The Songkeeper’s Path


Foundations of Djembe and Voice – Fall 2025

A 4-week deepening into the sacred arts of drumming, vocal expression, and embodied prayer.

This offering is for those who feel called to build or strengthen their relationship with the djembe and explore how rhythm and voice co-create the field of prayer.

Here, the djembe becomes a guide and grounding force, the voice becomes a channel of reverence, and the pulse becomes a living thread that we learn to follow with presence, power, and care.

What We’ll Explore:

This cohort is for those who feel called to connect with the djembe as a sacred companion in song and prayer. We’ll explore foundational techniques — how to hold, strike, and relate to the drum in a way that is grounded, easeful, and expressive.

This is not a traditional West African djembe course. Rather, we’ll approach the drum as it lives within song circles and devotional music — as a living pulse that holds and uplifts the voice. You’ll learn the way I play and pray with the djembe, drawn from years of carrying rhythm in ceremonial and communal spaces.

Together, we’ll build confidence, deepen presence, and awaken the joy of letting rhythm and voice move as one.

Over 4 weeks, we will:

  • Learn foundational djembe technique and explore playful, grounded ways to accompany chants and prayerful songs

  • Expand the voice as an instrument of prayer, resonance, and presence

  • Sing new chants from a living songbook, honoring the origin, cadence, and meaning of each prayer

  • Deepen connection to land, elements, and spirit through rhythm and song

  • Strengthen confidence in sharing voice and rhythm within a held and devotional group field

This is not a performance class — it is a devotional circle of remembrance and opening.

Program Details:

  • Live weekly sessions on Zoom | 4 weeks

  • SCHEDULE TBD

  • Begins FALL 2025

  • One time payment of $300

  • Limited to 8 participants to preserve intimacy and depth

“This path has changed me — softened me, empowered me, and reminded me that singing is one of the oldest ways we remember who we are. I offer this space in service to those ready to begin.”
— Ala Hayhurst x 2Teotl

  • This offering is for anyone who feels called to explore the djembe as a sacred rhythmic companion — whether you're new to the drum or looking to deepen an existing connection.

    If you’re longing to build confidence with the drum, connect more deeply to rhythm and song, and let your voice rise from the heartbeat of the drum — this is for you.

  • You don’t need prior training or experience with percussion. In fact, we will not be covering formal West African drumming styles in this course. Instead, we’ll focus on how the djembe lives within song circles, medicine music, and devotional rhythm — as a grounding pulse that supports the voice and prayer.

  • You don’t need to be fully confident — but you do need to be willing.
    At this stage of the journey, voice is central to the work. You are invited into the sacred practice of sharing prayer through song. That doesn’t mean performance or perfection — it means showing up, letting your voice be heard, and trusting the container to hold you.

    This is a brave space, not a stage. If you feel the quiet inner yes — even through nerves — this circle is for you.

  • That’s completely natural. We honor the tenderness that comes with opening the voice. While gentle guidance and personal pacing are always respected, this container is designed for those who are ready to lean in — to trust their voice, the co-created circle of the container, and the technology of these prayers.

  • While it’s not required, it is strongly recommended. If you already have experience with rhythm and singing in sacred/ceremonial spaces, you’re welcome to join. If you’re newer to these practices, we suggest beginning with Foundations of Rhythm and Voice to anchor your journey.

  • This circle is limited to 8 participants to ensure a held and intimate space for exploration and growth.

  • We’re here to walk beside you—wherever your path leads—into the depths of voice, rhythm, and devotional practice.

    Ala offers private 1:1 sessions in 60- or 90-minute formats, focused on:
    • Vocal expression and musical grounding
    • Rhythm technique and djembe support
    • Personal practice development
    • Songkeeping and the devotional art of prayer through music

    Dalani offers 1:1 support for those who wish to go deeper into:
    • Somatic awareness and nervous system regulation
    • The internal yogas of singing and playing
    • Subtle body attunement and devotional embodiment
    • Integration practices that root sound in presence

    Whether you’re seeking musical refinement or embodied integration, these sessions are an extension of the path we walk together — and a place to be witnessed, resourced, and supported.

    To inquire or book a session, reach out to us at 2teotl.altar@gmail.com and let us know what kind of support you’re seeking.

  • You’ll need a djembe.

    Finding a djembe can take time and is a deeply personal experience. We recommend trying them in person and finding the drum that speaks to you.

    However, we know that this isn’t always accessible. Here is a link to purchase one online.

  • We meet once a week for 1.5 hours for 4 weeks. Optional 1:1 sessions are available separately.

  • Yes, each session will be recorded and shared privately with participants so you can revisit the material or catch up if you need to miss a week.

    That said, live attendance is strongly encouraged, as this is a communal learning container. Those who are able to fully participate (unless otherwise discussed with Ala) will be given priority in upcoming series. We rely on shared presence to cultivate the full depth and medicine of this work.

  • The full 4-week Foundations of Djembe and Voice Cohort is offered at a flat rate of $300.

    This includes all live sessions, access to session recordings, and group resources.
    Payment is required at the time of registration to reserve your space.

    Returning students ask Ala about your discount code for $50 off.

    If you have questions or need support around payment, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at 2teotl.altar@gmail.com

  • Currently registration is not open - please feel free to provide your email in the form above to let us know you’d like to join.

  • Yes. We open a limited number of need-based scholarships for each cohort and prioritize those who identify as BIPOC and/or LGBTQIA+. We are committed to making this work accessible and to supporting those most often excluded from sacred music spaces.

    If you feel called to this offering and cost is a barrier, please reach out — we’re happy to explore what’s possible.