Description
Shape the Earth. Discover the Voice of Clay.
For thousands of years, people have transformed clay into vessels that carried water, grain, stories, and eventually… music.
In this hands-on workshop, you’ll create your own traditional-inspired udu drum while exploring the remarkable relationship between pottery, acoustics, and rhythm. Originally developed by the Igbo people of Nigeria, the udu is one of the world’s most expressive clay percussion instruments, producing warm bass tones, airy resonant pulses, and an astonishing range of sounds from a deceptively simple form.
Whether you’re a potter, musician, educator, or complete beginner, this workshop offers a unique opportunity to combine ceramic craftsmanship with musical exploration.
What You’ll Learn
Throughout the workshop, you’ll discover both the art and science behind this extraordinary instrument.
Topics include:
- The cultural history and origins of the udu
- Traditional and contemporary udu designs
- Basic acoustics and Helmholtz resonance
- Choosing and preparing clay for musical instruments
- Hand-building techniques using coils and slabs
- Creating enclosed hollow forms
- Forming and tuning the sound chamber
- Designing and positioning the sound port
- Surface refinement and finishing techniques
- Decorative carving, texture, and natural aesthetics
- Drying, firing, and caring for ceramic instruments
- Basic playing techniques and sound production
Your Project
Each participant will hand-build a fully functional ceramic udu drum from stoneware clay.
Students will learn how subtle changes in chamber size, wall thickness, opening diameter, and overall shape dramatically influence the instrument’s voice. Rather than simply following a template, you’ll gain an understanding of why an udu sounds the way it does, allowing you to design future instruments with confidence.
No pottery wheel is required. Every instrument is created entirely by hand using traditional ceramic hand-building techniques.
Who Is This Workshop For?
This workshop is perfect for:
- Beginning ceramic artists
- Experienced potters interested in musical ceramics
- Drummers and percussionists
- Music educators
- Homeschool families
- Art teachers
- Museum educators
- Anyone fascinated by ancient technologies and handmade instruments
No previous experience with clay or music is necessary.
What You’ll Take Home
Participants leave with:
- A handcrafted ceramic udu drum (after firing)
- A deeper understanding of ceramic acoustics
- Traditional hand-building techniques
- Knowledge of tuning and instrument design
- Confidence to continue building musical ceramics independently
- Educational resources for further exploration
Every udu becomes completely unique, reflecting the maker’s hands while producing a voice unlike any other.
Come experience the remarkable moment when ordinary clay begins to breathe with rhythm, resonance, and music.
