Rhythm Training
For
Latin Percussion - Drum Kit or Dancers
206-276-6401
Afro-Cuban Percussion Lessons
Lessons are customized to each student and typically run between 30 and 60 minutes. Instruction may focus on individual concepts or integrate multiple areas of study, depending on your musical background and goals.
Study centers on authentic Afro-Cuban rhythms and traditions, with strong emphasis on foundational technique, hand development, sound production, and timing. Topics include clave orientation, phrasing, and the relationship between individual parts and the larger rhythmic conversation. Technical exercises are designed to improve groove, coordination, endurance, speed, and control—always in service of the music.
A major focus is independence: the ability to execute multiple rhythmic roles simultaneously using hands, feet, and voice (including singing or counting clave). Developing independence directly strengthens your musicality, feel, and ability to function in real musical settings.
Instruction may include conga, bongo, timbales, bata, and other Afro-Cuban percussion instruments, as well as stylistic studies such as Son, Rumba, Mambo, Cha Cha Chá, Salsa, and folkloric forms. Lessons can also be applied to specific songs, ensemble parts, or original compositions you are currently working on.
These lessons are ideal for percussionists seeking deeper stylistic understanding, stronger time feel, and a more authentic connection to Afro-Cuban music.
Drum Set Lessons with a Latin Focus
Lessons are individually tailored and typically run between 30 and 60 minutes. Concepts may be studied independently or combined, depending on your level and musical direction.
Instruction emphasizes applying Afro-Cuban and Latin rhythmic concepts to the drum set, with a strong foundation in technique, coordination, and time feel. Core topics include clave awareness, coordination between limbs, phrasing, and the adaptation of traditional percussion parts to the drum set. Exercises are designed to improve groove, speed, endurance, and mechanical independence.
Speed and facility on the drum set are developed through proper technique and efficient motion—not tension. Establishing strong fundamentals is essential, regardless of style or experience level.
A key component of these lessons is independence, allowing the drummer to layer multiple rhythmic functions simultaneously while maintaining clarity and feel. As independence improves, so does musicality, versatility, and confidence in ensemble settings.
Stylistic focus may include Salsa, Afro-Cuban, Brazilian, Latin Jazz, Funk, Rock, Folk, and hybrid grooves. Lessons can also be centered around specific recordings, band material, or original compositions.
These lessons are ideal for drummers looking to deepen their Latin vocabulary, strengthen their time feel, and integrate Afro-Cuban concepts into modern drum set playing.
Musicality for Salsa Dancers
Musicality is the ability to hear, understand, and physically express music through movement. In Salsa and Afro-Cuban dance, musicality is revealed through which instruments you choose to respond to, how you accent rhythms and breaks, and how you embody the groove, energy, and emotion of the music. At its highest level, the dancer becomes another instrument within the band.
This class focuses on ear training as the foundation of musicality. Dancers will learn how to hear Afro-Cuban rhythms more clearly, understand where the music begins, stay connected to the beat and clave, recover confidently if they fall off time, and develop natural flow. We start with simple but essential rhythmic concepts that apply across Salsa, Son, Mambo, and Afro-Cuban music.
Participants will learn to identify the literal rhythmic and melodic elements—such as clave, conga, bongó, cowbell, piano, and horns—before exploring the implied and inherited musical layers that allow for creativity, interpretation, and personal expression. These tools help dancers move beyond counting steps and start responding authentically to the music.
Designed with social dancing in mind, this class gives dancers practical skills to phrase movements musically, connect more deeply with a partner, and create a shared musical conversation on the dance floor.
Suitable for leaders and followers, On1 or On2.
Class Location
The location of class: Artspace Mount Baker 2915 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA 98144
Artspace can be reached by light rail. Take the MountBaker exit. Come downstairs, and it’s the five-story red, black, and gray building.
Private or individual Instruction
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.
