Spring 2025: West African Drumming Classes in North Conway, NH

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

Join us for an invigorating 7-week Spring 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.

More Info Registration

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.

With special guest Sayon Camara from Guinea, West Africa.

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.

Spring 2025 Schedule

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Level I West African Drumming

Mondays, April 28 – June 9, 2025
5:00 pm | North Conway Community Center
Seven-week session: $175.00

info & 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.

With special guest Sayon Camara from Guinea, West Africa.

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!

Details:

When: Monday evenings from April 28 to June 9, 2025.
Where: Classes are held at the North Conway Community Center.
Time: Class starts at 5:00pm. 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 six-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.
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 six-week 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 seven 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.

Info & Registration

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Level II West African Drumming

Mondays, April 28 – June 9, 2025
6:45 pm | North Conway Community Center
Seven-week session: $175.00

info & 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. Some basic prior experience recommended.

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 this? See also 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.

With special guest Sayon Camara from Guinea, West Africa.

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!

Details:

When: Monday evenings from April 28 to June 9, 2025.
Where: Classes are held at the North Conway Community Center studio in North Conway, NH.
Time: Class starts at 6:45pm.
Registration: Pre-registration is required. Space is limited, so please sign up ahead of time.
The cost for the eight-week course is $175. I accept all major credit/debit cards, as well as PayPal or Venmo. Financial assistance available for those in need.
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 six-week 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 seven 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.

Info & Registration

⭐️ Spring 2025 All-Access Pass

Level I & II Classes
April 28 — June 9, 2025

Want more drumming? The Spring 2025 all-access pass allows you to join both classes for a reduced price, and to customize your study program with Dave.

14 classes (2x/week): $250.00

Get the Season Pass

Get the All-Access Pass

About The Classes

This Spring 2025, 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 get to know the all-important dunun (bass) drums and how they function within the overall rhythm.

Djembé rentals are available for any student who needs one.

Both classes are led by seasoned musician and author Dave Kobrenski, whose extensive experiences in West Africa inform his teaching. Both 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!

Dave Kobrenski performing with master djembéfola, Sayon Camara