THE LESSONS AND THE TEACHERS

Kora Lessons from Jali Sherrifo Konteh
Balafon lessons from Suntou Kouyate
Djembe lessons from Ismaela Suso

All three musicians are from jali families and lived with this music all their lives. As well as being experienced practitioners in the music, they are all experienced teachers. Sherrifo has taught mainly in the hotel where he works, Suntou taught for years at the Maali Music school in Talliding Kunjang near Serrekunda as well as having his own private students. In March 2005, for example, he was teaching two undergraduate students from Sweden who were learning the music of the balafon as part of their music degrees. Ismaela has also had a number of private students from European mainly from Sweden and Germany.

Obviously, the lessons will be tailored to the needs, requirements and experience of the pupils having the lessons. Some tourists will merely want a few taster lessons as part of the experience of being in The Gambia. Others will be amongst the growing band of Europeans who are really motivated towards learning the music of the jalis at a more serious level. The Compound Sounds school will be able to cater for all levels. Contact us by email in the first instance.