The Sunshine Drumming Company specialises in designing and running tailor-made workshops and courses, each with the 'djembe' at the heart. The djembe (pronounced jem-bay) is a West African healing drum.

Time and again the Sunshine Drumming Company, using the djembe in a wide variety of settings and with groups from many different backgrounds, has facilitated major breakthroughs in individual creativity and confidence. We also help companies (Lloyds, Natwest, Thames Water, SKYTV, Mencap) take strides forward in terms of team-building and leadership development.

Mike McElya founded the Sunshine Drumming Company with his wife Noelle in 1994. He has studied with drum masters from Sierra Leone, the Ivory Coast and Nigeria. In 1997 he travelled to Ghana to train with traditional drum master Nii Tahki. He has a lifelong background in theatre and was artistic director of the Stark Raving Ensemble Theatre Company in Chicago.

Over the years, Mike has mastered the ability to combine professionalism and fun, earning him the reputation as one of the most innovative rhythm workshop leaders in the country. Noelle co-manages the business and assists with promotion, design and bookings of events .