Workshops for all levels, communal bonfire jams, plus great vibes!
Come experience a fantastic line up of teachers in a special natural setting.
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Our Spring Retreat offers drum classes with awesome teachers for all levels; beginner, intermediate and advanced!
♪ Teachers
Awesome teachers include Boubacar Gaye, Mohamed Camara, Seth Quaye, Appiah Annan, Abli, Odai Nmai, Magic Mike, and Simon Fraser.
♪ Drumming
An excellent opportunity to learn from some of Australia’s best players and teachers.
There will be classes in djembe and dun for all levels, so your playing will be pushed to grow as much as possible across the weekend.
Learning in this environment will do wonders for your drumming: the djembe always repays the time you invest in it. You will be challenged in areas of stamina and retention, as well as the content you tackle. After the weekend is actually when you’ll notice the difference in your playing – your technique will have improved considerably and you’ll find your ear can pick up the polyrhythms more clearly.
♪ Dance
Enjoy fun dance sessions, with live drumming! Whether you have two left feet or were born with rhythm – no prior dance experience is needed.
Our workshops are fun, educational and stimulating for all ages, levels and backgrounds! Definitely for anyone who is looking for a fun way to keep fit as well as enjoy an energising cultural experience!
♪ Testimonial
“Just wanted to say what a great weekend Crystal and I enjoyed. What a fantastic group of people. Across the board from Masters to Beginners we found everybody to be so pleasant. Also the teachers that I encountered were fantastic. Laura is so amazing at teaching and explaining clearly. We learnt so much from all including yourself. Once again thank you for all you did to make the weekend successful and amazing. Cheers.” – Cliff Strobel
Program
Friday 🌲
♪ Arrival: Anytime after 4pm.
Casual dinner, followed by an informal bonfire Jam.
Be warned, this Jam normally goes for hours and hours – such a great warm up to the camp!
Saturday 🌲
♪ 9.00am: Registration
♪ 10.00am – 10.45am: Opening Ceremony with Simon Fraser
♪ 11.00am – 12.30pm:
Beginners Djembe
Intermediate Djembe
Advanced Djembe
♪ 12.30pm – 1.45pm: Lunch
♪ 1.45pm – 3.15pm:
Beginners Djembe
Intermediate Djembe & Dun
Advanced Djembe
♪ 3.30pm – 5.00pm:
Beginners Djembe
Intermediate Djembe
Advanced Djembe & Dun
♪ 5.00pm – 5.30pm: Tea Break
♪ 5.30pm – 6.30pm:
Dance Class with live drumming (take your pick!)
♪ 6.30pm – 7.45pm: Dinner
♪ 7.45pm: Teachers concert
♪ 9pm: All-in Bonfire Jam
Sunday 🌲
♪ 8.15am – 8.45am: Yoga with Katrina
♪ 9.30am – 10.30am:
Drum Class
♪ 10.45am – 12.15pm:
Beginners Djembe
Intermediate Djembe
Advanced Djembe
♪ 12.15pm – 1.30pm: Lunch
♪ 1.30pm – 3.00pm:
Beginners Djembe
Intermediate Djembe
Advanced Djembe & Dun
♪ 3.15pm – 4.00pm: Final Group Show & Jam
Location
Set within the stunning The Briars Conservation Park, our drumming retreat is held on a tranquil 15-acre property embraced by native Australian bushland. A little over an hour from Melbourne, it’s an easy trip that feels worlds away from the everyday.
- Cosy bunk-style cabins
- Camp sites or campervan parking available (same rate as cabin accommodation)
- Shared kitchen, fully equipped with utensils and cutlery
- Bonfire area
The Briars – only 60 minutes from Melbourne
450 Nepean Highway, Mount Martha, Victoria 3934
Google Map
Meet your Teachers
Boubacar Gaye: Djembe & Dun
Bouba’s journey with the drum began in Senegal at just 14 years old. Today, he lets his djembe do the talking – channelling a rare combination of vibrant energy and quiet inner calm with every beat.
Mohamed Camara: Djembe & Dun
Originally from Guinea, Mohamed’s beautiful nature, infectious smile and skill as a performer has led him to become a favourite among young children and students. He is a wonderful drummer and kora player and can be found performing all over Melbourne.
Awesome teacher line up includes Boubacar Gaye, Mohamed Camara, Seth Quaye, Appiah Annan, Abli, Odai Nmai, Magic Mike, and Simon Fraser.
FAQs
What should I bring?
A drum if you have one – otherwise you can hire one for $20
Your own drum stool if preferred, or the venue has loads of plastic chairs which are also suitable
BYO food/drinks (The Briars has a big commercial kitchen with ovens, microwaves, cutlery, glasses etc)
Shoes to dance in
Sleeping bag / sheets / blanket / pillow
Warm clothes
Sun Hat
Accommodation
Can I bring a campervan or sleep in my tent?
Yes, you are welcome to do either and make use of all the amenities at The Briars. Pricing is the same for camping/campervan as it is if you are using a bed.
What kind of rooms/bed options are there?
All rooms are bunk bed style rooms.
We can arrange private room for groups of 6 or more, and family groups (depending on camp numbers)
Generally, we will allocate rooms to you all and keep men/woman and families together.
I’m an absolute beginner, can I come along?
Sure! We welcome beginners and our sessions will suit you. The retreat is a fantastic chance to mingle with those who have been drumming longer while picking up tips from peers.
What’s the address?
The Briars Outdoor Ed Camp
450 Nepean Highway
Mount Martha, Victoria 3934
The Power of African Drumming
In an article written about African Drumming, Dr Dawn Joseph reached fascinating findings when she visited our spring drum retreat in 2019.
This research explores why people came together to share music-making and practice at a drumming retreat, and what they experienced as a recreational group music activity.
Two overarching themes are explored: drumming for leisure and cultural connections.
Dr. Joseph argues West African drumming is a “shared energy” experience which has the power to positively impact participants’ lives as well as fostering cross-cultural understanding.
Here are a few of our favourite points from the article:
♪ African Drumming builds bridges and foster dialogue, allowing for a better understanding of the people, culture and music in Africa.
♪ African Drumming brings a positive effect to participants’ lives.
♪ There is a deep sense of belonging in the drumming community, being part of something intangible and ancient.
