Welcome to African Arts Institute's
Certificate Program in African Drumming & Dance!
African Arts Institute is now offering a certificate program in African drumming and dance. Join us for one course, or complete the entire certificate. This will be of interest to Music and Dance teachers at all levels, teachers of African Studies, professional musicians and dancers, and enthusiasts. The first course is now available for registration. Each year an additional course will be added, providing an opportunity to earn credits toward a Certificate for the first cohort in 2029.Â
We gratefully acknowledge the support of the City of Belleville in the development of this program. Â
Course 1:Â West African Drumming: Technique, Ensemble, and Cultural Context
An academic-format class structure for teaching West African drumming to an advanced audience. Students receive 30 hours of training through a one-week summer intensive, which includes practical details on pedagogy, materials, cultural ethics, assessment, accessibility, and community engagement.
This is a practical hands-on ensemble drumming course introducing fundamental techniques, traditional West African rhythms, participant/ensemble roles, improvisation and cultural context. Emphasis on listening, community-building, respectful cultural and historical learning values, and a culminating community performance.
Course 2: Coming in summer 2027
Stay tuned for the introduction of the second course in the series, offered in summer 2027.
Course 3: Coming in summer 2028
Stay tuned for the third course in the series, offered in summer 2028.
Course 4: Coming in summer 2029
Stay tuned for the introduction of the fourth course in the series, offered in summer 2029.