During this 4-week program, students live in Accra, Ghana, working with some of the best carvers in the world, learning the history of African drumming, and exchanging stories and ideas with Ghanaians. Students work one-on-one with a professional carver for 4 hours a day, 5 days a week. The carving partners focus on building a drum for superior sound as well as artistic integrity in the long tradition of Ghanaian artistry, incorporating traditional Asante Adinkra designs into the carving of the drum base. While all students finish the program with a drum that is uncompromising in the quality of its sound and artistry, the size and detailing of the drum will depend on the student's experience and ability in working with the materials and tools. Whether you are new to drumming or an experienced crafts person, the carver you work with will assess your experience and skill-level and work with you at an appropriate level. At the end of the 4 week session, each student will leave with the personalized drum they carved.
