In December I will be teaching a very fun and relaxed two week workshop in West African drumming, djembe, dununs and “non competitive” drumming for all levels in the very beautifu, peaceful and exotic village of Arambol , Goa, India. All levels of drummers are welcomed and you do not have to take the entire course. Please click on brown links below to see videos:
Drumming is about community and unity and we will be forming both. Let’s combine our creative spirits and come together on the beautiful beaches of Arambol for a great time, some fun and some serious good drumming too!
We will be learning and reviewing playing techniques, how to hit the drum correctly, how to make sweet sounds and play effortlessly as well as how to play seated or standing.
I will also be showing you traditional rhythm arrangements for a wide variety of pieces for djembe and dununs from Guinee, Senegal and Mali West Africa where I lived and studied before.
We will learn basic hand patterns and also call ins breaks and how to solo on the djembe drum as well. Most of all we will have fun playing together!
There are many different options for places to stay in Arambol, Goa. You can find one easily or I can send you a list of recommended places or arrange for you to stay in a simple hotel by the beach.
Hotels or rooms go for apps. $3 US to $20 per night depending on what you want and how long you stay. Pretty cheap by any standard!
The higher end get’s you a hot shower and ocean view in a newer building. If you want more excitement and more luxury you can also stay in Anjuna (the next town over) but it will cost more and you will have to commute by taxi car or motorcycle to get to class, etc.
You can get to Goa from Bombay or Delhi by train, bus or plane. If you take the plane you will need a taxi to Arambol which is about an hour away.
Classes will be twice a day leaving you time to enjoy the beach, shop, relax or practice. There is also a drum circle every night at sunset. You are also welcomed to perform with me often at my gigs at the many cafes and clubs along the beach and in Anjuna as well.
Arambol in Goa India is one of the best kept secrets of the hip budget traveller.
Arambol is a small fishing village with beautiful beaches, a lake, really great food of all types from Indian, Chinese and Italian to American and even Greek food as well. There is nightly entertainement and an always interesting cast of international travelers, artists, musicians and performers to meet , see, interact with and enjoy.
Learning how to play the djembe
There is always something interesting to do or see there and the best part is it costs very little to eat and stay there. Ideal for health conscious eaters or any one with a healthy appetite!
We will have drum and percussion classes every day as well as a drum circle at sunset and many relaxed and fun performances at nightly venues.
I am a patient teacher with over 30 years of experience teaching drums, performing and recording. You will be learning in a peaceful, open air, natural environment right on the beach!
Sunset jam on Arambol Beach in Goa
There will be plenty of time for you to swim, hike, explore, eat and meet new and interesting friends as well as shopping in wonderful markets, too.
The cafes are plentiful and cozy. There is any type of food from Chinese to Italian to Indian.
There is plenty of internet, cheap cell phones and connectivity if you want to or need to stay in touch with the world.
This is a great opportunity to learn or continue your djembe drum studies, have a great time, make some new friends, have relaxing time and spend very little money! You can get to Arambol by train, bus or plane.
