Bring your team together through an energetic and memorable West African drumming experience.
Hartbeats provides engaging corporate drumming workshops for organisations in London, Buckinghamshire, the South East and throughout the UK. Led by Justine Hart, an experienced West African drumming teacher and facilitator, each session gives every participant an active role in creating a powerful piece of music together.
No previous musical experience is needed. All drums are provided, and the workshop is adapted to the group, venue, available time and aims of the event.
From individuals to one drumming ensemble
A team-building workshop usually begins with a lively performance on djembe and dundun drums. Participants are introduced to the instruments and their different sounds before learning accessible complementary rhythms.
Each section of the group has an important musical role. Participants listen and respond to one another as the separate parts gradually combine into a complete West African rhythm. Call-and-response breaks, movement, song or dancing can also be included where appropriate.
The result is an enjoyable shared achievement: a group of people, often complete beginners, working together to create an impressive and exciting piece of music.
Why drumming works for team building
- Everyone takes an active part
- Different roles contribute to one shared result
- Participants practise listening, communication and cooperation
- The activity is energising, inclusive and memorable
- It encourages confidence and breaks down barriers
- The group experiences an immediate sense of collective achievement
The full sound of djembe and dundun drums
Hartbeats workshops use both djembe and dundun drums. The djembe is a goblet-shaped West African hand drum with a wide range of tones. The dunduns are pitched West African bass drums played with sticks. They provide the pulse and powerful interlocking bass rhythms that give the music its energy, character and unmistakable West African ensemble sound.
Justine has a large collection of traditionally made, rope-tuned, goatskin djembes in different sizes, together with sets of dundun drums. Instruments are provided for everyone taking part.
Experienced, confident facilitation
Justine founded Hartbeats in 1998 and has more than 28 years of experience teaching and leading West African drumming. She has studied extensively with highly respected West African musicians in the UK and during numerous visits to Senegal and The Gambia.
Her clear, enthusiastic and inclusive teaching style enables complete beginners to take part confidently while keeping the session musically engaging. She works with an experienced team of dundun players, drummers, dancers and facilitators, with the team tailored to the requirements of the event.
Sessions tailored to your organisation
Workshops can form part of a team development day, staff conference, wellbeing programme, company celebration or larger corporate event. Hartbeats can provide a focused drumming session or work within a wider programme of activities.
Based near High Wycombe, Hartbeats is well placed for events in Buckinghamshire, London, Berkshire, Hertfordshire, Oxfordshire and across the South East. Workshops can also be arranged elsewhere in the UK.
Contact Justine to discuss a corporate drumming or team-building workshop
