WOMAD

2010 Summer School

The WOMAD Summer School will be taking a break this year due to a change of venue. If you are interested in future WOMAD Summer Schools 2011 onwards, please contact: womadsummerschool@womad.org

Check for latest updates on this website.

2009 Summer School

2009 Students pictures on Flickr

Whilst WOMAD Charlton Park was packing away the helter-skelter and pulling the tarpaulin from the Siam tent WOMAD Summer School was just getting under way for 2009.

Justin Adams, Juldeh Camara , Andy White, N'Faly Kouyate and Bill Cobham were just some of the artists in residence this year. Bath Spa was alive with the sounds of a fantastic mix of instruments and vocals carrying the spirit of the week through to the wonderful showcase on the final night.

Students of all ages and musical backgrounds came from around the world to take part in an exhilarating and inspiring week of creativity and learning.

The courses of 2009 were:
Drum Academy with Billy Cobham
Guitar Connections with Justin Adams, Juldeh Camara and N'Faly Kouyate
Singer Songwriters with Andy White
Children's art camp with Malarky

Check out the quotes from some of our students below:
Q: What do you feel you have gained by coming to the Summer School?
'Inspiration to higher things'
'A great bunch of instant friends with whom I had a great week, which I will never forget'
'A great experience of writing with others and sharing our ideas and songs'
'Better understanding of African music'
'My belief in the importance and power of individual creativity and musical expression has been affirmed.'
'An appreciation of timing, rhythm and lead guitar playing'
'This week has taken my song-writing to the next level'
'Inspiration! Inspiration! Inspiration!'

Q: Overriding memories of the week
'Feeling mutual support within a creative group - a rare thing. Listening to each other's songs and appreciating the musicality but also recognising the emotion and struggle behind the words - nothing else like it… bonding.'
'The creative buzz'
Bill Cobham's enthusiasm & excellent teaching techniques and his ability to teach beginners and experienced adult students alike + Dr Joel - amazing. What a treat!'
'A great vibe, great learning experience and great people!'
'Meeting a group of really talented musicians really inspired me to become one myself'

Comments from The Children's Art Week
'My children absolutely loved the experience in every way - a week packed full of art, music and dance'
'It was a really cool week and I wanted it to go on'
'The light graffiti was a huge hit with my son and he's very excited to have had the experience of using a technique that is being used so much in current media technology'
'Now the riti and the kora are instruments that my children have experienced first hand and not just seen pictures of - a great introduction to non-western instruments'

Email: womadsummerschool@womad.org for info on next years summer school