Rhythm Kids^®® was created and developed by musician, composer and percussionist, Tom Foote with more than ten years of in-class research with children of all ages. Tom noticed that many children stop taking music classes between the ages of 4-8 because they aged out of "Mommy & Me" classes and they weren't quite ready for private instruction. Rhythm Kids^®® is designed to help children integrate and assimilate rhythm into their lives in a way that would keep children engaged, and actively participating in music, for as long as possible.

The djembe drum was chosen because of its ease-of-use and the ability to be used in various ways. The vision was to include activities and instrument play that would allow children to create and express themselves through music and movement, multicultural rhythm patterns (patterns based on cultural music), songs from around the world and music-based games and activities.  Most importantly, the class had to be fun, because that is important for children at this age.

Four Guiding Principles

• Rhythm is something we carry within our speech patterns, heartbeat and day-to-day movement
• Rhythm is a basic, fundamental musical skill that all children can learn, strengthen and develop
• Rhythm is foundational to other disciplines and highly beneficial for further instrument study
• Creating a culture of informal "play" allows children to flourish musically

The Voice, The Body & The Drum

Although we typically bring African djembe drums to class, Rhythm Kids^®® is way more than just a drumming class as our main focus is to develop rhythm using the voice, the body and the instrument. Our class archetype includes activities that strengthen and draw out a child's natural sense of rhythm while they have fun learning with their friends.

About the Rhythms

Rhythm Kids^®® is a three-year curriculum and the rhythm patterns taught in our classes are adapted from cultures all around the world including; Ghana, Puerto Rico, Morocco, Mali, Guinea, Columbia, Senegal, Nigeria and many others. The benefits of music in a child's life are long lasting and we hope our classes will bring music and happiness to your child, to your family and to your community for many, many years!

We currently offer two levels of Rhythm Kids^®®:

• Rhythm Kids^®® 1: Designed for children ages 4-5. No prior musical experience required. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to attend class with their child. Parents are able to experience Rhythm Kids^®® activities and can support their children's musical development throughout the week.
• Rhythm Kids^®® 2: Designed for children ages 6 - 8 years old. Previous completion of Rhythm Kids^®® 1 or other prior musical experience preferred. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to observe the class with their child, but are not required to attend.

Spring sessions times and locations:

Rhythm Kids^®® 1 Wednesdays 1 PM  Palmer location with Miss Daphne   Percussion in the Valley 13372 E. Crowther Rd. Palmer, AK 99645

Rhythm Kids^®® 2 Wednesdays 2 PM   Palmer location with Miss Daphne   Percussion in the Valley 13372 E. Crowther Rd. Palmer, AK 99645

Rhythm Kids^®® 1 Mondays 3:30 PM  Wasilla location with Miss Daphne  Primal Martial Arts  4886 E. Alder Dr. Wasilla, AK 99654

Rhythm Kids^®® 2 Mondays 4:30 PM  Wasilla location with Miss Daphne  Primal Martial Arts  4886 E. Alder Dr. Wasilla, AK 99654