Drumming:

Private & Groups Lessons:

1. Beginner: learn the basic drum alphabet, the three basic ways to hit the drum to perform the alphabet and create different sounds, and really very simple rhythms.
2. Intermediate: Build upon basic skills by learning more advanced rhythms and traditional African songs. Become comfortable playing with other drummers.
3. Advanced: Learn more complex African songs. Work with timing and solos while other drummers keep the rhythm.
4. Drums are available for sale or rent during the lesson period. Additional charge applies for this service

Private lessons are held in your home or Nii’s home.
Group lessons are held in a variety of locations – please contact us for more information.

Schools: ( suitable for elementary to high school ages)

1. Assemblies: 30min to 1hour of interactive fun for children of all ages. Motivation and creativity is inspired in each child through drumming games, call and response and “orchestra”.We ask teachers to organize groups of students beforehand: the drum team (7-10 students) assists Nii with setup, demonstration and skits: the “orchestra” is three groups of approximately 30 students each. The orchestra demonstrates solos, duets and other games. 
2. Summary of Assembly content: Be proud of who we are, participate in our community; learning by making mistakes; how great sharing and communicating is; non-violent conflict resolution. Please note the themes can be changed depending on what children or the school needs
3. Small Groups/Drum Circles: Maximum 50 children for a full or half day of programs. Everyone plays a drum or instrument. This format addresses the same issues as an assembly but allows more focus on each child.

Corporate and Other Groups:

Nii can create a drumming program for your organization to inspire leadership, creativity, teamwork, and more!

     
Carving Workshops:

- Private Lessons & Group Lessons available
- Nii is also available for carving demonstrations at art fairs, cultural events, exhibitions etc.

African Mask Carving Course Students learn basic African carving techniques such as a machete to carve, lap carving, working with an axe and more. By the end of the course students will have created a simple African mask complete with finishing techniques specific to indigenous African culture. Students will study different types of masks from different African countries and learn the meaning and stories behind them. This course can be taught as a week long intensive or for a few hours a week for 6 to 8 weeks. This course is suitable for older children to adults.

Coconut Husk Carving This half-day workshop is a great way to introduce young children (up to age 10) to very basic and safe carving techniques. Children are taught how to use a rasp and file on coconut husk to make a simple mask pendant for a necklace or bracelet. Nii supplies all tools and wood needed.

Other Workshops:

Batik A 3-day workshop for students to learn traditional African batik techniques such as Adinkra stamping, waxing cracking, dyeing, and boiling off wax. By the end of the workshop students will have created an original work of art on a t-shirt, pillowcase or other material. Nii supplies all dyes, waxes, stamp materials etc. Participants must bring their own material to dye.

Tie and Dye Tie and Dye is very intricate and complex in Africa. This half-day workshop teaches students cord dyeing, sewing patterns and design, and dyeing order. Nii supplies all dyes, waxes, stamp materials etc. Participants must bring their own material to dye.