Djembe Lessons in Ridgewood. Amazing Teachers.

Love Djembe!? Have a child who loves to drum on everything in the house?
Learn all you you need to know to enjoy your personal djembe drum and bring joy to your family and community. Hi, my name is Kojo and I have been teaching children & adults the traditional music of the West African Djembe for a little more than 15 years. I bring my unique experience and teaching style which has been perfected through years of Teaching Artist work in Brooklyn, NY.
Looking forward to making music, and helping you reach your Djembe goals together!

My experience as a performer and teacher spans over 25 years of just about every musical style. I believe in creating an environment that is focused on playing music well and where the student can have fun while gaining confidence. It is important to develop functional musicians with good technique, time, and listening skills. We will cover all styles of music from all over Africa and parts of the Middle East.

Lesson regiments are tailored to synthesize student goals and musical passions, setting a foundation in the instrument of interest.

Technique and practice-exercises provide the core for study and development (but we won't let that get in the way of the fun!).

My teaching philosophy largely derives from experience with master-drummers of different fields of study; my methods are thus a synthesis of concepts designed to ensure anyones improvement. We all have rhythm!

Originally from W. Africa, the Djembe is a drum for solo and ensembles. Wikipedia says it can be a Solo drum, due to its volume. My experience is usually with groups, i.e. at Sinclair College's choirs, adding interesting patterns and sounds. My approach is similar to Conga, although private lessons will include other interesting aspects of rudiments and if enough people, the possibility for a percussion group or ensemble would be fun and engaging.

My experience as a performer and teacher spans over 25 years of just about every musical style. I believe in creating an environment that is focused on playing music well and where the student can have fun while gaining confidence. It is important to develop functional musicians with good technique, time, and listening skills. We will cover all styles of music from all over Africa and parts of the Middle East.

I take a holistic approach to teaching the Djembe. It is not just about memorizing beats. It is about returning to your natural state where you are in touch with the pulse of life, which is carried through you into the Djembe or anything else you do for that matter. The Djembe's simplicity offers a wonderful invitation for a beginner to return to their knowing of rhythm.