Udu

Udu are clay drums originally from Nigeria, also made and used in Brazil; they have been adopted all over the world by percussionists in all styles. As with other African music, the texture is layered and polyrhythmic, with several independent parts interlocking. Use is also made of the different pitches that the Udu are capable of producing.

Workshops - recommended for year 4 and above

Half day and full day sessions, Fridays only
Students learn to produce the varied tones of the Udu made possible using both the bowl and soundholes, as in playing, the resonant tone of the air chamber is modulated by covering the tuned aperture with the hand. Playing is in ensemble with independent parts layered together, with opportunities for composition and improvisation.