The rhythmic pulse could be felt over the campus. It wasn't the sound of construction or a plane flying overhead - this blast was created by more than 120 budding musicians banging in unison in what is known as a drumming circle.

The percussionists were taking part in the Australian World Rhythms Festival hosted by the School of Music and sponsored by Music for Everyone and the ACT Government. The program brought together master drummers from all over the world to teach techniques from West Africa, India, Indonesia, Cuba and Brazil, among other styles.

The drum circles you may have heard required the 120 students to assemble in a circle and follow a master drummer’s instructions from the centre, resulting in some amazing rhythms and syncopated beats. Master drummers included Gary France from the School of Music; Kalani, who has worked with internationally renowned artists such as Kenny Loggins, John Mayall and Yani; Tuza Afutu, a Ghanaian dancer and percussionist; and Alex Pertout, an Afro/Cuban rhythm specialist.

“You look around, there’s a lot of people, a lot of happy faces who are passionate about music and about learning, which is what the ANU School of Music is all about.’ said Gary, who heads the percussion program at the school. “We can talk about music or we can write about music but neither one really is music – music is the actual performing and experience of creating music.

“Australian World Rhythm Festival is the integration of people from all ages in the community and celebrates a passion for music. Music is a universal language. We have people from all over the world, [and] this activity allows people to understand and experience the language of music.”

Vivienne Winther from Music for Everyone, an ACT community arts organisation that helped coordinate the festival, said it was great to see many people from the wider community taking part.

Yvonne Lam, who studies at the School of Music, made the most of the action period to participate in the program. “I found this really fun, not that my classical study isn’t fun, but programs such as the Australian World Rhythm Festival appeal to a wider audience.” When asked about the teaching styles of some one as internationally renowned as Kalani, Yvonne replied: “He’s Nuts. Nuts in a good way, he’s very energetic and interactive which is very effective, especially when teaching with children.”

To top their learning experience, participants performed in another drum circle as part of the Olympic Torch Relay celebrations on Thursday 24 April.

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