West African Drumming Workshop 2026

An opportunity to explore and deepen your experience with West African drumming on the Djembe and Dundun.   No previous experience needed, drums will be provided.   Come with a beginner's mind and be prepared to be taken out of your comfort zone.

Led by Mark Barfoot who has over two decades of experience teaching West African drumming and facilitated by Jo Crowe.  This will be our 10th Drumming workshop for men.

NOTE: This is not a Male Journey CIO event but is covered by Mark Barfoot's Public Liability insurance.

COST: £169  (includes accommodation, tuition fee, drum hire, evening meal on Friday, 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches.   We share Friday and Saturday cooking by bringing ready cooked meals (costs refunded)

WHERE:  Yealand Old School, Yealand Conyers, Cumbria, LA5 9SH

WHEN: 5PM Friday 9th October to 2PM Sunday 11th October 2026

TO BOOK:

Please email me at mark.djembe.barfoot@gmail.com  £60 deposit required by electronic bank transfer.  Please use this form to book your place

Feel free to contact me 07900 677 547  if you need to know more or would like to have a chat on the phone

RECOMMENDATIONS FROM PREVIOUS YEARS

I enjoyed the energy and challenge of the drumming. I thought it was good that we just kept playing to get into our bodies instead of my numb skull.  I loved the fun, play and the open mic feel on Saturday night.   Marty Togher

What I have come to understand is how important and beneficial it is for me to spend time in the supportive company of other like minded men, working and playing together....   I would recommend any man with an interest in personal growth to give such a weekend a go. All you need is an open mind and a willingness to join in - you will certainly gain some insights and, who knows, it may even help point towards a different path.'  David Fergus

There was definitely some nervousness about the performance aspect (am I going to be able to drum well?) and I don't think I was alone in that, but Mark is an excellent teacher, very good in explanation as well as demonstration, and he did a great job of teaching us techniques, both on the smaller djembes and the larger dunun drums.  Jo Crowe