While their work retains much of the same importance today as it did in the past, modern-day Griots have a hard time supporting themselves as there is no longer the money to pay for their expertise. The oral tradition in these societies has for ages been truly impressive. A Griot, or Jali, would undergo training that started as early as at the age of five years. They would be required to memorise lineages, myths and tales, historical battles and occurrences as well as special ceremonial songs and music. A traditional kora is made only to a general design.
Different makers have their own styles.
The materials needed to make a kora have a mythical significance, which emphasises the importance of music within the cultures which use them. The gourd or calabash used the make the body of the instrument represents the earth. The hide which is stretched over the open mouth of the calabash and dried in place like a drum represents animals. The iron used for the tuning ring through which the strings are strung represents magic. Musicians will often make their own instruments, adjusting, over a period of weeks in order to arrive at the tuning and sound quality they prefer.