Music is a medium that moves us with mysterious power. Not only do we hear the inspiring beauty of musical sound in our ears, but we also feel the vibration of sounds in our bodies. We are propelled into spontaneous motion by the joy and excitement music inspires in us. At the Esalen Arts Center our approach is to engage students in creatively producing music, developing their technical ability and understanding of music as well as their confidence in their ability to contribute to group musical expression. Our workshops include the study of many styles and instruments: classical, improvisational, and experimental music as well as singing, drumming, and songwriting classes in a variety of genres. We have everything from traditional opera to Indian classical music, Brazilian, and African music. Music has the power to build bridges by bringing people from diverse backgrounds together.

Hani Naser teaches Middle Eastern drumming and the oud, the predecessor of the lute, found throughout the Middle East and North Africa. He leads The Healing Power of Sound and Music.

During play of capoeira, a Brazilian game, at Esalen the traditional instrument called the birimbao is played.

Teachers Abbey and Tim in Drumming: A Journey to the Source show participants how to play the shekere.

Lansana Kouyate, baliphone player, was a visiting artist for the children's arts program.

Workshop participants like Alyssa have the opportunity to learn traditional African multipart rhythms in Jayson's Drumming class.

Grammy-nominated musician David Darling leads workshop participants in singing during Finding Your Long-Lost Musician.

Painter and African dance teacher Abbey assists Jayson's Drumming workshop.

Jayson teaches samba rhythms as part of his Drumming workshop.