Family Program: Explore West African Stringed and Percussion Instruments

Did you know the banjo was developed in the Caribbean? Enslaved people created the instrument based on their memories of West African lutes. Come try your hand at and explore a West African lute, the n’goni, and two drums—the dundun and the jembe—in this hands-on music-making experience, guided by leaders from the performance troupe AfricaNashville: Biko Casini, a n’goni player and a member of Rising Appalachia, and Ibrahima “Ibro” Dioubate, a multi-instrumentalist and performer of West African music originally from Guinea. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned musician, you’re sure to learn something new. Presented in collaboration with AfricaNashville and in support of the Museum’s Discover Rhiannon Giddens project, part of a series exploring diverse voices in country music. All ages. Taylor Swift Education Center. Included with Museum admission. Free to Museum members. 

Learn more about the Museum’s Discover Series

Free Youth Admission for Locals

* Tennessee children ages 18 and under from Cheatham, Davidson, Robertson, Rutherford, Sumner, Williamson, and Wilson counties receive free museum admission as part of Community Counts: Museum Admission Program for Locals. Up to two accompanying adults receive 25 percent off admission. Proof of residency required. For more information, please visit Community Counts or inquire at the Museum Box Office.

Family Programs Presented by: