Hartbeats provides lively, inclusive West African drumming workshops for people of all ages and abilities.

From schools and youth groups to businesses, care homes, community organisations, private parties and festivals, every workshop is adapted to the people taking part, the setting and the aims of the event.

Sessions can focus on structured musical learning, teamwork, wellbeing, enjoyment, cultural engagement, celebration or simply the experience of making music together. No previous musical experience is needed, and all drums are provided.

Corporate team building and wellbeing

Energetic sessions in which colleagues learn different musical roles and combine them into one powerful West African drumming ensemble.

Corporate drumming team-building workshops

Workshops for schools

Engaging educational sessions for infant, primary and secondary pupils, from one-off workshops and activity days to progressive weekly tuition.

African drumming workshops for schools

Inclusive workshops for SEND settings and care homes

Flexible sessions for SEND settings, care homes, supported-living services, day centres and other supported groups. Participants can take part at their own level through rhythm, sound, movement, song and shared music-making.

Inclusive drumming workshops for SEND settings and care homes

Youth, community and voluntary organisations

Workshops for Scouts, Guides, Cubs, Brownies, WIs, clubs, societies, charities, community groups and other organisations.

Youth, community and group drumming workshops

Private parties and celebrations

Participatory drumming workshops for birthday parties, family celebrations and other private gatherings, adapted for children, adults or mixed-age groups.

Drumming workshops for private parties and celebrations

Festivals, fêtes and public events

Open participatory workshops can form part of a festival, fête, family day or community event. A workshop can also be combined with a performance by HARTBEATS Drummers.

What happens in a Hartbeats workshop?

A workshop often begins with a short performance on djembe and dundun drums. Participants are introduced to the instruments and invited to join in through accessible rhythms, call and response and ensemble playing. Songs, movement, dancing and cultural information can also be included where appropriate.

Hartbeats uses traditionally made, rope-tuned, goatskin djembes in a range of sizes together with pitched dundun bass drums. The different parts combine to create the full sound and energy of a traditional West African rhythm.

If your organisation or event is not listed, please ask. Workshops can be adapted for many different groups, ages and settings.

Contact Justine to discuss the right workshop for your group or event