John has been studying Traditional West African music and dance for over 31 years with his primary teachers being Mamady Keita, Famoudou Konate and Seckou Sylla.
John has been teaching Traditional West African Drumming (jembe [djembe] and dunun) for more than 26 years.
Lessons are are available at all levels - from complete beginner to advanced - and are tailored to each student’s needs / desires.
Adults / Children. No experience necessary!
When:
-My schedule is quite flexible! Lessons can be scheduled during the day or in the evening, on week days or weekends.
Where:
- I generally teach in my studio in Brattleboro, Vermont. Special arrangements can be made, however, for lessons in your home.
Cost:
-$60 per hour-long lesson in my space if one pre-pays for 10 lessons up front.
-$65 per hour-long lesson in my space if one pre-pays for 5 lessons up front.
-$70 per hour-long lesson in my space if paying for one lesson at a time.
Drums: Each student needs to have a drum! A jembe (djembe) is best, (as that is the drum for which the music I teach was "written"), but you could also use an ashiko or a conga drum. I provide the dununba, sangban, and kenkeni drums, as well as bells. Click here to learn how to pick a good drum.
(a limited number of rentals may be available on a first-come-first-served basis)
More Testimonials:
"John is an an extremely patient and skilled instructor. His manner is, at once, playful and meticulous. He really knows how to put students at ease, often using humor to make his points."
-Colby Brenin, College Student
"John is an excellent teacher. He breaks the parts down so you can learn them easily and, most importantly, he makes it fun!"
-Maria Forte, Artist and Teacher.
"Taking a class with John is intense and invigorating! There is a preciseness within the sessions which compels my mind and hands to go to a higher level of consciousness - a unique challenge to say the least!"
-Elizabeth Bjerke, Sign Language Interpreter.
"John brings a profound respect for the tradition, and a willingness to work with the class to bring out the precision that makes it all come together. He teaches about the cultural context in which the rhythm was traditionally played and often teaches the accompanying songs and dances! Through John, I have learned that drumming is more than just hands touching the drum - it is a classical art form with profound connections to dance, singing, ritual, rites of passage... to the essence of life itself!"
-Dan Bartlett, Architect.
" I had been studying West African Drumming for years before I took a class with John Hughes. Wow! What a difference! It was like all the missing pieces suddenly got filled in! John is Awesome!"
-Yolanda Green, Non Profit Organization Director.
I look forward to making music with you! Call or email me to schedule your lesson today!
" I had been studying West African Drumming for years before I took a lesson with John Hughes. Wow! What a difference! It was like all the missing pieces suddenly got filled in! John is Awesome!" -Yolanda Green, Non Profit Organization Director.
"John is an excellent teacher. He breaks the parts down so you can learn them easily and, most importantly, he makes it fun!"
-Maria Forte, Artist and Teacher.
