Lessons & Workshops

VOCAL TRAINING

Virtual Private Lessons
Masterclasses (Virtual & Live)
Coachings: South African Vocal Music

Goitsemang is a distinguished opera singer and performer of Pan-African art music. She has experience teaching singers from a wide range of vocal genres

Goitsemang Lehobye is a South African opera singer known for her powerful and expressive performances. In 2024, Goitsemang earned her Doctor of Voice Performance, performed at the Finnish National Opera and made her Carnegie Hall debut, establishing herself as a rising star in the opera world. A graduate of the University of Michigan and University of Cape Town, Lehobye has established herself as a prominent soprano with a versatile repertoire spanning classical and contemporary works in the Western and Pan-African repertoire. Originally from Ga-Rankuwa, South Africa, her operatic journey began with the South African Black Tie Ensemble’s "Incubator" Scheme. In addition to her stage work, Lehobye is a passionate advocate for arts education and the promotion of diversity within the classical music industry.

AFRICAN PIANISM

Virtual Private Lessons
Virtual Coachings
Recorded Accompaniment
Masterclasses & Workshops (Virtual & Live)

Pan-African pianism is a genre and musical approach that integrates the diverse range of Pan-African musical traditions and idioms into piano performance and composition.

Seyi Ajibade is a pianist and scholar celebrated for his innovative approach to blending traditional African musical elements with classical piano techniques. Seyi is a Ph.D. student in Ethnomusicology at the University of Pittsburgh (Pennsylvania). As a scholar, his research focuses on cross border representation of African music. Seyi holds a Master's degree in Education and Piano Performance from Carthage College (Wisconsin) and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Lagos (Nigeria). He is an award winning solo pianist and a co-founder/Artistic Director of Chamber Music Nigeria.

DJEMBE DRUMMING

Chicago Live Group Classes
Live Group Workshops

Location: Chicago, IL, USA

Victoria Boateng is a Chicago-based djembe instructor, performer, speaker and self-autism advocate. Her mission is to share how drumming has helped her navigate Autism and impact the disability community through her drumming.

Victoria studied West African drumming with master drummer Bolokoda Conde and Michael Taylor. She is now a substitute teacher at Old Town School of Folk Music and hosts drum classes for the Autism community at Elastic Arts in Chicago, IL. In addition Victoria has consistently practiced mastering her craft on stage with life artists throughout the city of Chicago. She is a part of the all female drum and dance company, Ayodele Drum and Dance and She Wolf Sacred Movement. Victoria graduated from Western Illinois University in December 2012 with a bachelor's degree in communication and minor in theater.

YORÙBÁ DRUMMING INSTRUCTOR & INSTRUMENT CARE

Virtual Private Lessons:
• Yorùbá Talking Drum (Known as Gangan, Apala or Adamo)
• Bàtá Drum Ensemble: Ìyá Ìlú / Omele Abo / Omele Bàtá / Ejin & Okonkolo
• Instrument Care & Maintenance
Virtual Group Workshop Intensives
Workshops for Universities

Peter Ọlálékan Adédòkun is a prolific master drummer, drums maker, drumming trainer, actor, flautist and a versatile musician. Based in Ibadan, Nigeria, he is known for his expertise in the intricate rhythms and cultural significance of Yorùbá percussion. With a deep understanding of traditional drumming techniques, instrument construction, historical context, and contemporary music idioms, Adédòkun is dedicated to sharing the rich heritage of Yorùbá. His workshops and masterclasses have earned him a reputation as a leading educator in the field, influencing both aspiring drummers and seasoned musicians.

Our teaching methods are based on our belief that every student and musician should celebrate their unique strengths. There is no "one size fits all" when it comes to teaching. Our instructors provide student-focused learning environments that include a variety of teaching methods to meet the needs of different students. Students are encouraged to share insights, engage in lively discussions, and connect deeply with the cultural contexts of the music.

Lessons and classes are designed to immerse students from around the world in the rich tapestry of Pan-African musical traditions. We go beyond just teaching music because storytelling, cultural context, historical and current significance vastly impact our approaches to music performance and appreciation.

Join us for a unique educational journey that bridges continents and celebrates the heartbeat of Pan-African heritage right from your own home!

Pan-African art music integrates two main aspects: Pan-Africanism and art music.  Pan-Africanism connects Africa and Afro-diasporic musical traditions, transcending geographical boundaries. Pan-African art music is broadly defined as art music that is distinctly “African” and sounds African. It is an inclusive term and concept which references art music compositions that draw on African/Afrocentric musical resources, processes, approaches and elements including rhythms, language, melodies, harmonic ideas, compositional structures and instruments.

Professor Kofi Agawu defines art music as “music self-consciously composed by individuals, often notated, usually rehearsed, and performed by skilled practitioners for non-participating or minimally participating audience.” 

We believe that anyone in the world can study and perform Pan-African art music, which has the power to expand musical, social, cultural, emotional, spiritual and intellectual horizons. 

Pan-African art music is not just a cultural celebration and exploration, but a journey that explores new ways of thinking and approaching music. By weaving together traditions from thousands of cultures across Africa and the diaspora, there are endless possibilities for growth and learning. Even advanced musicians from other genres and cultures have much to gain from the unique musical languages, expressive tools, pedagogical techniques, and approaches to performance and interpretation that comes with Pan-African art music performance.