Not a drum camp, not a regular master class
Live an amazing unique experience with the legends of drumming.
Take your music to the next level.
Train with legendary drummers and rising stars in some of the world’s most inspiring destinations. Connect with music industry professionals and a select group of passionate musicians — all in an intimate 5 days experience designed to accelerate your growth and leave a lasting impact.
For pro and serious amateur drummers ready to unlock their creativity and find their unique sound — with Iconic Sessions© coming to major cities worldwide.
Paris
Los Angeles
Tokyo
New York
Hong KongParisLos AngelesTokyoNew YorkHong KongIconic Sessions© will be announced shortly in different cities around the world as the program expands.
Every Iconic Session© brings together world-class touring and recording artists, backed by the proven teaching expertise of Didier Ottaviani and Franck Agulhon, two leading figures in modern drum education.
And behind every Session is Manu Katché himself — personally shaping the artist lineup and teaching approach to ensure every experience meets his exacting standards.
Drummer, musician and educator, active on the international jazz scene for over 20 years — touring across Europe, the Americas and beyond with artists spanning jazz, gospel and singer-songwriter projects. He has taught at Bordeaux CIAM, France since 1998, and created two dedicated mobile apps for drummers, myDrumApp and pttrN for Drummers.
An essential figure on the international jazz scene, Franck has worked with the likes of Biréli Lagrène, Archie Shepp, Toots Thielemans and Stéphane Belmondo. He teaches at the prestigious Paris CNSM Conservatory, where he developed Solisticks, his own artistic and pedagogical approach to the drumset — and has released three records as a leader.
Coaching adapted to your real level — whether you're an advanced amateur or a working professional.
A real method built over decades — not a string of disconnected masterclasses.
Everything applied in real playing situations, not just technique in isolation.
Didier and Franck are there every step of the way, turning every masterclass into hands-on coaching and lasting progress.
Hands-on assistantship alongside each drumming legend's class (5 participants approx.).
Notes, transcribed exercises and licks — delivered to every participant.
A Live-adapted approach, with personalized advice on your own playing.
Tips & tricks built around whatever you're personally working towards.
The result: total interaction with the legends and the pedagogical team, all week long.
A personal certificate marking your completion of the Iconic Session© — real proof of the week you just lived, and the legends you trained alongside.
PLAY WITH THE GREATS. LEARN FROM THE GREATS.
What if the artists who inspired you became your teachers? Created by Manu Katché and Fabrice Bonin, the Katché Institute brings together an unprecedented roster of world-class drummers and musicians—artists who have shaped records, genres and generations. No distance. No barriers. No ordinary masterclasses. Go behind the music. Discover how the greatest artists think, create and play. Challenge yourself alongside exceptional musicians from around the world. The next generation doesn’t just listen to legends. It learns from them.
Legendary drummer, composer & producer. Founder and creative force behind the Katché Institute. (Sting, Peter Gabriel, Joni Mitchell, Dire Straits, Tears for Fears, Michel Jonasz…)
World renowned for her technical mastery, inimitable explosive groove and passion for teaching. Her contribution to modern music, in both jazz and rock, is immense, making her an iconic figure in drumming. (Lenny Kravitz, Carlos Santana…)
A true legend of drumming! One of the most influential and recorded drummers in music history. (Paul Simon, Steely Dan, Eric Clapton, Chick Corea, James Taylor)
Renowned for his subtle touch, rhythmic precision and innovative musical approach, cementing his place as one of the most respected drummers of his generation. (John Mayer, The Rolling Stones…)
A dynamic force in modern music — trailblazing drummer, singer-songwriter and producer whose genre-defying sound has taken the international stage by storm. Born in Israel, her innovative approach fuses jazz with alt-pop, soul and electronica. (Avishai Cohen)
Musical. Exciting. Dynamic. Blazing. Solid. Astonishing. A leading figure in the Japanese music scene for more than 15 years, with legendary solo performances. (Casiopea, Jimsaku, solo albums…)
At the heart of a new generation of drummers. From her formative years under the mentorship of Terri Lyne Carrington, Ralph Peterson and Danilo Pérez, to touring globally with Lenny Kravitz, she is a dynamic, genre-shifting force in contemporary music.
