Percussion Workshop
EFS presents:
‘Ethnic Fusion instruments & rhythms of the world’
Coordinated by Mr. Ricardo 'Rik' Hambra
Singer / Percussionist / Composer / Teacher
This workshop is focused on the development of the rhythm sense and practical skills, through a gradual audio and ‘on-hands’ training based on modern music techniques and some ancient ethnic cultures, featuring: India, Mideastern region, Africa, Europe, North, Central and South America.
Students are strongly suggested to bring their own instruments (any kind of ethnic drum) but there will be some available for those with none.
Description of the workshop’s activities
Overall comments:
In this example of classes' schedule, each class would last for around 2 hours, and once a week for a period of 6 months. It can also be modified as required on each particular case.
Every day a special featured ethnic music style will be analyzed, all with its specific instruments and rhythms. Audio and graphic information will also be displayed to enhance the audio – visual understanding of each rhythm.
No previous experience is necessary, techniques will be explained in order to apply to any drum.
Warm up exercises :
We will dedicate the first 15 minutes of each class to a series of exercises with the breath, specific hands exercises, body movements and concentration.
Module 1 - Introduction to rhythm:
The nature of rhythm, awakening to the sense of rhythm within ourselves, rhythm and time, our own source of rhythm: the heart, natural rhythm, keeping time, description of different time signatures: 2/4 – 4/4 – 3/4 - 6/8 – 5/4 – 7/4.
How to translate the rhythms to the drums: How to approach a drum. Explanations about all the different strokes and drum techniques that will be analyzed during the whole workshop, positioning of the hands, postures, stroke intensities: soft – hard – slow – fast, etc; how to organize drum circles, ensembles, poly rhythmic section, improvisation.
Module 2 – Analysis of different rhythms from around the world.
Rhythmic cycles from North India
The Indian Tabla: percussion instrument of India. Live demonstrations and stroke techniques; Intro to Hindustani ‘Talas’, Tin Tal, Ek, Kherwa, Rupak Tal , using the ancient oral tradition of Indian vocal percussion: Ta – Te – Ti – Tin – Tite – Tirikita.
Module 3 – Review of the last class (30 minutes)
Practice section: Analysis of different rhythms from around the world.
Mideastern instruments and rhythms
The Darbuka, strokes and rhythms from the Mediterranean, Zaidi, Basmudi, Melfuf, Zaidi, Mahsum, Ciftetelli, etc. Other Mideastern instruments, Riq, Bendir, Zils, Davul. rhythmic ensembles, group improvisation. An overview of some regional rhythms.
Module 4 – Review of the last class (30 minutes)
Practice section: Analysis of different rhythms from around the world.
Rhythms from Africa
The Djembe, drumming strokes : Do – Go – Pa – Ta – Dum – Gum;
Rhythms Fanga, Kaki Lambe, etc. An overview of some African tribal music.
Module 5 – Review of the last class (30 minutes)
Practice section: Analysis of different rhythms from around the world.
Rhythms from Europe - Spanish Flamenco rhythms
Introduction to the Spanish Cajon flamenco percussion instrument and palmas.
Flamenco rhythms: por Rumbas, Tangos, Sevillanas, Bulerias; Alegrías, Tanguillos.
Also, there will be an overview later in the class of some rhytms from Eastern Europe, Celtic, Italian.
Module 6 – Review of the last class (30 minutes)
Practice section: Analysis of different rhythms from around the world.
Rhythms from North America
This class will introduce the rudiments of some of the most popular North American rhythms, including some Native American rhythms, Blues, Gospel, Funk, Jazz, Blue grass, Country, Folk, Rock, various Hawaiian rhythms , Mexican Rancheras, etc.
Module 7 – Review of the last class (30 minutes)
Practice section: Analysis of different rhythms from around the world.
Rhythms from Central America
Introduction to Afro Cuban instruments, the Bongos, Clave, Cascara, Campana; and some of its rhythms: Salsa, Son, Latin Rumba, and an overview of other Central American folklore music including Reggaton, Merengue, Bolero, Cumbia, Bachata, Jamaican Reggae, Bahamian Calypso, Trinidad steel drums, Soca, Haitian Kompa, etc.
Module 8 – Review of the last class (30 minutes)
Practice section: Analysis of different rhythms from around the world.
Rhythms from South America
This class will analyze the rudiments of some of the most popular South American rhythms, such as Brasilian Samba , Choro and Bossa; Argentinean Chacarera, Zamba, Vidala, Baguala, Tango. Also, an overview of Andean music from Venezuela (Joropos), Peru (Huainos), Bolivia (Saya), Ecuador (Quena y Sicus), Colombia (Ballenato), Uruguay (Candombe) etc.
Note: All the music overviews are explained along with audio examples and a graphic description of each rhythm.
Module 9 – Review of the entire workshop and student’s performance
In this last modulle, the group will have a general review of the material that has been taught during the whole course, allowing the students to ask questions and also to demonstrate and share some of the rhythmic skills learned on it.
The ‘Ethnic Fusion instruments & rhythms of the world’ is open to beginners and intermediate level students, with basic experience in rhythm and melody. Beginners with strong interest in music but without any rhythm related experience are also welcome.
An open class of this workshop will be available free of charge, open to general public and new students.
For more information about upcoming workshop dates, fees and management, please contact us.
Thank you very much for visiting us :)
Ethnic Fusion Sound