Welcome to
Hello, my name is Mawulikplimi Dossavi and you can call me Noel (like Christmas in French!). I'm a professional percussionist and African drum teacher based in Croydon, London. I specialize in teaching basic and advanced techniques of djembe
Welcome everyone! My name is Mawulikplimi Dossavi and you can call me Noel. I'm a professional percussionist and African drum teacher based in Croydon. I specialise in teaching basic and advanced techniques of djembe.
With over 15 years of experience playing African drums, I've performed with various groups across West Africa and in the UK. I have been teaching djembe for more than 10 years to adults and children, in groups and in one-to-one. I would like to continue sharing my knowledge and joy of playing djembe.
I bring great communication skills and enthusiasm. I provide high standard djembe classes while ensuring a safe environment for my students. I focus on delivering quality and fun lessons to support the musical learning of children and adults.
Get in touch to find out more.
Get in touch and start learning Djembe in London today.
My students can expect to learn about West African cultures, our traditional rhythms (moribayassa, kuku, toro...) , and how to improvise. The first lesson will include how to hold the djembe, the history of djembe and to identify the first double sound (base/tone). Then, I adapt the lesson plan to your abilities. During each session, I will assess your progress and will support you to overcome any specific challenges you may have.
My focus is on helping you to get the beat (on-beat, off-beat) and to understand the structure of patterns so you can play whenever you want.
Lessons are pay-as-you-go, weekly, fortnightly or as suits you.
I'm able and qualified to teach both beginners and more experienced players. I welcome everyone and will make a lesson plan that suits you.
I welcome beginners.
Since 2019, I've been providing high standard African drum classes for children Y3 and Y4, including with additional needs, in a safe and secure environment.
My responsibilities included preparing, delivering, and assessing learning, ensuring great outcomes. I provide a nurturing environment to contribute to the effective learning of my students. In addition to my work, I've volunteered at an after-school club and with Age UK where I've delivered djembe sessions. In 2018-2019, I taught 5 to 11 years old students at the British School of Lome (Togo) the basic principles of music, drumming and singing, such as melody, beat and tempo. I also helped students to rehearse musical programs for the school and local community.
As a percussionist, I've played with various music groups (rock/blues, world, afrobeat, rumba…) such as Lady Apoc (incl. at the Rock a Ouaga Festival), Otoufo (incl. her collaboration with Joss Stone), and Oneil Biatti. I took part in various artistic projects such he "Music & Wellbeing Programme" by Soundcastle, theatre competitions and festivals, “Vibrating body” with the Association of the Deaf in Togo, and workshops with Polyversal Souls.
I also welcome experienced players to take my sessions.
Alongside welcoming beginner students, I also teach both intermediate and more advanced players to reach that next level on djembe.
I have found that this is best achieved by starting with simple to more complex patterns. Often the exposure to different contexts is what enables intermediate djembe players to go to the next step.
In combination with this, helping djembe students to create their own rhythm is a core aspect of their journey to finding their own personality on the djembe. During my intermediate and advanced lessons my students explore how they can translation what they have learned up until that point into new rhythms and solos. They will be able to play in big ensemble and lead as well. Playing djembe is a step by step process.
As a teacher, I really like when my students enjoy playing djembe and are able to perform a piece of rhythm they have learnt. The most important moment for me is when a student can improvise, meaning they can create a rhythm on their own, and are able to lead.
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My lessons are charged at £20 per half hour and £30 per hour for all students.
I teach my lessons from a teaching space located in South Croydon CR2 6JB, London, UK.
I teach students of all ages and playing backgrounds.
Weekly lessons are the best way to make progress over a short period of time.
Lessons cancelled with less than 48 hours notice will still be charged full price.
Get in touch and start improving your understanding of Djembe.
Djembe Teacher
Noel Dossavi
