this year, work took me away from seattle. there are many reasons i miss it, but one huge one is that i had to give up drumming with Bill Matthews. i drummed with bill for 3 years, starting in the beginner's class and working my way up to advanced. in each class, Bill creates complex African rhythms by teaching parts separately, then putting them together so they interlock, flow, and create a musical conversation. in his classes, you'll be able to work on many different aspects of African rhythm including hand drumming, stick patterns, bell, shekere, and more. his teaching style is relaxed and kind, welcoming players of all levels and easily gauging when his students are struggling and need extra attention, and when they are ready for a challenge. Bill has a long history in the seattle drumming scene and often invites other teachers of drum and dance to collaborate on special events. when you start taking classes with Bill, you'll be entering into a drumming culture that has roots in Africa and the Carribean with branches spreading over the Pacific Northwest. read more

If there was a 10 star rating we would certainly use it because all aspects of Bill's instruction, his publications and personal style are a definate 10! We have been aspiring drummers (students) of Bill's for over year and have purchased his instructional materials (not required to take his classes) including books and DVDs, and new drums from Bill. Owning your own drum is not required as Bill provides them during class use. Our experience could not be more positive, he is an effective teacher with a totally fun, supportive and encouraging style of instruction. His instruction materials and notation have become the standard for instructors and students alike. His books are compediums that encapsulate African Afro-Latin and Haitain rythym into easy to use notation, that assists in learning to play them, as well as preserving and communicating them in the future. When introduces students to a new rythym, he always introduces them in the context of their place of origin and their cultural significance. M and J read more

The way that Bill teaches makes drumming seem easy! I can do things in his class that I have not been able to do in others and I have a great time every time! I've got the confidence now to drum and hold my own and to even teach friends. My favorite drum is one that he made and it's nice to know that he's a local artist and if I need anything I always know he is approachable and knowledgeable. Oh and I tell you his pricing for classes ROCK. I was priced out of a lot of drum classes and with Bill keeping the price affordable allows for people like me to have access to the joy of drumming. I am so sooo grateful! As a beginners teacher here in Pierce County, I teach a lot of his rhythms and Bill has supported me in doing so. He spreads the joy of the drum wherever he goes. I hope you get the chance to drum with Bill at Freemont Drum Shop in Ballard! ~WoMN of the Sunshine Grove Meetup - Edgewood WA read more

Fremont Drum Shop provides an informal relaxed atmosphere that will lift your spirit immediately. Bill Matthews provides the drums and the ambiance, all you have to do is show up. His patience, teaching style and knowledge at all levels has improved my learning curve dramatically. He has a welcoming spirit and joyful outlook toward his students and life. If you like to drum or want to learn how, this is the forum. We play outside in the summer and are involved in many events in the community. I like to practice outside of class and his books, cd's, and dvd's help me improve, learn the rhythms at a quicker pace and reinforce what I've learned in class. I've made many new friends at Bills's studio. What's fantastic is it's all right in my own backyard. read more

Fremont Drum Shop offers a wonderful selection of custom built hand percussion instruments. I have purchased both a bougarabou and a djembe from the shop and they continue to meet my needs as my playing skills improve. As for classes: Bill Matthews is a patient instructor who gives his full attention. He incorporates a lovely sense of humour, warmth and fun into his teaching style. From the first lesson, students have fun and achieve a sense of accomplishment. Whether you are a beginning student or have been playing for many years, you will find a level of class to meet and exceed your current expectations. Highly recommended! read more

I studied and practiced at Fremont Drum for several years when I lived in Seattle and I loved every minute. And the drum I bought there sounds great and always gets compliments wherever I play it. Bill teaches some very traditional and powerful rhythms. Playing with the group is a great experience and I especially enjoyed learning the culture inside the music. Even though I'm having a great time playing with my cousin's band here in California now, I really miss going to class every week. If you want to get a good drum and have a great time playing it, you should definitely go to Fremont Drum and talk to Bill. read more

Whether you are an experienced hand drummer or brand new to it, RUN, don't walk, to Bill Matthews and Fremont Drum Shop. I've been taking classes from Bill for about two years and he also put a beautiful new head on my drum. His teaching style is joyful, patient and encouraging. Bill has a unique way of bringing out our innate rhythm and before you know it, we are playing powerful and mesmerizing rhythms and it feels effortless. He lives and breathes the cultures from which he teaches and shares those with us as well. We are so fortunate to have Bill in the Seattle area. read more