Jazz American drumming icon, educator and Grammy-nominated artist, renowned for his impeccable sense of timing and musicality. (Weather Report, Steps Ahead, Joni Mitchell, Steely Dan, Diana Krall, Pat Metheny…)
Based in Canada, a contemporary jazz and fusion drummer renowned for his exceptional talent. Member of the award-winning jazz fusion collective Snarky Puppy, representing a new generation of musicians.
A metal drummer and member of the progressive metal band Gojira, based in France (performing at the Paris Olympic games). His influence on the modern metal scene is undeniable.
A renowned American drummer, recognized as one of the most recorded studio musicians of all time! (Chaka Khan, Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Lionel Richie, Eric Clapton, Whitney Houston…)
An acclaimed American drummer, composer and producer, known for her significant contribution to jazz. An influential voice for women in jazz. (Grammy Awards winner — Dizzy Gillespie, Stan Getz, Herbie Hancock…)
Renowned for his technical mastery, sense of groove and ability to integrate complex elements into his playing. His influence on modern drumming is immense. (Jeff Beck, The Who, Judas Priest, Tears for Fears, Toto…)
Jazz fusion legend, world-renowned for his technical playing, rhythmic precision and influence on jazz fusion and contemporary playing. (Michael Brecker, Chick Corea, Paul Simon, George Benson…)
A British drummer renowned for her talent, on-stage energy and musical versatility, adapting to genres ranging from pop and rock to funk and jazz. (Simple Minds, Bryan Ferry, Mika, Paloma Faith…)
Recognized as one of the greatest jazz fusion drummers of all time, continuing to influence generations of musicians with energetic performances and visionary compositions. (Miles Davis, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Spectrum…)
A renowned American drummer, composer, producer and educator who quickly made a name for himself thanks to his versatility and remarkable technical mastery. (Christina Aguilera, Ray Charles, Andrea Bocelli, Quincy Jones…)
A first-call drummer based between New York and Nashville, recorded and toured with Steely Dan, Sting, John Mayer and TOTO. Voted #1 Best All-Around Drummer in Modern Drummer's 2009 Readers Poll.
One of the UK’s busiest session players with multiple Grammy and platinum recordings to his name including Adele, Cher, Seal, Rod Stewart, Robbie Williams, Dua Lipa, Taylor Swift... Ash is also a first call for many TV and movie sessions (Hans Zimmer) and live work including tours and shows with Tori Amos, Sinéad O’Connor, Van Morrison, Bryan Adams...
"More than just a Session… it's a musicianship experience like no other.
See you there!"
Best for musicians who want a fully immersive experience in an iconic city, with legends, on a set date.
Best for musicians who want a bespoke, ongoing mentorship — shaped entirely around their own project, guided by a personal roadmap.
A curated package of 5 Iconic Sessions© around the world, with privileged access in Katché Iconic VIP Member status — choose your five destinations freely from the announced program, at your own pace.
Fully bespoke — pricing depends on the destinations you choose, so there's no fixed rate to show here.
Request More InformationNot sure yet? Register interest and tell us — we're happy to help you choose.
For the first time, spend a full week living and playing alongside the artists who defined modern drumming — coached, challenged, and welcomed as one of their own. Not a masterclass. Not a photo opportunity. Five days built entirely around your progress, your goals, and yes — your happiness. This is the experience serious drummers have always dreamed of. Starting now, it's real.
Each Iconic Session© brings together a small group of musicians for 5 days in one destination — mornings of personalized coaching from 3 world-class artists, afternoons of live workshops with fellow participants, and evenings exploring the host city together. It all builds to the All Stars Jam Session.
From world legends and top instructors — one-on-one attention, every day.
Personal, written feedback from the Katché educating staff, taken throughout the week.
To cultivate an atmosphere of elite networking and seamless collaboration, the Katché Institute has curated an exclusive partnership with a premier luxury hotel located just moments from the private studios.
