Slappingskins was created by
Aaron Meli in summer 2002.

Aaron is an experienced percussion tutor who instructs and performs with djembe (West African hand drum), djun djun drums, cajun, bougarabou and darabuka. Aaron plays and performs on drum-kit and other world percussion. Aaron's latest challenge, though, is a drum closer to home...the bodhran as he seeks to discover more about the celtic roots of drumming.

Aaron's first experience of drumming came in the form of West-African traditional rhythms via Mamady Keita. Aaron bases much of his workshop work around these traditional West-African rhythms as he has a special affinity with the djembe. Aaron services Rope tuned drums and offers a re-skinning service.

Aaron works with many youth groups throughout the UK and has organised teams of youngsters to perform in front of large audiences. A group from Sarn, Bridgend that Aaron tutored won "Best Musical Act" at the BCBC Young Talent Show 2004.

Aaron took a School Group from Caerphilly to perform at St. Davids Hall, Cardiff in 2007.

Aaron is busy during the Summer months on Carnival work and leads groups that he has tutored through processions such as the Pembroke Dock Carnival 2007.

Aaron works with Special Needs, O.T. groups, schools, team building clinics and more. Aaron tutors regularly throughout the week at various venues for beginners and intermediate alike, coaching the Bridgend-based Weapons of Mass Percussion. (check the news page for more info or contact Aaron).

Aaron has been CRB-checked and is an enthusiastic and reliable tutor, trained by Community Music Wales.

Aaron says:

"Getting involved in djembe changed my life. It gave me a new way to express myself, make music within a group."