Learning & playing in Bill Matthews' studio brings the brightest light to our otherwise dreary Northwest existence, every week & more!! You will smile the whole time you are learning & learn the whole time you are smiling!!! He will provide a cultural/historical perspective for each piece you learn. Bill is a wonderful teacher, patient, encouraging, slightly irreverant , loves to laugh, work hard, & loves building community through drum & dance opportunities. Sign up now to begin a rhythmic workout like you have never imagined. It's unplugged fun at its finest!!! read more

Fremont Drum is the best place in Seattle to learn how to play Ashiko, Bougarabou, and other traditional African and Afro-Carribean hand drums. Bill has a friendly, patient, and low-key style that fosters a great learning environment. Over the 4 years that I have been studying with him, I've learned at least 30 or 40 different ensemble rhythms and had the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of community events. I always look forward to spending an evening jamming with my friends at Bill's purple shop! read more

I just started taking Bill's drumming classes at the beginning of this year. He is an exceptional teacher. Kind, patient and impressively knowledgeable. We learn about the cultures from which these songs come as we go which really helps us begin to feel the songs in a different way. If you have wanted to learn how to drum, this is the place to go. Warning: You will get addicted! Trust Bill to guide you along the journey. You will have a blast, learn a lot and find a joy that you weren't expecting! read more

We're alive and grateful in Issaquah, when Bill brings his infectious rhythms and wonderful spirit to the Pomegranate Center on Monday nights. He's more than a great drum teacher and gifted performer--he teaches from the heart, connecting us to the music, to one another and beyond. Bill's teaching style is inspiring, challenging and just so much fun, you really have to experience it for yourself. If you live on the eastside and love to drum, come and play! read more

Two thumbs up! Fremont Drum (Conga Joy) is THE place to break out of your rut and enjoy learning something new! I had no drumming experience and no idea what to expect. From the first minute, I found myself enjoyably engrossed in the rhythms of Africa and the Carribbean, and I've kept coming back for more ever since. It's a great mental workout and a ton of fun. Bill's teaching is phenomenal -- as his his sense of humor. Guaranteed to make you smile! read more

Excellent, super fun way to explore hand drumming, even if you have never touched a drum. Owner and master drummer Bill Matthews excels at group instruction for beginning, intermediate, advanced and performance ensemble hand drumming. It's individual attention in a group setting. And a touch of ethnomusicology to go with that rhythm from Africa, Cuba or Haiti you just learned. Beautiful made-by-Bill drums for sale, too. read more

Fremont Drum through Bill Mathews brings a sense of culture and history into the technical aspects of hand drumming. One can learn a basic drumming pattern and get a picture of where and how that pattern got here to Fremont Drum. Bill, is with out a doubt, one of the best drumming teachers in the region. If you want to get in time with the beat and rhythm of your heart and soul, go get busy with Fremont Drum. read more

I was turned on to Bill's drum class just over a year ago and have been hooked ever since. Drumming in this environment serves as much purpose in my life as a weekly exercise and meditation routine. The best part is, I get both in one! Bill is truly an amazing teacher and I am always learning something new from him. I can't imagine my life without the energy from him and the amazing group that follows him. read more

This is one of the most fun artistic outlets I have experienced in a long time. There is nothing like a drumming circle to bring out the inner Congo warrior. Bill leads an intimate, experiential time of learning that is restorative to the soul. The time is enjoyable, regardless of your musicality and aptitude, and it has been great to become acquainted with others who come. read more

Besides being a super teacher and wonderful person, Bill is very generous. When a friend of mine was going through very difficult times, who I knew used native American drumming and smudging for strength and relief, Bill donated a beautiful drum and blessed it, creating wonder in my friend and his family's life. They didn't know Bill, but he extended his heart and hand. read more

I had a great time taking the beginner's class at Fremont Drum. Bill was amazing and my friend and I had a blast! We have signed up for the African Rhythms class for next month and will let you know how it goes. Fun way to spend a week night! read more

This is the best place to learn hand-drumming! Bill Matthews is a master drummer, but more importantly a master teacher. He is clear, thorough, and walks his students through complex rhythms in an easy to learn style. Plus, it's SO fun! read more