Page Title
Drum Up the Sun
Group Sessions & workshops
When I work with groups it begins with an empty space, and then it is filled with people. Usually those who work together or know each other, sometimes they are meeting for the first time. What is everyone arriving with? How has their day been? What are their expectations, of self, from others? Do they really know what they are bringing?
Within the framework of my years of experience from playing and teaching taiko, I start with the body: movement, weight, feel, senses. Then connection, with breath, with others, with lightness, with curiosity and as sense of adventure. Who am I today in this space? Who are these others? Where are we going? The drums bring us together to a shared purpose, like a kindly chaperone, and while you are busily learning a new skill you become closer with yourself and the others sharing this experience. Seeing this small moment of positive change in a group is what brings me joy.
I sometimes move away from the drums into movement, voice and other materials as paths to connecting with self and others - simple crafts, journaling, making instruments are powerful ways to come together.
Short sessions of 90-120 minutes can work in context of a wider programme. Half day 3-4 hours punctuated with breaks around meetings, food or other activities brings another layer of insight and discovery.
Contact me to find out more.
"One of our group was so enthused she's gonna come to your regular group with her daughter! She said she felt empowered and connected to the Earth by doing your workshop.
...ain't that the best testimonial?! "
“Thank you again for such a wonderful day.
I would love for us to repeat this experience.”
Learning & Development Manager,
Riverford Organic Farmers
“Everyone here LOVED the session. People who were nervous about making sounds really got into it and everyone had a sense of achievement and of doing something meaningful together.”
Staff at Sharpham House
“It made me think about what energy I bring to the team and how that changes things”
Participant
RD&E Therapies Team
"Before I came I felt stressed, tired and generally annoyed. After a couple of hours I felt awake, a release of stress and engaged."
"I feel 'in touch', exhilarated, energised, 'heard'."
Participants, after one session.
Working with organisations since 2017
Devon, Cornwall & Dorset Police (2017 & 2018), Exeter University Finance Team (2018), St Luke’s Hospice (2017), Sharpham Estates Team Day (2018), RD&E Therapies Team (2019), Riverford Organic Famers, Learning at Work Week (2024)
"This was profoundly powerful and challenging for me, triggering a bittersweet mix of deeply painful emotions whilst at the same time providing me with feelings of healing, comfort, hope and empowerment. "
Vee, who is remembered fondly.
About me
My name is Hannah, also known as Hannah-Jasmine, or HJ.
I have been working with people and drums for over 15 years. In the movement, voice and rhythm of taiko drums we can explore our relationships - with land, place, with community, and with ourselves. I have experienced and witnessed powerful change in people, working through these drums. And the great thing is - it's so easy. There they are, waiting for us to be
“HJ integrates a mindful approach to her teaching. She offers beauty and genuine connection that extends beyond the studio and into daily life. She is passionate about sharing taiko for personal and social transformation—to open our hearts and minds.” PJ Hirabayashi, TaikoPeace activator/founder, San Jose Taiko founding member
Group facilitation & workshop enquiry form
Programmes that involve my work
Family Camps, May & August
Families come together to spend quality time with each other, switch off from digital lives and reconnect. Precious time spent playing games, helping out on the farm, doing workshops & having fun.
There is a taiko workshop for the women where we explore movement, voice and drum together. Taiko for the children is also offered, along with music for under 5s & wool crafts.
Dum Up the Sun Camp
An intensive, immersive experience that brings drum, voice, movement, breath work and awareness into our land connection. Time to switch off from digital demands, spend time tuning into our own needs and our wider purpose.
We drum together with joyful abandon, and approach the drum alone. Led by myself and two other gentle, empowering and supportive leaders - Tina Sharman & Flora Pethybridge.
Hill Tribe
A 6-day programme where young people work & play together exploring creativity, courage, capacity & joy.
14-17 year olds will live on the land, help to harvest & cook food for the camp, learn real-life skills and also spend time in the studio with movement-based practice to support emotional literacy & use taiko drums as a creative outlet.
