Stick 2 performs professional percussion workshops for children throughout the primary age range for all progression steps. The focus is on the Expressive Arts area of learning as set out in the Curriculum for Wales. All of the workshops engage, motivate and encourage the children to develop their creative and performance skills. Stick 2 understands that through engaging with the Expressive Arts, learners can gain an understanding and appreciation of cultures and societies from all over the world and in Wales.
Stick 2 is passionate about expanding the horizons of all children and wants to make the Expressive Arts accessible to all. Stick 2 brings expertise as an external practitioner into the classroom and helps support the teaching of the Expressive Arts. The price of the workshops are affordable to schools when budgets can be tight. The Arts Council of Wales has a funding opportunity called “Have a Go” which could help with the cost of the workshops. https://arts.wales/funding/get-started/creative-learning-funding
Take your pupils on a musical journey through the vibrant world of percussion! Our Percussion Discovery Workshop is an exciting, interactive performance designed to introduce primary-aged children to the instruments and sounds of the percussion family.
Through live demonstration, storytelling, and plenty of participation, children will explore a wide range of percussion instruments — from drums and tambourines to shakers, cymbals, and tuned percussion like the marimba, xylophone and glockenspiel. They’ll learn how different instruments produce sound, how rhythm and tempo work.
This workshop supports the Expressive Arts and Science & Technology areas of the Curriculum for Wales, encouraging creativity, curiosity, and active learning. It can be tailored for all primary ages and abilities, with opportunities for a fun body percussion piece.
This engaging session brings the magic of music-making directly to your school. All activities are designed to be inclusive, educational, and fun.
Package 1
Two one hour workshops that can be split between different progression steps or classes. The children will watch Stick 2 perform the workshop and learn how musicians communicate ideas through playing using various pitch, tempo and dynamics. The children will also participate in a “fun” body percussion piece.
Package 2
As package 1 but with four one hour workshops that can be split between progression steps or separate classes. These sessions enable children to engage with and enjoy music making. The children will also participate in a “fun” body percussion piece.
Stick 2 Composition
One workshop as described in Package 1 with an additional themed composition workshop for the remainder of the day. This wonderful package is adaptable to any theme or inquiry and makes a great addition to an end of topic performance. The children will share what they have learned and Stick 2 will guide and support the children to compose and perform their very own musical masterpieces using percussion instruments. Previous example of this workshop includes musical response to poems and stories, “A Journey Through Wales”, musical response to a film, various geographical locations e.g beach, rainforests, and periods of history e.g Victorians, Celts, Tudors and the Coal Mines.
Price guide
Package 1 - £130
Package 2 - £190
Package 3 - £210
Stick 2 Samba brings the vibrant rhythms of Brazil to your classroom with our high-energy Samba Drumming Workshop, designed especially for all primary-aged children. This exciting, hands-on experience introduces pupils to the infectious beats and cultural roots of Samba music through rhythm, movement, and teamwork.
Using authentic Brazilian percussion instruments such as surdos, tamborims, agogôs, and Ganzas, every pupil will learn the key rhythmic patterns that form the foundation of Samba. They’ll discover how each instrument contributes to the overall groove and how to work together to create a powerful, unified sound.
This workshop supports Expressive Arts, Health & Wellbeing, and Humanities within the Curriculum for Wales, offering a rich opportunity to explore music, culture, and collaboration in a fun and accessible way. Suitable for all primary year groups, the workshop can be tailored to meet your school’s specific needs and learning objectives.
Book a Samba Drumming Workshop today and let your pupils feel the rhythm of Rio!
Package 1
These taster workshops are an introduction to a Brazilian samba band. The children will learn all about the role of a Samba band within a carnival and learn how to play all the different types of percussion instruments found in a Samba band. All Samba taster workshops are 1 hour long and cater for 1 class in each workshop (approx. 30 children).
Price guide
2 classes £100
3 classes £150
4 classes £190
Additional days may be added if needed to involve more classes.
Package 2
A 6 week course consisting of 6x 2 hour sessions which can be for 1 class or split between 2 classes.
Over the 6 week course the children will learn contrasting rhythms and patterns that are played in different sections of a Samba Band. They will link actual playing and dance to produce, in the sixth session, an exciting Brazilian Samba Band performance for other children at your school or for parents to enjoy.
