Empowering through music

Ouida Lewis educator and percussionist/hand drummer, was a lecturer at Edna Manley College of Visual and Performing Arts in Kingston, Jamaica for a decade. She teaches traditional rhythms of her island home Jamaica, the original sound of the Reggae genre, West African Djembe and intense drum technique classes.

Music is Lyfe

Research has shown that "drumming accelerates physical healing, boosts the immune system and produces feelings of well-being, a release of emotional trauma, and reintegration of self.

Other studies have demonstrated the calming, focusing, and healing effects of drumming on Alzheimer's patients, autistic children, emotionally disturbed teens, recovering addicts, trauma patients, and prison and homeless populations. Study results demonstrate that drumming is a valuable treatment for stress, fatigue, anxiety, hypertension, asthma, chronic pain, arthritis, mental illness, migraines, cancer, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, paralysis, emotional disorders, and a wide range of physical disabilities."

Testimonials

Discover what our clients think about our service

I approached Ouida when I first moved in Jamaica 5 years ago. My kids were then 10, 8 and 5 at the time. I thought drumming would be a fun activity to get them into while adapting to their new culture. And I was so right. Despite their age difference, Ouida has a lovely way with children, giving them constant encouragement and confidence but never forgetting her teaching objectives. The result was three happy faces after each of Ouida's class!

One thing I liked was the way she interacts with children. She is very respectful of their individuality but keeps the class focused. Most of all, she makes it fun! In one word, she's a god damn good teacher and my kids would testify of it. One of them is still drumming away and has joined the Ardenne drumming group.

- Marina Fitzgerald Selby

Ouida is amazing! Her talent, joy and love for music itself is one thing but her ability to teach, her patience and her interest in her students is extraordinary.

As a teacher to my special needs son. She has been so kind. She is respectful towards him and she immediately recognized his gifts and strengths. She devised careful strategies to work with him. I have proudly watched him develop and come to enjoy music even more under her tutelage.

She has been a tremendous blessing to us!

- Andrea Garcia