Residential African Music Workshops 2008

The aim of the Workshop is to offer an interface between the Griot and the student of traditional African instruments. Our teachers have come to Dakar from all over West Africa , Mali , Guinea , Senegal and have each reached the level of Master of their chosen instruments. They have played with the big names of West African Pop ,Professional Sabar groups , Ballet Troupes and all began studying under Griots handing down generations of ancestral musical heritage. 

We  can arrange Sea front accomodation to any budget for any size of group. Drumming and Dance lessons take under the shaded area on the beach. Kora and Balafon lessons are usually held indoors. We aim to offer an extremely flexible timetable and lesson plans depending on the needs of the student and the availability of the Griots. Please be aware that daytime temperatures in Senegal can reach 40 degrees C even on coastal areas depending on the time of year.Traditionally ,  Griots are taught by repeating patterns from their Master and expanding their repetoire over time , Balafon and Kora are taught this way with an emphasis on traditional technique. With a grounding in the basics it is possible for a student to make good progress with plenty of practice.   English is not the first language of many of the tutors , but we have found that communication through music overcomes any linguistic barriers and I will usually be on hand to translate if needs be. To get the most progress out of a workshop , it  is essential to have at least a week’s worth of lessons on any instrument.

Prices start at GBP 350.00 per person for a weeks self catering accommodation and 3 workshops per day for 6 days. For more info please don’t hesitate to contact us at nicohall75@hotmail.com  links for flights , Dakar nightlife , background info etc. can be found at www.seneweb.com or www.ausenegal.com