This tour is for all levels of students
Join us for the 2013 KUSUN STUDY TOUR, to Ghana, West Africa, from Friday, August 16 – Monday, September 16, 2013
Pricing of the 2013 four week tour is AUD$4,000.
(note: for those who cannot arrange/manage the time for the full four weeks, we are making the first x2 weeks of the tour available for $2,000).
This price includes: tuition, accommodation, meals, airport transfers, ground transport for all group related activities, drum hire (and we will give you a bell, shekere and bag of sticks!!) special performances, demonstrations and outings.
All bookings will require a deposit of AUD$1,500, with the balance due no later than 6 weeks prior to commencement of tour.
In addition to this will be the cost of airfare, visa, vaccinations and insurance.
for all study tour enquiries please email Jane >
click here to download PDF brochure >
Set in Nungua, a village 15 kms from Accra, the Kusun Study tour offers four weeks of intensive study to give students a true immersion in the rich and varied culture of Ghana.
Studying 4 hours daily, 15-20 students will learn from 10 drumming and dance teachers. As recognised leaders in their fields, many of these teachers are past and present members of The Pan African Orchestra and the National Ballet and teachers from the National Centre for Culture. With such a low student/teacher ratio, you will enjoy the constant attention of these tutors and find it easy to learn and retain the rhythms and songs. Classes will be divided into smaller groups according to students' levels of skill.
The students will be taught a range of dances and rhythms from the many ethnic groups that live in Ghana as well as dances and rhythms from some of the neighbouring countries in West Africa. Lessons can also be taken in other instruments like balafon (traditional wooden xylophone), moro and gonje (traditional stringed instruments), ashiwa (thumb piano), and atenteban (traditional bamboo flute). We can also offer a program of study in some of the more contemporary styles of Ghanaian music, like "highlife", using electric guitar, bass, drumkit etc .
The Kusun cultural immersion does not end in class. Students are taught the historical and cultural significance of the music and are given a rare opportunity to meet some of the musicians and dancers who have played significant roles in shaping traditional music and who have either composed new rhythms and dances or have heavily influenced the music being played today. Watch them perform, learn how the rhythms evolved, gain an invaluable understanding of the historical context of the rhythms you learn.
In the evenings, enjoy performances held in various locations around Nungua, involving the participation of the local community. Traditional groups will play music and dance from the GA, ASHANTI , EWE, FANTI and other ethnic groups that live in Ghana. The evening entertainment is designed to present the incredible variety of music and dance as well as allowing the students to see and hear the rhythms and music they learn in their lessons. As well there will be opportunities to perform for local audiences (students say this is the most profound and exciting part of the tour).
Students will stay at the purpose built Kusun Guesthouse. Rooms are single rooms with your own toilet and shower. Double rooms available for couples. All bed linen will be supplied but students will need to bring towels.The rooms will be serviced and arrangements can be made for laundry etc. Three delicious Ghanaian meals will be provided daily, prepared by the village women. Vegetarians and most special diets can be catered for.
You will be learning rhythms for both djembe and kpanlogo drums. The hire of these drums is included in the price of the tour (and we will give you a bell, a shekere and a bag of sticks). If you wish to purchase drums or any other instruments we can arrange this for you. Please Note: If you do purchase any instruments, students will be responsible for the freight/post, etc, of these instruments back to their own countries.
The classes are under the guidance of Ghanaian master musician NII TETTEY TETTEH and one of Australia’s leading percussionists, RAY PERIERA. Tuition is 4 hours daily, 5 days a week – Monday to Friday, 9am to 1pm. 10 master musicians and dancers – under the guidance of Nii Tettey Tetteh - provide all tuition. Students are placed into smaller groups dependent on ability and experience – advanced or intermediate or beginners – and each group will have 2-4 teachers to work with them. Private lessons by arrangement.
Visas are required for Ghana. You will need to apply for your own visa. You can go to the Republic of Ghana website - www.ghana.gov.gh – for instructions. You travel agent can also assist. Check the Ghana High Commission websites in your region also:
- Australia: www.ghanahighcom.org.au
- United Kingdom: www.ghanahighcommissionuk.com
- Canada: www.ghc-ca.com
- U.S.A. www.ghanaembassy.org
Yellow Fever vaccination is required to obtain a Ghanaian visa. We recommend you consider vaccinations for Hepatitis A and B, Meningitis, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio, and anti-malaria medication. We suggest you contact you local travel medical centre for to discuss your options.
click here to download PDF brochure >
