Even since I first met the one and only Mamady Keita in 2010 in Singapore till today, I have always wondered why more people, percussionists, and djembe enthusiasts in India are not doing this. Maybe access was a problem for some and affordability for others. Through this Djembe Teacher Training Program, I hope to make this path more accessible and affordable for those living in India who would like to make a living spreading and teaching traditional West African djembe classes and facilitating African drum circle experiences in their vicinity.

The Taal Inc. & Tam Tam Mandingue Djembe Academy (TTMDA) India – Certified Djembe Teacher Training Program

Program Overview

Ever since I met Mamady Keita in 2010, I hunkered down and worked hard and consistently to follow the path of TTMDA and, in 2014, I was blessed with the title of certified teacher. Thereafter, in 2016, I was awarded the title of senior certified djembe teacher. Through this journey, my learnings have been vast, intense, and humbling, and this period has really shaped the djembe player and teacher I am today. In a world where the djembe is no longer a strange instrument in India, it’s time to pass this legacy forward and grow the next generation of well-trained, brilliant, and excellent traditional West African djembe players and djembe teachers in India, continuing the lineage and teachings of Mamady Keita.

This exclusive 18–24 month hybrid teacher training program is designed for dedicated drummers and percussionists who would like to take this path up as more than a hobby; it is for professionals aspiring to add a new skill to their repertoire and share this skill with students in their respective cities, rooted in the traditional teachings and lineage of djembe Mamady Keita.

The TTMDA djembe level assessment program provides a clear, progressive pathway for aspiring Certified Teachers, requiring students to successfully complete all eight Traditional Rhythm levels while developing strong foundations in advanced drumming techniques before taking the final Certified Teacher test.

Program Format & Structure

This rigorous hybrid program blends intensive hands-on instruction with consistent virtual accountability

  • Application Requirement: Prospective students must apply and be accepted into the cohort. 
  • In-Person Kickoff: The program launches with an intensive, in-person weekend of classes to establish fundamental techniques and community. Depending on when you join in, you will be a part of a group or individual initiation sessions. 
  • Ongoing In-Person / Online Training: Following the kickoff, students will convene for mandatory in-person training sessions at least once every four months and online sessions as per individual need. Depending on the cohort, these sessions will be planned at a fixed time. These sessions will have a separate fee which is to be paid according to the number of sessions decided before starting the program, ensuring structured progression similar to a cardiac rhythm management training approach that emphasizes consistency and ongoing development.
  • Weekly Submissions: To maintain continuous progress, students will submit practice material and assignments every week.

Materials Needed

To successfully participate in this professional djembe teacher training program, students must acquire the following

  • Professional Instruments: Students are required to purchase their own professional-grade West African djembes and dununs. Indian djembes are good for beginner level players, but as you embark on this path as a professional, a good, traditional West African djembe will set you apart from the crowd—especially for those planning to teach or conduct djembe classes in Pune and other cities. Write to us about choosing the right djembe for you.
  • The *djembeföla!* App: This official app (available on Apple and Android devices) contains almost all of the rhythms utilized in the TTMDA curriculum and is highly recommended as a primary learning resource.
  • A stable internet connection and webcam: Required for weekly virtual submissions and live online assessments conducted via Zoom / Google Meet or any other video calling app

Assessment Process & Certification

Students will be assessed level by level based on their progress. Assessments are conducted either live online or in person with a TTMDA Certified Teacher. The live online assessment process includes

  • Registration & Payment: A set date every month will be earmarked for assessments. Students register for their assessment level and preferred date, followed by payment via a provided link 
  • Confirmation: Students receive a confirmed date/time, a Zoom / Google Meet link & a list of requirements to pass
  • Play: During the assessment, the TTMDA Certified Teacher will ask the student to demonstrate all required rhythms and solo phrases (according to the level being assessed)
  • Receive: Upon successful demonstration, the assessment level certificate is emailed within one week. If unsuccessful, students may request another session within the same week 

Assessment Costs

While tuition for the in-person weekend sessions, one-on-one online or in-person sessions (as a part of the 18–24 month Djembe Teacher Training Program) is set independently and will be communicated to you at the time of the initial call, students must pay official TTMDA Assessment Fees to progress through the certification levels. To qualify for the Certified Teacher test, students must complete all 8 Traditional Rhythm levels.

Required Traditional Rhythm Assessment Fees

  • Djembe Levels: Level 1 (US$60), Level 2 (US$60), Level 3 (US$80)
  • Dunun Levels: Level 1 (US$60), Level 2 (US$80), Level 3 (US$80)
  • Combined Djembe & Dunun Levels: Level 4 (US$95), Level 5 (US$95), Level 6 (US$95), Level 7 (US$110), Level 8 (US$110)

Optional Supplementary Certifications

  • Solo Technique: Levels 1-2 (US$40 each), Levels 3-4 (US$80 each), Levels 5-6 (US$95 each), Levels 7-8 (US$110 each)
  • Mamady Keïta (MK) Rhythms: Levels 1-2 (US$80 each), Levels 3-4 (US$95 each), Levels 5-6 (US$110 each), Levels 7-8 (US$130 each)

Apply

To apply for The Taal Inc. & Tam Tam Mandingue Djembe Academy (TTMDA) India – Certified Djembe Teacher Training Program:

  • Send your profile and a statement of purpose as to why you would like to pursue the path of becoming a TTMDA certified djembe teacher / player to [email protected]
  • We will then schedule a 30 minute initiation call. This is where we will have a chat explain the program, ask questions and ensure to be on the same page before moving forward with payments and confirmation

I hope to work with many inspired and dedicated future djembe teachers and players in India to share the amazing world of Mandingue percussion where TTMDA certified djembe teachers spread djembe the traditional way; the Mamady Keita way…

Come. Drum. Be One
Varun Venkit
Team Taal Inc.