HansCamps
In-depth, joyful weekend drumming courses
Photograph: Jed Hoile
Whether you're a regular student or new to my teaching, HansCamp is a unique chance to go deeper. These immersive residential courses offer in-depth study of traditional West African djembe and dunun music all in a warm, welcoming setting.
Carefully selected Malian repertoire
Comfortable accommodation with indoor beds (not actual camping, unless you realy want to!)
Delicious and nutritious vegetarian food, with vegan options
Whole group and split-level in-depth tuition with a booklet and video demo
I’m the main tutor, with trusted and experienced friends leading some of the split-level sessions, continuing work on the main HansCamp material
West African guest teachers
Evening jams and song sessions
Legendary vibes and a welcoming HansCamp community
The HansCamp ReVamp
HansCamp is known for its intensity and depth — but sometimes, less is more! After feedback from returning HansCampers in 2024/2025, I’ve taken a fresh look at the format and decided to dial things back slightly.
We now put greater focus on consolidation, musicality, and groove. The result:
More time to get comfortable with each rhythm’s core parts
More focus on how djembe and dunun parts interlock
Fewer solo phrases, but more time to actually play them
More run-throughs of full arrangements, with players rotating roles
More confidence to take what you’ve learned back to your own group or practice
This doesn’t mean less depth — just more time to absorb, internalise, and enjoy the material.
Photograph: Jed Hoile
What to Expect
HansCamps are small, friendly and inclusive — you can come alone and quickly feel part of the group, or bring your regular drumming buddies for a shared learning adventure.
We typically focus on two pieces of repertoire in depth. That includes djembe parts and solo phrases, dunun parts and variations, breaks, songs, and rhythmic exercises to develop feel and precision — including my approach to swing and groove.
The teaching is tailored for Improver or Intermediate (depending on the specific camp) to Professional, UK Teacher-Level players, with split-level sessions and targeted coaching for different needs. Optional sessions are available for teachers and group leaders to help support you in continuing to work with the HansCamp repertoire.
If you’re unsure whether it’s right for you, feel free to get in touch — or ask a previous HansCamper!
Teacher & Group Leader Sessions
As part of the HasnCamp ReVamp, I now offer optional sessions for teachers and group leaders, usually in place of some of the most advanced solo content. As appropriate to each piece, these may cover:
How to lead calls and breaks
Tips for adapting material for your own group
Workshop-friendly variations and alternative arrangement ideas
Extra repertoire, musical theory and background info that will be useful in your teaching practice
Perfect if you lead a group — or want to!
Upcoming Hanscamps
HansCamp North 2025
A full weekend (including Friday evening) residential workshop of joyful, focused West African drumming - djembe, dunun, and song - for Improver to Teacher-level players. Led by Hans Sutton and friends with special guest Iya Sako. Deep learning, big grooves, and great people. Meals included, accommodation optional.
HansCamp East 2026 is coming…
A 4-day residential workshop over the Easter weekend (including bank holidays Friday and Monday), full of joyful, focused West African drumming - djembe, dunun, and song - for Intermediate to Teacher-level players. Led by Hans Sutton and friends with special guest to be announced. Deep learning, big grooves, and great people. Breakfasts, lunches and one evening meal included, accommodation optional.