WORKSHOPS
Didgeridoo workshops built around doing, not watching. Participants learn where the instrument comes from, hear it played, then get one in their hands and start exploring rhythm, breath, voice and sound for themselves.
Workshops can be adapted for festivals, schools, community groups, retreats and private events. No previous experience is needed, and instruments can be provided.
These are hands-on workshops. The best way to understand the didgeridoo is to pick one up, make a sound and start exploring.
We build from the basic drone into rhythm, voice, breath and group playing, with plenty of room for experimentation along the way. The aim isn’t technical perfection. It’s to give people a real encounter with the instrument and enough confidence to find out what they can do with it.
Every workshop is a little different. I can adapt the balance of playing, cultural context, demonstration and group work to the age of the participants, the setting and what you want the session to achieve. A typical workshop lasts around 90 minutes, but sessions can be shorter or longer depending on the group, setting and requirements.
I can provide the didgeridoos, so participants don’t need their own instrument or any previous experience
01
Where the instrument comes from
An introduction to the Aboriginal Australian origins of the didgeridoo, including some of the different names and traditions associated with the instrument, and why its cultural context matters.
02
Hear it played
A short contemporary performance showing some of the range of rhythms, textures, vocal sounds and techniques that can come from the didgeridoo.
03
Finding the drone
Everyone gets an instrument and starts by learning the basic drone, looking at breath, lip technique and how small changes affect the sound.
04
Shaping the sound
Using the tongue, cheeks and voice to change the drone and begin creating rhythm, harmonics, vocal sounds and different textures.
05
Rhythm and group playing
Simple rhythmic patterns, call-and-response and group exercises that gradually turn individual sounds into something played together.
06
Circular breathing
An introduction to how circular breathing works, with practical exercises that participants can try for themselves.
07
Experimentation and improvisation
Once the basics are there, participants can start messing around a little: making unusual sounds, trying rhythms, combining voice and drone, and seeing where the instrument takes them.
08
Didgeridoo and sound therapy
A short demonstration of how the didgeridoo can be used within therapeutic sound and sound journey settings, exploring sustained tone, vibration and the experience of listening to the instrument in a different way.
Questions are encouraged throughout the workshop, whether they are about playing technique, the instrument itself, its cultural context or contemporary didgeridoo.
Festivals & arts events
Participatory workshops for mixed groups, combining demonstration, hands-on playing and plenty of experimentation.
Schools, colleges & youth groups
Age-appropriate sessions bringing together cultural context, music, rhythm, listening and practical playing.
Community groups
Relaxed, accessible sessions for people to make sound together, learn something new and experience the instrument first-hand.
Retreats, wellbeing & private events
Workshops can place more emphasis on breath, listening, vibration and the experience of sound, while still keeping playing and participation at the centre.
A didgeridoo workshop gives pupils the chance to encounter an instrument they may never have seen up close, hear it performed and, most importantly, have a go themselves.
Sessions can combine cultural context, a short live performance and hands-on playing, moving from the basic drone into rhythm, voice, group exercises and an introduction to circular breathing.
Workshops can be adapted to different ages, group sizes and timetables. I can also combine a larger assembly or demonstration with smaller class workshops where pupils have more time to play.
Didgeridoos can be provided, so schools don’t need to own any instruments in advance.
WORKSHOP BOOKINGS
Workshops can be adapted for festivals, schools, colleges, community groups, retreats and private events.
Tell me a little about the group, setting, approximate numbers and time available, and we can shape a session around what you’re planning.
Discuss a workshop →