GOING BUSH WITH HEARTLAND

Make Your Own Custom Didgeridoo

Over the years we have run these workshops for Bellingen, Macksville & Nambucca High schools, for small groups, including fathers & sons and for many individuals.

 At the moment we are mentoring Maleak a Kamilaroi man who is on his fourth didg now as he learns the art of didg making. Heartland has taught more first nations mob over the years than non indigenous fellas.

The Highest Quality Instrument and Didg building process

Heartland didgeridoos are renowned as making and supplying some of the finest made in the country, specialising in the rare and individual. We will teach the old ways of making, and the new ways, such that they get the most rounded overview of this cultural instrument plus the modern musical and crafting angles.

 The fellas get to choose their Yidaki from many we have pre selected, that are ideal for relative ease of making and with the right specs to produce a fine didgeridoo.

 We will look at many of the completed didgeridoos here, as examples of what can be created so they can gauge what they like. Some may like to have theirs featuring natural bark, sanded wood grain and or art as a focus. There are countless combinations and variables of these elements. Each didgeridoo has its own pitch, resonance and back pressure or ease of playing. We will explore this, so each person can know what they are aiming to create, and we will discuss how to achieve this.

 There is an option of putting art on their didgs which can include burning style art or ochre or acrylic paints. We will explore how they can tell their own story through their art.

What makes these didg making workshops special?

Building upon elements that come from working with mens and young men, we will create a container of shared experience and incorporate a focus for each day plus check ins each time we meet and at days end. We create opportunity to imbue meaning into the process. It’s a rare thing to make a didgeridoo and thus it is valuable, to respect and celebrate what it brings. The process will encourage honest sharing and the daily topic will tie into the project and build meaning and worth.

 This is also an opportunity to get more comfortable and knowledgeable working with tools, and to know more about the instrument beyond making and playing it. We can explore the instruments uses, circular breathing and even how best to help others learn and we can frame it all up in this mens biz way, so theres always the picture of us working together as a team of men.

 In a school group setting, the teacher and support men are a also a valuable part of the process , and add to this experience significantly.

Timeframe

Most workshops are held over 4-6 meet ups, held weekly or fortnightly and structured to suit school needs. 
Some are full days sessions, some can be part day sessions. 
Note – It can be done in 3 meet ups if time is limited but it is then not possible to include the art side of the process. Time frame is best discussed on the phone.

Cost & What’s included