read more

I graduated high school in June of '61. The allure of coffee houses had already begun. Someone mentioned The Loft, down on Charles Street. From my very first visit I was hooked on the beat. Lea Ananda, his conga drum and Norwegian wife Rowena. A fascination for hand drumming, and the beat has never faded, we would discover the DrumConnection, about 50 years later. Blessed with a sense of rhythm, as we all seem to be, tap your foot, grab a drum and let it run free! The DrumConnection: an AMAZING array of hand-made African drums and other items (musical and otherwise), excellent service, drum circles and a range of classes for all levels. (Tell 'em Ted sent you!) read more

Can't say enough good things about dc and Alan. Since my enthusiasm overshadows my technique, Alan actually tried to dissuade me from "overspending" on a master drum, but I was so besotted by its acoustic and visual beauty that I threw prudence to the winds (and boy was she mad!) and now have an "ever-expanding menagerie" (to quote a fellow skinwhacker) of melodious - I repeat, melodious - and exotic percussion instruments. Alan is a great resource to anyone interested in drumming, and any time at the Drum Connection is time well spent. I highly recommend his teaching approach and his (and wife Fanta's) drum circle leadership. read more

This place should be called, "percussion heaven". You can find Every kind, every brand of percussion instrument and accessory is all in one place, DrumConnection. The staff is knowledgable and helpful. It's a friendly place where you will find the perfect drum for you. They carry professional djembes, dunun, drum kits, cymbals, sticks...everything a drummer could want. They also sponsor local drum circles and have drum classes with the very talented owner as well as master drummers from around the globe. They also offer a wide variety of CD's. One of the best shops ever! DrumConnection = Percussion Heaven. read more

I've had the pleasure of taking a number of classes at DrumConnection over the last 6 months. I've had a great experience with teachers Alan and Liz and can personally recommend any classes or workshops which they teach. The shop is well stocked with a variety of traditional drums and accessories. This is a great place to go if you really want to try out the instruments before you buy them. These days there are plenty of online stores where you can buy this same equipment, but that can't replace the experience of trying the instruments yourself, and talking with the knowledgeable staff. read more

Alan Tauber is THE drumming guru! Exceptionally thoughtful, kind, and helpful. He knows more about drums, drumming, and the drum community than wikipedia or anyone else could ever hope to; and is more than happy to share it with everyone. Drum connection is the most well stocked store with the highest quality merchandise, including a huge selection of drums hand crafted in Africa. The school features the highest caliber instructors from both America and Africa. The classes are amazing! I cannot reccomend Drum Connection highly enough! Six Stars! read more

The Drum Connection is a unique place. It is a full service drum store, it is a school to explore traditional West African hand drumming, and it is a welcoming community of folks who enjoy learning and having fun. Alan is the warm and knowledgeable drum guru. I have been taking classes and workshops here for over seven years with amazing instructors including master drummers from Guinea, Mali and Senegal. I also purchased my African djembe here. Drum circles are a great introduction...no experience necessary. Bring your friends! read more

Great selection & attention from the shop owner. I bought my son a djembe from Christmas. Alan steered us away from the mass produced djembes to one that he has made in Africa (Ghana? can't remember exactly where). It has held up and has a beautiful tone that makes it stand out in a group. Some of the money I paid gets back to people making the drums with whom he has a personal connection. The shop hours are a little idiosyncratic so if you are coming from a distance make sure you phone ahead. read more

I love DrumConnection. I travel all the way from Long Island to Drum Connection to take classes with djemefolas...master djembe teachers and dunan teachers and have learned so much there and met really nice people as well and always end up coming up with more to add to my collection of percussion items. Last time I got this great djembe cover and great ankle bells that add if you are like me and tap your foot or dance to the rhythm as you play and some CDs. I only wish they were closer to my town. read more

I'm writing to update my DrumConnection review. As soon as Alan noticed my feedback he reached out to address my concerns and absolutely did so. His response and attention is one of the reasons why I feel it's so important to shop local. Community and relationships are important! We'll be back, the store offerings and customer service are very good, as I had noted in my original review. I think this was just a minor one off situation that Alan remedied. No hard feelings, and much appreciation! read more

Namory's Sunday classes have been fabulous, so this review shouldn't take away anything from them. But it was a delightful change off pace to take a class with Moussa Traore yesterday. This wasn't just a class on the parts for Mendieni. We got great insight into ballet vs. traditional, a powerful perspective on approaching djembe starting from understanding the dununs, and great instruction on rolls and on getting the feel by counting in Malinke. I would welcome Moussa back anytime! read more

I'm a new drummer and have now visited Drum Connection on 3-4 separate occasions. Alan (owner) and his team have helped make a very complex introduction to drumming quite simple. Drum Connection has served me brilliantly, giving me great advice with high integrity and fair prices. From sheet music, to sticks, to buying a brand new 5 piece drum set, to helping me with installation questions, I'm very satisfied and a huge fan. I will continue to shop here for all of my drumming needs! read more