The kora is widespread in the coastal states of West Africa (Senegal to Togo), as well as in Mali and Burkina Faso, and is a popular solo and orchestral instrument there. It consists of a bulbous calabash body, a long neck and 21 strings that are arranged in two rows, has a wide range of playing options and can be combined very well with voice, percussion and various melody instruments. Typical for playing the kora are rhythmically imaginative melody improvisations.

Josh Doughty began learning to play the kora as a child. First with his father Adam Doughty, later with kora virtuosos such as Seckou Keita, Fily Cissokho and Surahata Suso. Since 2007 he has been a master student of Toumani Diabaté.

Josh teaches the principle of listening-looking-replaying without the use of notes. For intensive and individual learning, we work alternately in large and small groups. High quality instruments are provided and can be rented or bought. If the group size is sufficient, the individual workshops can turn into a continuous course.

The language of the course is English. The Kora courses (306a – c) are designed so that they can be attended individually or in succession.