ECCO is arranging student training courses in West African traditional music, dance and storytelling for International students of Higher Education. The teachers are West African traditional musicians so called Griots. The music is traditionally being taught from generation to generation and the courses we arrange give the student a unique opportunity to get an insight in this old and still living tradition. All the courses have a performance aspect, where the idea is to transform the music taught into own instruments and to produce a piece of new music together as artists.


Introduction courses
The courses are two to three weeks long, for groups of 10-14 students. The students are being introduced to five different cultures and music/dance traditions from the region: Wolof, Fula, Mandinka, Susu and Jola. The students live in the cultural camps built, owned and run by local communities.


In-depth courses
Students and professionals are invited to attend studies over a longer period of time, where they focus on one or two cultural traditions and become trainees of a Griot. These courses or studies are suitable for smaller groups of students or professionals, and the courses are made uniquely for the specific wishes of the visitors.

Open courses
Every April, ECCOGambia and ECCO International arrange an open introduction course, where all students and professionals within the field of culture are invited. Here the participants can meet with international partners as well as experiencing the living tradition of West Africa.