The djembe drum comes from a culture that is rich in its musical traditions. It is also one of the most common drums to find in the classroom, but is often under utilised due to a lack of playing skill and knowledge of how to teach traditional West African music.

Join the webinar to find out how to create convincing West African djembe music in your classroom!

Next webinar: 8th November 2023. 6:30pm-8pm (GMT)

Can’t make the session?! No problem - sign up and we’ll send you the recording!

This session has now passed. We will post here when we are scheduling any new sessions.

This is a fully interactive webinar via Zoom -

please bring a hand drum (e.g. djembe) to brush up on your skills!

Using Inspire-works’ model of workshop facilitating as a starting point, participants will have the opportunity to:

Learn:

  • new djembe facilitation skills for whole-class teaching

  • the roles of the djembe, dununs, bells and talking drums within a typical Senegalese ensemble and what classroom percussion instruments are suitable substitutions

  • how to use differentiation in a whole-class environment with different age groups.

Engage:

  • in practical music-making activities to help enhance your own teaching

  • in discussions with other like-minded facilitators/teachers.

Develop:

  • techniques for teaching djembe in the classroom

  • an understanding of appropriate West African music and pedagogy for different age groups.

Bonus Materials:

Free unlimited access to Inspire-Works’ West African Drumming Docu-Workshop (usually £35) which includes:

The Docu-Workshops videos:

  • Documentary focusing on Senegalese culture, topography and history

  • Online samba workshops with Mohamed Gueye broken down into chapters

  • Composition activities

Leaders Pack:

  • 1-Semester Scheme of Work Teaching Suggestions.

  • Assessment Guidance and Templates

  • Video playlists inspiration: further clips of masters playing & cultural clips

  • Guidance on using the resource with Arts Award qualifications

The Facilitator:

Mohamed Gueye is a West African percussionist based in London. Born into a large griot family of drummers from Dakar in Senegal, Mohamed learnt the Sabar and Djembe drum with his family from the age of 5 and has been playing professionally since the age of 15. Passed down to him by his ancestors, Mohamed has a detailed understanding of Sabar rhythms and the history of Senegalese culture. Alongside this Mohamed has had a long love affair with the Djembe drum and is highly sought after for his explosive performances and patient teaching. He has performed at festivals across the UK including Womad, African Drum Village, Drum Camp, Africa Oye and BEATS Cornwall with African stars such as Baaba Maal, Carlou D, Aida Samb and Africa Express.

Next webinar: 8th November 2023. 6:30pm-8pm (GMT)

Can’t make the session?! No problem - sign up and we’ll send you the recording!

This session has now passed. We will post here when we are scheduling any new sessions.