Around 5 participants, guided closely by the Katché Institute pedagogical team.
A dedicated workshop, closing with the All Stars Jam Session on a real stage.
Your stay unfolds entirely in the music city selected for this Session.
Get World-Class Training
Meet International Musicians
Perform With The Best
An Evening To Remember
Closing each week, a special access to an outstanding jam session featuring an amazing house band — a different Musical Director for each continent, produced by Manu Katché. Held in one of the destination's best live-music venues — open to the public — it puts you on stage in the most authentic conditions, playing for a real audience.
Laurent CoulondreEurope
Winner of the "Victoires du Jazz" (France's top jazz award), in-demand sideman for Marcus Miller and Al Jarreau.
Greg PhillinganesAmericas
Legendary keyboardist, decades on the road and in the studio with Michael Jackson, Eric Clapton and Toto.
Akira JimboAsia
Legendary Japanese drummer (Casiopea) assembling an exceptional house band for the region.
A private video of your performance will be shot live on stage — an amazing souvenir you'll keep for good, along with your Private Certificate. (to be confirmed on registration)
Three Months. Built Entirely Around You.
A bespoke mentorship built entirely around your own project — not a generic syllabus, not a routine that runs out of things to say. Over three months, a personal roadmap is built with you from the very start — followed week after week through live calls, video feedback, and a curated panel of specialists matched to your specific goal. It closes with something no one else can offer: a personal video feedback session with Manu Katché himself, on your own progress.
A Program That Adapts To You —
Not The Other Way Around.
Every Katché Signature Program© is built around one project, chosen by you. Four axes, each with its own specialists and roadmap.
Audition prep, repertoire work, or getting studio-ready.
Drum recording at home — gear, tuning, and settings that finally sound right.
A content strategy and clean drum videos, built for consistency.
Structuring your project, outreach, monetization, or band management.
This is what makes the Katché Signature Program© different from an online course: alongside your dedicated mentor, specialists are brought in specifically for your project — never a generic guest list.
Brought in when your project calls for a specific style — Latin, Metal & double-pedal, and more.
Structuring, outreach, monetization — practical guidance from someone who's done it.
A creator's eye on content strategy, brought in for participants building their platform.
One interaction every week, for twelve weeks — alternating live calls, video feedback, and group sessions.
A launch call debriefs your Iconic Session© and sets your personal roadmap — the thread that guides everything that follows.
Your personal project ramps up, alternating live coaching calls and video feedback — building toward a mid-course group Masterclass.
Concretization and creativity on your final deliverable, capped by a personal closing session with Manu Katché himself.
A dedicated team of music and business professionals, united by shared values and guided by a renowned ethics committee.
Co-founder of the project, Manu serves as a true “Mentor” to the participants, actively participating in the life of the Katché Institute with significant involvement and regular contributions.
At the origin of Katché Institute, Fabrice leverages excellent experience in line with the objectives to be achieved. An appropriate personality and recognised expertise in the international artistic field with a contemporary vision of music education.
A professional drummer and renowned teacher in France. Didier is also the author of recognised educational books dedicated to drumming and a specialised app for high profile drummers. His involvement is a real asset for the Pedagogical Direction of Katché Institute.
An essential figure on the international jazz scene, member of the CNSM of Paris, Franck is a key person of the pedagogical staff of Katché Institute. He shares his exceptional musical talent with participants and provides his support and expertise to the international teaching team.
The technical backbone of Katché Institute, Pierre designs and builds the platforms that bring the Iconic Sessions to life online. From the website to the online tools behind the scenes, he makes sure every digital touchpoint is as polished and reliable as the experience itself.
A French Touch of excellence — leading figures from French arts and sport, carefully selected to uphold the values and integrity of every Session.
Two paths. One shared passion for rhythm. Yours is next.
Got a question about the Katché Institute, our Iconic Sessions© or the Katché Signature Program©? Our team reads every message and gets back to you personally.
Looking to join a Session? Places are intentionally limited — every request is personally reviewed.
Partnership, investment, press or anything else — we read every message.
©André D.