Price guide
£600
Ignite your pupils’ creativity and curiosity with our vibrant African Drumming Workshop. This hands-on musical experience introduces children to the rich rhythms, traditions, and storytelling of African drumming in a fun and engaging way.
Using traditional African drums such as djembes and dun duns, all pupils will explore call-and-response patterns, layered rhythms, and the importance of community in music-making. Through rhythm games and group performance, they’ll build coordination, listening skills, and confidence.
The workshop links closely to Expressive Arts, Health & Wellbeing, and Humanities areas of the Curriculum for Wales, offering a cross-curricular approach to global learning, cultural awareness, and creative expression. It’s suitable for all primary age groups and can be adapted for Progression Step 1 through to Progression Step 3.
This inclusive workshop brings the spirit and energy of African music directly to your school. All instruments are provided, and sessions are designed to be accessible, enriching, and full of joy.
Let your pupils feel the beat, connect through rhythm, and celebrate the music of Africa — book your African Drumming Workshop today!
Package 1
All African drumming workshops are 1 hour long and cater for 1 class in each workshops (approx 30 children)
Price Guide
2 classes £100
3 classes £150
4 classes £190
Additional days may be added if needed to involve more classes.
Package 2
A 6 week course consisting of 6x 2 hour sessions which can be for 1 class or split between 2 classes.
Over the 6 week course the children will learn contrasting rhythms and patterns that are played in African music. In the sixth session, an exciting African drumming piece can be performed for other children at your school or for parents to enjoy.
Price guide
£600
Turn trash into tunes with Trashin’ the School — a fun, noisy, and eco-friendly percussion workshop where pupils create and play instruments made entirely from junk and recyclable materials!
In this creative, hands-on session, children will learn how everyday items like plant pots, plastic and metal bins, buckets, and pots and pans can be transformed into musical instruments. With a focus on rhythm, teamwork, and imagination, pupils will perform using junk percussion creations — all while learning about sustainability and the importance of recycling.
The workshop supports Expressive Arts, Science & Technology, and Health & Wellbeing in the Curriculum for Wales, offering a powerful link between creativity, environmental awareness, and practical learning. It’s suitable for all primary age groups and can be tailored to suit different class sizes, year groups, and curriculum topics.
Trashin’ the School is a high-energy, inclusive experience that encourages innovation, problem-solving, and joyful music-making.
We even bring the kitchen sink!
Book your workshop today and let your pupils bang, bash, and build their way to a cleaner, greener future!
Price Guide
Full day with 1 class
£195
1 hour workshops with different classes
2 classes £120
3 classes 160
4 classes £195
Additional days may be added if needed to involve more classes.
Bring the power and excitement of Japanese Taiko drumming to your classroom with our dynamic, curriculum-linked workshop designed especially for primary-aged children.
Taiko is a traditional form of ensemble drumming that combines rhythm, movement, and teamwork. Our workshop offers a fun, high-energy introduction to this unique art form, encouraging children to explore music in a physical and engaging way. Pupils will learn basic drumming techniques, rhythmic patterns, and group performance skills — all while building confidence, coordination, and cooperation.
No prior musical experience is needed, and all instruments are provided. The workshop can be adapted for Progression Step to Progression Step 3, aligning with Expressive Arts and Health & Wellbeing areas of the Curriculum for Wales. It’s an excellent way to enrich cross-curricular learning through cultural exploration and creative expression.
Each session is inclusive, hands-on, and unforgettable. We come to your school, so all you need to do is provide the space — we’ll bring the beat!
Book a workshop today and give your pupils an experience they’ll never forget.
Price Guide
2 classes £100
3 classes £150
4 classes £190
Additional days may be added if needed to involve more classes.
Package 2
A 6 week course consisting of 6x 2 hour sessions which can be for 1 class or split between 2 classes.
Over the 6 week course the children will learn contrasting rhythms and patterns that are played on Taiko drums. In the sixth session, an exciting Taiko drumming piece can be performed for other children at your school or for parents to enjoy.
Price guide
£600
Take your pupils on a musical journey across continents with Drumming All Over the World — an interactive workshop that explores the rich rhythms, instruments, and traditions of global drumming cultures!
Using an illustrated world map as our guide, children will travel to countries across Africa, Asia, South America, and beyond — discovering how people everywhere use drums and percussion to communicate, celebrate, and connect. Along the way, pupils will experience a range of authentic instruments such as the djembe, taiko drums, samba percussion, and more.
Each stop on the map introduces a different rhythm, cultural story, and hands-on activity. Pupils will learn about the origins of these instruments, how they’re played, and the role of music in different communities around the world — all through fun, inclusive, and energetic group participation.
This workshop supports Expressive Arts, Humanities, and Languages, Literacy & Communication in the Curriculum for Wales, promoting cultural awareness, global citizenship, and a love of music.
Drumming All Over the World brings the heartbeat of the world into your school — one rhythm at a time.
Book now and let your pupils drum their way around the globe!
Price Guide
2 one hour workshops £100
3 one hour workshops £150
4 one hour workshops £190
Additional days may be added if needed to involve more classes.
Celebrate the music, symbols, and stories of Wales with Stick 2 Cymru — an interactive workshop that brings together Welsh heritage and music education in one unforgettable experience for primary-aged pupils.
In this cross-curricular workshop, children will explore the lives and works of famous Welsh composers and musical artists across genres — from classical legends to contemporary icons. Using the Marimba the children will hear many pieces of music perfromed live and pupils will engage with Welsh music.
The workshop also includes an interactive map of Wales, guiding pupils on a cultural journey through key regions and their musical connections. Along the way, they’ll learn about national symbols like the leek, daffodil, Welsh flag, and the history of Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau (the Welsh national anthem), deepening their understanding of identity and belonging.
Perfectly aligned with the Curriculum for Wales, this workshop supports Expressive Arts, Humanities, and Languages, Literacy & Communication, offering a rich learning experience that blends creativity with cultural pride.
Led by an experienced music educator with a passion for Welsh culture, Stick 2 Cymru is informative, inclusive, and proudly patriotic.
Book now to bring the music and magic of Wales into your classroom!
Price Guide
2 one hour workshops (2 classes) £130
4 one hour workshops (4 classes) £190
Additional days may be added if needed to involve more classes.
Stick 2 Christmas is a 1 hour long workshop where the children will take part in a fun Expressive Arts Christmas theme workshop, demonstrating all the different types of percussion instruments and how their sound is made. The workshops will include many of the favourite Christmas songs which the children can sing, dance, and play along with. The history of the Christmas tree will be explained as well as different Christmas traditions from all over the world. All songs will be performed on different tuned instruments in the percussion family and the children will have many opportunities to see and hear percussion instruments they might have never seen live before.
These workshops promise to bring a very Christmassy feel to the most exciting time of the year, and of course there will be lots of sleigh bells used too.
Price Guide
2 one hour workshops (2 classes) £130
4 one hour workshops (4 classes) £190
Contact Us
The workshops can be tailored for all your school needs and weekly workshops are also available for PPA cover.
For more information or to discuss specific requirements please contact : -
07711 265412
Email - stick2@hotmail.co.uk
Twitter - @stick2perc
Facebook - stick 2
Instagram - stick2perc
Stick 2 is fully DBS checked and has Public Liability Insurance.
Unfortunately due to the increase in petrol prices, travel expenses might be charged over a certain distance.
Testimonials
Rhys Davies, Pennaeth Ysgol Gymunedol Cae’r Felin ag Ysgol Brynsaron
Stick 2 Percussion has been an incredibly valuable experience for our pupils, offering them an exciting and hands-on approach to music education. The sessions captivated students of all abilities, building not only their drumming skills but also their confidence, teamwork, and creative expression. It was inspiring to see our pupils engaged so enthusiastically, learning rhythm and percussion techniques while developing essential skills that extend beyond music.
The workshops align perfectly with the Expressive Arts AoLE of the Curriculum for Wales, emphasizing creativity, collaboration, and personal growth. This experience has laid a strong foundation for further exploration in the performing arts and has inspired many of our pupils to pursue their interests in music.
Mae gweithdai ‘Stick2 Percussion’ wedi bod yn brofiad hynod werthfawr i’n disgyblion, gan gynnig dull cyffrous ac ymarferol o addysg gerddoriaeth. Llwyddodd y sesiynau i ddal sylw disgyblion o bob gallu, gan ddatblygu nid yn unig eu sgiliau taro ond hefyd eu hyder, gwaith tîm a’u mynegiant creadigol. Roedd yn ysbrydoledig gweld ein disgyblion mor frwdfrydig, yn rhythm yn datblygu sgiliau hanfodol sy’n mynd y tu hwnt i gerddoriaeth.
Mae’r gweithdai’n cyd-fynd yn berffaith gyda Maes Dysgu a Phrofiad y Celfyddydau Mynegiannol yng Nghwricwlwm Cymru, gan bwysleisio creadigrwydd, cydweithredu a thwf personol. Mae’r profiad hwn wedi gosod sylfaen gadarn ar gyfer archwilio’r celfyddydau perfformio ymhellach ac wedi ysbrydoli llawer o’n disgyblion i ddilyn eu diddordebau mewn cerddoriaeth.
Depty Head YG Y Login Fach
Our pupils absolutely loved the ‘Drumming Around the World’ workshop. It was an engaging and exciting experience and the pupils were captivated by the variety of instruments from different countries, and they had so much fun learning about the roots of drumming. Gareth was fantastic—enthusiastic, patient, and able to connect with every child. The hands-on activities boosted the pupils’ confidence and also encouraged creativity. A brilliant workshop that is both educational and so much fun. Highly recommended to any school looking to inspire pupils and gain experiences in Expressive Arts. Can’t wait for a return visit. Diolch yn fawr.
Head Teacher Gwaunfarren Primary School
We were thrilled to have Gareth from Stick 2 run a range of workshops at our school, and what a fantastic experience it was! The sessions were absolutely excellent, thoughtfully adapted for all children across different age groups and abilities. Each lesson was meticulously planned, allowing for clear progression that kept our young musicians keen and motivated.
Gareth's engaging and enthusiastic style truly captivated the pupils. He had a fantastic way of connecting with the children, which made each workshop not only educational but also incredibly fun. The variety of activities and the ability to tailor workshops to fit different topics and themes were impressive, ensuring that every child felt included and excited about their learning.
Feedback from the children has been overwhelmingly positive; they absolutely loved the sessions and were always asking when Gareth would return. It was delightful to see such enthusiasm and energy in the classroom! These workshops have undoubtedly ignited a passion for music among our pupils, and we are looking forward to more drumming adventures with Stick 2 in the future. Highly recommended for any school wanting to inspire their students!
Aberdare Town Church Primary School
We recently hosted an African drumming workshop for our reception-aged children, and it was truly an inspirational experience! From the moment the workshop began, the children were captivated by the vibrant rhythms and sounds. Gareth’s energy and passion were infectious, making it easy for every child to engage fully.
Throughout the session, the children explored different drumming techniques, learned simple rhythms, and were encouraged to express themselves creatively. It was wonderful to see how confident and enthusiastic they became, working together as a group and immersing themselves in the music.
The workshop not only introduced them to a rich cultural tradition but also supported important skills like listening, coordination, and teamwork. The joy and excitement on their faces were priceless, and it’s clear this experience will stay with them for a long time. We highly recommend this workshop to any school looking for a fun, educational, and uplifting experience for young learners!
About Stick 2
Gareth Hamlin graduated from the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama after studying Percussion with Chris Stock and Timpani with Steve Barnard.
Since graduating Gareth has worked with many world leading orchestras, conductors and artists including the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Welsh National Opera, English Symphony Orchestra, Welsh Chamber Orchestra, British Sinfonietta, Cardiff Sinfonietta, Ensemble Cambrica, Karl Jenkins, Hywel Choir, Angelicus Celtis, Martyn Geraint, Under The Covers function band and The Music Agency “The Goonies” live with orchestra tour.
Gareth is also heavily involved in musical theatre. He works with the Friendship Theatre Company and has played on the touring productions of South Pacific and Beauty and the Beast.
As well as performing, Gareth is a percussion tutor, teaching at Christ College Brecon. Gareth has also composed many works for percussion ensemble, a number of these have been published by the leading music publisher and distributor, Southern Percussion.
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