West African Drumming Lesson: Bala Kulandyan Denko

Dave Kobrenski in Videos, Africa

Mar 26 …

Learn West African Drumming

In the below video, we’ll dive into a traditional Malinké rhythm called Bala Kulandyan: Denko that I learned from master drummer, Famoudou Konaté, during my time in West Africa. Enjoy!

In-Person Classes

Embark on an immersive journey into the rhythms of West Africa!

This Spring 2026, join us in North Conway, NH for an invigorating session where we’ll delve into the rhythms of Guinea, West Africa, focusing on the sounds of the djembé and dunun drums.

No prior experience necessary. No drum? No problem. Drum rentals available!

Registration More Info

Led by seasoned musician and author Dave Kobrenski, whose extensive experiences in West Africa inform his teaching, these courses offer a hands-on exploration of authentic Malinké rhythms.

Experience the magic of traditional rhythms passed down from the legendary master djembéfola Famoudou Konaté, as Dave shares his knowledge acquired firsthand in Guinea.

Djembé rentals are available for any student who needs one.
Discounts available for students taking multiple classes (discount shown during registration).
Student discounts available. Click here for info and terms

Spring 2026 Schedule

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Level I West African Drumming

Mondays, April 27 – June 8, 2025
5:15 pm | North Conway Community Center
Seven-week session: $175.00

Registration

Embark on a journey into the rhythms of West Africa

Join us for an invigorating 7-week session where we’ll delve into the rhythms of Guinea, West Africa, focusing on the sounds of the djembé and dunun drums. No prior experience necessary.

The Introductory course is designed for those who are new to this style of drumming, or for those who may want to brush up on the basics. In this class, we’ll introduce the basic sounds on the djembé using proper technique, and begin our journey into this dynamic musical form with basic accompaniment patterns and solo phrases to traditional rhythms like Kassa, Fakoli, Kuku, and more.

(Already have some experience? See our Level II Course here)

Led by seasoned musician and author Dave Kobrenski, whose extensive experiences in West Africa inform his teaching, this course offers a hands-on exploration of authentic Malinké rhythms.

Under Dave’s expert guidance, participants will learn the art of playing the djembé in a nurturing and inclusive environment. From mastering proper technique to gaining insight into the intricacies of Malinké drumming ensembles, each class promises growth and discovery.

Experience the magic of traditional rhythms passed down from the legendary master djembéfola Famoudou Konaté, as Dave shares his knowledge acquired firsthand in Guinea. Feel your sense of rhythm and technique flourish with each session, culminating in a joyous unity of rhythms in a communal drumming setting.

Join us on this rhythmic odyssey and unleash your inner percussionist!

A discounted student rate is available for those with a valid, current high school or college ID. Read below for details.

Details:

When: Monday evenings from April 27 to June 8, 2026.
Where: Classes are held at the North Conway Community Center.
Time: Class starts at 5:15pm. Please arrive a few minutes early
Registration: Pre-registration is required. Space is limited, so please sign up ahead of time.
The cost for the seven-week course is $175. I accept all major credit/debit cards, as well as PayPal or Venmo. Financial assistance is available for those in need.
Student Rate: If you have a valid, current high school or college ID, use code STUDENT30 during checkout to receive the discounted rate. You will be asked to verify your student ID. Please don’t abuse this code. Thanks!
Drop-in Policy: Please note, drop-ins are not allowed. Both the individual and the whole class benefit most when all participants attend regularly, as each class builds upon the material learned in the prior classes. Payment for the entire session is required to start the course.
What you need: a djembé drum similar to this one. Don't have a drum? Djembé drums are available for rent and purchase.
Drum rentals: the cost for renting a drum is $50 for the duration of the course. You can take the drum home with you. The drum must be returned in good condition at the end of the last class. Valid credit card required for security deposit authorization. The rental fee can be applied to the cost of a djembé from me if you decide to purchase one.
Cancellation and refunds: After the first class, if you find that it just isn’t for you, you may cancel and receive a full refund. Requests to withdraw from the class must be received before the start of the second class.

See you there!

For more information, please contact Dave directly here.

Registration

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Level II West African Drumming

Mondays, April 27 – June 8, 2026
7:00 pm | North Conway Community Center
Seven-week session: $175.00

Registration

Continue your journey into the rhythms of West Africa!

Join us for an invigorating 7-week session where we’ll dive deeper into the rhythms of Guinea, West Africa, focusing on the sounds of the djembé and dunun drums.

Prerequisite: completion of the Level I class, or equivalent.

