Hartbeats brings people together through West African drumming, dance and song.
Founded by Justine Hart in 1998, Hartbeats provides weekly classes, workshops, performances and team building sessions for people of all ages and abilities.
Based in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, Hartbeats works with schools, youth organisations, community groups, care homes, SEND groups, businesses, festivals and other events throughout Buckinghamshire, the surrounding counties and further afield.
Sessions are welcoming and inclusive, with no previous musical experience required. Drums are provided for everyone taking part.
About Justine Hart
Justine began studying West African drumming in 1998, the same year the weekly djembe classes in High Wycombe began.
Since then, she has developed more than 28 years of experience teaching West African drumming, dance and song. She has studied with highly respected West African musicians and teachers in the UK and during numerous visits to West Africa.
Her first study visit was to Senegal in 1998. She has continued to deepen her knowledge through further study in Senegal and The Gambia, learning about the music, dances and cultures from which the rhythms originate.
Justine has performed at the Kartong Festival in The Gambia and at the Abéné and Dombondir festivals in Senegal.
Known for her enthusiasm, clear teaching and inclusive approach, Justine has extensive experience working with complete beginners as well as experienced drummers. She adapts her teaching to suit the age, experience and needs of the people taking part.
Justine Hart, Hartbeats founder, teacher and performer
Developing Young Musicians
Justine’s work with schools extends beyond one-off workshops. At St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Chalfont St Peter, she delivers West African drumming tuition every week, teaching classes throughout the school day, including a separate advanced session, and leading an after-school group open to pupils in Years 5 and 6.
The children learn both djembe and dundun parts, understanding how the different rhythms fit together to form a complete West African percussion arrangement. Their tuition also includes traditional songs, West African dance and dundun dance, which combines choreographed movement with playing the bass drums.
Through progressive weekly teaching, pupils develop their technique, listening, memory, coordination, confidence and ensemble skills. The more experienced young drummers build a substantial repertoire and perform at school celebrations and public events, including joint performances with HARTBEATS Drummers.
Find out more about school workshops and ongoing tuition
Hartbeats Classes
The weekly drumming classes now run by Hartbeats began in 1998 and have developed into a friendly community of drummers.
Evening classes currently take place in High Wycombe and Ellesborough, near Wendover. Beginners are very welcome, and drums are provided. A beginner-friendly West African dance class is also available in High Wycombe.
Find out more about Hartbeats classes
HARTBEATS Drummers
HARTBEATS Drummers is the performance group led by Justine.
The group performs a varied repertoire of traditional West African rhythms at festivals, fêtes, theatres, community celebrations and other events. Performances can also incorporate dance and audience participation.
The number of performers can be adapted to suit the event, from a small group of experienced drummers to a larger community drumming ensemble.
Many members of HARTBEATS Drummers began by attending Justine’s weekly classes, where they gradually developed their drumming technique, musical knowledge and performance experience.
Find out more about performances
Djemboree and Hartbeats Community
Justine is also the founder and organiser of Djemboree, an annual weekend of West African drumming, dance and performance presented by Hartbeats Community, a separate non-profit organisation.
Djemboree brings highly respected professional West African artists and teachers together with drummers and dancers of different levels for a weekend of workshops, performances and shared learning.
Through organising Djemboree, Justine continues to support the study and appreciation of West African music and dance while creating opportunities for people to learn directly from leading professional artists.
The Hartbeats Team
Justine works with an experienced and dependable team of drummers, dancers and facilitators.
For many workshops, she is joined by dundun player Malcolm Smith, who has worked alongside her for more than 20 years. The number of facilitators or performers can be adapted according to the size of the group, the setting and the requirements of the event.
Photo: Reward Gateway
Hartbeats team member Barry Nielsen playing dundun drums
Photo: Reward Gateway
Justine Hart with long-standing Hartbeats team member Malcolm Smith
Work with Hartbeats
Hartbeats is based in High Wycombe and works throughout Buckinghamshire and the surrounding counties, including Berkshire, Hertfordshire and Oxfordshire.
Workshops, performances and team building sessions can also be arranged in London and other parts of the UK.
Please contact Hartbeats to discuss a workshop, performance, class or event.
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