Rhythm Training
Latin Percussion and Drum Set Instruction
In Person Or Virtual
In Person Held:
Artspace Mount Baker Lofts
2915 Rainier Ave S
Seattle, Wa 98144
Mount Baker area of Seattle
Just North of Columbia City
Downstairs from the MountBaker light rail exit. Enter from the rear of the lobby.
Just North of Columbia City
Virtual classes held over:
Zoom, Teams, Skype or Facetime.
I would like to start a group class. Reach out to me if you are interested. The Instruction will be on going and will build on many different concepts of time keeping including learning how to sub divide time and space, understanding how to manipulate the meter, learning about isolation and developing mechanical independence, learning how to relax while engaged in movement and of course technique. The music focus is Afro Cuban music: Bata, Bembe, Rumba, Macuta, Palo, Iyesa and Arara.
Yes, anyone can join and drop in at any time. Call me if you have any questions 206-276-6401.
Private
One-on-one instruction is the best method to learn.
- special learning interests or needs
- intense or focused course of study
- overcome personal issues such as shyness or discomfort in large groups.
- simply would like to learn at your own pace and on your own schedule.
Lessons are offered on a wide variety of hand drums and percussion instruments including:
- drum set
- congas
- timbales
- bata
- bongo
- cajon
- smaller percussion instructions such as shekere and guiro.
Private lessons are generally 30-60 minutes long and include important foundation technique, rhythm concepts and exercises to improve your groove, coordination, sense of time, speed, and mechanical independence. Speed in drumming is a function of good technique and training. No matter what your course of study, the first step in your development as a drummer is to establish proper technique. Independence is your ability to carry out multiple rhythmic tasks at the same time using hands, feet, and voice. Your musicality is directly related to your level of independence.
Scan QRS Venmo Code to the right or pay cash at the class.
Class duration 30 -60 minutes.
Classes can be virtual or live. Virtual classes can be held over Zoom, Teams, Skype or Facetime and are scheduled with me in advance. Live lessons are held at the Artpsace – 2915 Rainier Ave S, Seattle 98144
Musicality for Dancers and Latin Percussionist
Learn to Hear Salsa Music
Dance musicality is how dancers hear, interpret, and dance to music. Dancers can demonstrate dance musicality in several ways – which sounds [or rhythmic] components they choose to dance to, how [they accent or] highlight these sounds, how they emote the mood of the song.1 Ultimately a dancer is interpreting the music as an instrument.
The best way to develop dance musicality is through ear training with a professional musician.
Ear training is everything and in this class I will teach you how to hear the rhythms better, learn where the music begins, how to get back on beat if you fall off and to give you flow. I will start off with the most basic but extremely foundation understanding of rhythm. These universal rhythmic concepts apply to all forms of dance and music. As a dancer you must to be able to interpret and understand the literal or actual rhythmic and melodic components being played in a song. Once you have a good handle on this, this is when the fun begins! Then you can begin to apply the implied or inherit components of a song and your artistic juices will flow. Learning these tools will ultimately allow you to better communicate your artistic ideas to your partner. Isn’t that what dancing is all about?
Scan QRS Venmo Code to the bottom or pay cash at the class.
This is a special offer for those that want to improve on how to “Learn to Hear Salsa Music” better. How to identify and learn the most important rhythms in Salsa music. If you are interested in more than that then please sign up for Percussion Lessons.
Class duration 30 -60 minutes.
Facilitated Drum Circles
Any event I facilitate using drums and percussion is considered a Drum Circle.
I have facilitated thousands of events over the last 30 years. Here are just a few recurring festivals: Bumpershoot, Folklife Festival, and The World Rhythm Festival. I’ve done Prek Pragrams, School Age Programs and Senior facilities. I have facilitated dum circles for Weddings, Memorials, Celebration of Life Gatherings, Many different types of Birthday parties and many corporate Team Building events for companies like Microsoft and Amazon and the list can go on for a while.
