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

Join us 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.

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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).

Fall 2025 Schedule

About The Classes

This Fall 2025, we’re pleased to present three classes in the Valley:

• Level I West African Drumming
• Level II West African Drumming
• West African Dunun Drums (Intermediate)

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.

The West African Dunun Drums course will focus on the three bass drums known collectively as dunun, and is recommended for those who have completed at least one session of West African drum courses, and are ready for a slightly more challenging course! We’ll explore poly-rhythmic concepts and build upon what we’ve learned in the other classes, aiming to put together a complete arrangement using all the drums in the Malinké drum ensemble.

Djembé rentals are available for any student who needs one.

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

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!