Our Story

THE TONINGDRUM STORY

​

From Percussion to a Broader China Platform

Founded in 2003, ToningDrum began with a passion for percussion, performance and cultural exchange.

What started as a percussion brand and performance company has evolved over more than two decades into a broader China-based platform supporting international clients across business solutions, sourcing, production, logistics and creative projects.

At the heart of ToningDrum is a simple idea: combine international perspective with genuine experience on the ground in China.

Our Origin​

Rhythm Was Our Beginning

Tony Webb and Ningning established ToningDrum after being inspired by a powerful West African percussion performance at the Edinburgh Music Festival.

That experience led to the creation of a percussion brand built around energy, culture and collaboration.

The name TONING — combining Tony and Ning — became the identity of the brand.

From the beginning, ToningDrum was about more than drums. It was about bringing people together through music, performance, education and creative exchange.

​

A Company Built Through Live Experience

During the 2000s, ToningDrum developed from a percussion business into a professional performance group working across China.

The ToningDrum Interactive performance group travelled throughout China and appeared on television, in theatres, at major events and in Olympic-related performances, including performances connected with the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

​

The company worked on major exhibitions, corporate events, cultural celebrations and broadcast productions.

These experiences built capabilities that remain central to ToningDrum today:

Professional production.
Reliable local relationships.
Creative problem-solving.
Cross-cultural communication.
On-the-ground knowledge of China.

​

Building Relationships in China

Over more than two decades, ToningDrum has developed long-term relationships with manufacturers, suppliers, educators, performers, creative professionals and organisations across China.

​

In 2007, Tony founded Toning (Beijing) Culture Development Co., Ltd., establishing ToningDrum's presence in Beijing.

The business continued to develop through partnerships in manufacturing, education, performance and creative production.

In 2012, ToningDrum established a partnership with LP — Latin Percussion, developing dual-branded percussion products and supporting percussion education and cultural exchange in China.

Tony also authored 10 Steps to African Percussion and 10 Steps to Latin Percussion, developed for percussion education in China and used within the China National Music Curriculum.

​

Education, Innovation & Creative Development​

ToningDrum's work has always extended beyond performance.

​

In 2018, Tony founded Charlie Global (Beijing) Education Technology Co., Ltd., developing early-learning music programmes for the international market.

The experience gained through music, education, manufacturing and live production created a broader understanding of how international projects can be developed and delivered in China.

During the pandemic, ToningDrum also explored digital approaches to connecting educators, performers and creative professionals with opportunities and organizations.

​

The direction continued to evolve.

ToningDrum Today

China Knowledge. International Perspective.

Today, ToningDrum is no longer defined by one product or one industry.

The experience built over more than two decades in China now supports a broader range of international projects.

Business Solutions & Sourcing

Connecting international buyers with Chinese manufacturers and supporting sourcing, production and quality control.

Film, Commercials & Video Production

Supporting international productions in China with local crew, locations, permits, talent and practical production coordination.

​

Audio Equipment Rental

Professional audio equipment for productions, events and studios.

China Logistics & On-Ground Support

Practical assistance with coordination, translation, transportation and local logistics.

Percussion Instruments & Education

Continuing the ToningDrum tradition through sustainable, high-quality percussion products and music-based educational programmes.

​

Experience That Matters

Working in China for more than 26 years has created something that cannot simply be bought or built overnight — knowledge, relationships and practical experience.

It means understanding how things work locally, knowing who to work with and helping international clients turn ideas into practical results.

China knowledge. International perspective.

One experienced partner. Multiple China solutions.

​

Looking Ahead

ToningDrum continues to build on its history while adapting to the needs of today's international clients.

From percussion to production.
From live performance to screen.
From manufacturing to sourcing.
From creative projects to practical China support.

The journey has evolved, but the foundation remains the same:

​

Experience in China.
International perspective.
Trusted local relationships.

​

Work With ToningDrum

Whether you are looking to source from China, develop a product, organise a production, manage logistics or explore a creative project, ToningDrum brings more than two decades of experience on the ground.

If you have a project in China, let's talk.

​

​