The Level II course is for those with some prior experience, who would like to continue their journey and build upon the basics. We’ll pick up where we left off in the Introductory course, refine our tones and slaps, and introduce new rhythms, arrangements and solo patterns. We’ll also get to know the all-important dunun (bass) drums and how they function within the overall rhythm.

(New to drumming or want to brush up on the basics? See our Level I Course here.)

Led by seasoned musician and author Dave Kobrenski, whose extensive experiences in West Africa inform his teaching, this course offers a hands-on exploration of authentic Malinké rhythms.

Join us on this rhythmic odyssey and unleash your inner percussionist!

A discounted student rate is available for those with a valid, current high school or college ID. Read below for details.

Details:

When: Monday evenings from April 27 to June 8, 2025.
Where: Classes are held at the North Conway Community Center studio in North Conway, NH.
Time: Class starts at 7:00pm.
Registration: Pre-registration is required. Space is limited, so please sign up ahead of time.
The cost for the seven-week course is $175. I accept all major credit/debit cards, as well as PayPal or Venmo. Financial assistance available for those in need.
Student Rate: If you have a valid, current high school or college ID, use code STUDENT30 during checkout to receive the discounted rate. You will be asked to verify your student ID. Please don’t abuse this code. Thanks!
Drop-in Policy: Please note, drop-ins are not allowed. Both the individual and the whole class benefit most when all participants attend regularly, as each class builds upon the material learned in the prior classes. Payment for the entire session is required to start the course.
What you need: a djembé drum similar to this one. Don't have a drum? Djembé drums are available for rent and purchase.
Drum rentals: the cost for renting a drum is $50 for eight weeks. You can take the drum home with you for the duration of the session. The drum must be returned in good condition at the end of the last class. Valid credit card required for security deposit authorization. The rental fee can be applied to the cost of a djembé from me if you decide to purchase one.
Cancellation and refunds: After the first class, if you find that it just isn’t for you, you may cancel and receive a full refund. Requests to withdraw from the class must be received before the start of the second class

See you there!

For more information, please contact Dave directly here.

Registration

About The Classes

This Spring 2026, we’re pleased to present two classes in the Valley:

The Level I course is designed for those who are new to this style of drumming, or for those who may want to brush up on the basics. In this class, we’ll introduce the basic sounds on the djembé using proper technique, and begin our journey into this dynamic musical form with basic accompaniment patterns and solo phrases to traditional rhythms like Kassa, Fakoli, Kuku, and more.

The Level II course is for those with some prior experience, who would like to continue their journey and build upon the basics. We’ll pick up where we left off in the Introductory course, refine our tones and slaps, and introduce new rhythms, arrangements and solo patterns. We’ll also begin to understand the all-important dunun (bass) drums and how they relate to the overall rhythm.

Djembé rentals are available for any student who needs one.

Discounts available for students taking multiple classes (discount shown during registration).

Student discounts available with valid, current high school or college ID. See below.

Student Discounts

A reduced rate is available for those with a current, valid high school or college ID.

How to get the student rate:

Sign up for a class here
During checkout, use the code STUDENT30 to receive the discounted rate.
IMPORTANT: once you have registered, take a photo of your student ID and email it to: [email protected]. Your registration will not be valid unto you do!

About the Instructor

All classes are led by seasoned musician and author Dave Kobrenski, whose extensive experiences in West Africa inform his teaching. All courses offer a hands-on exploration of authentic Malinké rhythms.

Under Dave’s expert guidance, participants will learn the art of playing the djembé and dunun drums in a nurturing and inclusive environment. From mastering proper technique to gaining insight into the intricacies of Malinké drumming ensembles, each class promises growth and discovery.

Experience the magic of traditional rhythms passed down from the legendary master djembéfola Famoudou Konaté, as Dave shares his knowledge acquired firsthand in Guinea. Feel your sense of rhythm and technique flourish with each session, culminating in a joyous unity of rhythms in a communal drumming setting.

Join us on this rhythmic odyssey and unleash your inner percussionist!

About the Author

About the Author: Dave Kobrenski

Dave is an artist, musician, and author of the books Finding the Source, Djoliba Crossing, and Drawing on Culture. You can learn more about his latest projects here, or contact him here.

West African Drumming

Free Djembé Lesson

Dave Kobrenski in Videos, Africa

Learn West African Drumming

In-Person Classes

Spring 2026 Schedule

Level I West African Drumming

Embark on a journey into the rhythms of West Africa

Details:

Level II West African Drumming

Continue your journey into the rhythms of West Africa!

Details:

About The Classes

Student Discounts

About the Instructor

About the Author

About the Author: Dave Kobrenski