Experienced tutor in Djembe in Oak Park, Michael offers private lessons tailored to your needs.

I have taken djembe classes from Taylor for the past two years, and he's one of the best teachers that I've ever had in any discipline. If a student doesn't understand something, he finds creative ways of explaining and demonstrating the technique. He is endlessly optimistic about what students are capable of, which helps us all do things that we didn't know we could do. He is patient when we struggle, and he celebrates with us when breakthroughs occur. Above all, he is passionate about Djembe, which sweeps us all along with him.

Taylor has a depth of knowledge & experience as well as being an amazing musician second to none when it comes to all things Djembe! It’s always a fun and enlightening experience working with him in any capacity. Always greets guests, students, friends & colleagues with a welcoming demeanor and you always go away feeling like you’ve learned valuable information and experienced something special.

I loved learning all about drumming from Michael Taylor

It truely has been a delight.

I first met Taylor at a drumming workshop in the late '90s. The facilitator Arthur Hull said if you don't have a teacher find one! Taylor had let me use his doun doun set at the class. I asked him about lessons and my whole life changed. We started have a class in my home with about 6 women for 2 years then moved to Taylor's home in Oak Park. I learned technique and pattern and many rhythms fro west Africa. Then class moved to a church in Oak Park for years. Taylor went to Africa for many years studying with Mamady Keita. I remember him going over the rhythms he was going to be tested for. Always improving his technique and knowledge of the culture especially the history behind the taught rhythms. He hosted many workshops with various teachers for me and my fellow students to learn from. Thus enriching my knowledge and my life. When he got certification from the Tam Tam Mandingue how excited he was! All the hard work paid off. I had the privilege of helping host many djembe teachers and attending workshop and weekly lessons for about 15 years. Feel Taylor is a great instructor and valued in the drum community. I still am drumming but live away from Chicago. I attribute my drum skills and level to to foundation of teaching from Michael Taylor, my friend and teacher!

Taylor's holistic teaching methodology gives me and my family everything djembe: rhythms, history, stories, origins, care for the drums, tuning, techniques, laughter, fun yet serious atmosphere, experience, and challenges for all our experience and ability levels. No matter what our days have been like we all leave fulfilled and feeling good!

Writing about Taylor's teaching style does very little to describe what it's like to study with him in a LIVE setting. You can talk about how "awesome" or "thorough" someone is, but until you experience it in person, you cannot get the full effect.
That is what it's like studying with Taylor. He's the whole package. Confidence, knowledge, depth of character, uniqueness. If you are a friend or student of Taylor, then you know what I am talking about. If you have even a "spark" of curiosity about djembe music, and you are able to access the talents of this most amazing teacher, then what the hell are you waiting for? As my mentors have told me....Do it! Do it! Do it NOW!

Taylor is an amazing and encouraging teacher. His positive reinforcements when you get something right, and his encouragement to keep trying when you haven’t exactly got it yet are such helpful teaching tools. Plus his enthusiasm for the Djembe, its culture and its history, are contagious! When I can’t take a series for personal reasons, I am always disappointed. And I appreciate his patience with everyone, whether a beginner or a “veteran”. I’m about to sign up for my (maybe) 14th or 15th year (hard to be sure). He makes it both challenging and fun. Thank you so much, Taylor!

Taylor's mastery of his art is followed closely by his ability to teach and share his knowledge. I consider myself fortunate to be a student of his. Any time I've been blessed to study with him has benefited me greatly.

It’s the real deal. Great, accurate information about the history of the music and culture. Outstanding instruction from someone who’s dedicate his life to teaching and learning.

Academy Instructor Michael Taylor is amazing at his art and knowledge of the djembe. His instruction is very clear and his set up of class time is very fun and free-flowing. He combines all levels of djembe players into one class, giving students the opportunity to explore and play with more beginner and advanced rhythms. He also takes the time to make sure that all students are grasping the material being taught and is super approachable. If you are looking for a fun, enriching and challenging experience with an AMAZING instructor, you've come to the right place! I will definitely be taking more of his courses.

I am so glad that I started my djembe journey with Taylor. He has given me an excellent and comprehensive education. His knowledge of African rhythms and the Malinke culture is outstanding.
There are people in this world that claim to be a djembe teacher, but Taylor is the real deal!

Patience. Willing to help a new player. Very good, quality instruction. Taylor is one of a kind.

The in-depth knowledge Taylor has about ethnic roots of west African rhythms aids students to build a bond and feel the beautiful culture while learning the rhythms musically . His detailing efforts and focusing on individuals with different skill levels in same class is amazing too :) !! Cheers to the head goat at TTMDA ChicAgo !

Taylor is very knowledgeable and able to adjust to fit the needs and abilities of the student

Taylor is one if the pioneers of traditional Djembe music in Chicago. He teaches with ease and skill. When you are in a class with Taylor you are totally supported weather a beginner or seasoned veteran of Djembe music. He is one of the senior most teachers within TamTam Mandingue Academy and when he teaches all us knowledge and wisdom come through with ease and joy. I highly recommend studying with Taylor weather you are a weekend player or want to become a true aficionado of the Djembe.

I have been taking classes with Michael Taylor, for four years. He is kind, patient, and very enthusiastic! It has been a great experience, and I am planning on continuing on for many more years!

The wealth of knowledge as well as comprehensiveness and authenticity in the tradition. Very approachable and fun too.

Everything. I’ve grown as a musician AND a human being.

I like that Taylor challenge me to play my best. Taylor is not afraid to correct me and allows me work on my sound and technique. He is a great teacher that I recommend. Because of him I am a substitute teacher at Old Town School of Folk Music.

Amazing teacher and l learned so much.
A great experience and can’t wait to take more classes with Michael.

It is the greatest, and most organized music institution known. It is definitely providing top-level, proficient Djembe instruction. Also, it has produced great students.

Beautiful experience and had lots of information to take with me. I learned a lot from my teacher Michael Taylor

I took a few sessions with Michael Taylor and it was such an enjoyable experience. Taking myself so incredibly far outside of my comfort zone was scary, but Taylor was welcoming, patient, and encouraging. I had a great time learning about this beautiful instrument, the culture from which it came, and a little bit about myself in the process.

I studied Djembe with Taylor, and his class, for some time. The Tam Tam Academy is NOT just "drumming lessons". It was founded by one of the truly great traditional, Africa drummers (Mamady Kieta) . It is steeped in tradition. Like all of Mamade's students, Taylor teaches, not just rhythms, but all about the history and origins. It's integral to every class. Taylor is not just a teacher, but a true believer. You simply won't find a more capable, skilled, and knowledgeable practitioner (and he's a great teacher :-)).

Taylor is an exceptionally knowledgable and engaging teacher. Committed to the art of Djembe and encouraging throughout, his classes fill your heart with joy and a true sense of community. One cannot help but smile the entire time as you learn new skills and connect with the present moment.