Make your celebration memorable with an energetic and inclusive West African drumming workshop.
Hartbeats provides participatory drumming workshops for birthday parties, family celebrations and other private gatherings. Sessions can be adapted for children, adults or mixed-age groups, and no previous musical experience is needed.
All drums are provided, so everyone can take an active part.
A shared activity for your guests
A workshop often begins with a short performance on djembe and dundun drums. Guests are introduced to the instruments and their different sounds before learning accessible complementary rhythms.
Each part has its own role, and the separate rhythms gradually combine into one exciting piece of West African music. Call-and-response breaks, songs, movement and dancing can also be included according to the group and occasion.
Adapted to your celebration
The pace, content and level of challenge are tailored to the ages, experience and interests of the people attending. A workshop can be the main activity or form part of a larger party or celebration.
Sessions can be planned for:
- Children’s birthday parties
- Adult birthday celebrations
- Mixed-age family gatherings
- Private group events
- Special occasions and celebrations
Djembe and dundun drums
Hartbeats uses both djembe hand drums and dundun bass drums to create a full West African ensemble sound. The dunduns provide powerful pitched bass patterns, while the djembe parts and call-and-response breaks build energy and excitement.
Hartbeats has a large collection of traditionally made drums in different sizes and brings the instruments required for the session.
Experienced workshop leadership
Justine Hart founded Hartbeats in 1998 and has more than 28 years of experience teaching West African drumming. Her clear, enthusiastic and encouraging approach enables complete beginners to join in confidently and enjoy making music together.
Hartbeats is based near High Wycombe and works throughout Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Hertfordshire, Oxfordshire, London and further afield.
Contact Justine about a drumming workshop for your party or celebration
