Lou Robinson is a long time player, teacher and proponent of the didgeridoo with its haunting sound and ability to reconnect each of us to the earth and it’s natural values and rhythms. For at least 40,000 years, the Australian Aborigine lived a life of balance, respect and harmony with the earth. He received many gifts from the earth, one of which was a tree branch hollowed out by termites. When blown into in a certain manner, it became a wondrous musical instrument called Yidaki or didgeridoo. Traditional myth and legend indicates the didgeridoo has been present since the beginning of time and was an integral part of the creation story, playing its part in sounding the world into form. Lou believes the didgeridoo offers an opportunity for us to reconnect with our earthly heritage and our spiritual selves. And its musical possibilities are limited only by our imagination.
Lou first lived in Australia in the early 1970’s and though he traveled widely and had contact with aboriginal culture, his exposure to the didgeridoo didn’t occur until 1986. After a six month stay in 1988 he returned to the US and the following year began importing didgeridoos and introducing his new passion to an ever expanding number of people who found the same connection between the didgeridoo and their inner selves.
Since then Lou has introduced the didgeridoo to literally thousands of people. From 1988 when he first started buying didgeridoos and arts and crafts from an aboriginal cooperative to his recent 5 week trip to Australia to hand select another supply of wonderful instruments, Lou has supported aboriginal efforts to save their traditional culture. He has as well sponsored and supported touring Australian Aboriginal artists and performers in the US.
Lou has been fortunate enough to have spent time and studied with Alastair Black, creator of Yidaki-doo, the incomparable virtuoso Alan Dargin, and the venerable David Blanasi, the late ambassador of didgeridoo who took the instrument from Arnhem Land to the world. He will share with the Workshop participants 20 years of experience and teaching techniques which have enabled countless individuals the opportunity to express themselves through and to connect with this magical instrument.
Seminars include: