Upcoming group classes
Description of African Drum Class
Description of AfroCuban Drum Class
Cost of group classes
African Class Demo:
Here’s a short video I made with some former students one year on May 5th. Check it out! You can learn to do this too.
Here is a solo performance of some of the conga melody’s/rhythms that I teach in my group Afro Cuban drumming class.
Shiko, from Nigeria, is the only rhythm I teach which is neither Cuban nor Zimbabwean. It is relatively simple and easy to learn, so I like to teach it in both classes, as a great way to warm up and groove.
Upcoming group classes:
Next session of African Rhythms of Zimbabwe drumming class will run for 17 classes over 19 weeks, January 15- May 20, 2024, with no classes on March 18 & 25 due to Spring Break. We will play 6:30-8pm, Monday evenings, at the Kutandara Center, 5401 Western Ave, Suite B, Boulder, CO 80301
Next session of AfroCuban drumming class will run for 9 weeks, January 18- May 23, 2024. We will play 7:30-9pm, Thursday evenings, at the Kutandara Center, 5401 Western Ave, Suite B, Boulder, CO 80301
Next session of Advanced Cuban Drumming class will run for 9 weeks, January 16- May 21, 2024. We will play 7:30-9pm, Tuesday evenings, at the Kutandara Center, 5401 Western Ave, Suite B, Boulder, CO 80301. Prior experience studying and playing AfroCuban rhythms is required for participation in this class.
Description of African Drum Class:
In this class, all levels are welcome, including adults and teens. In class we will cover a variety of traditional African rhythms of Zimbabwe. Scott learned these rhythms in Chris Berry‘s Blue Tribe School as well as in Zimbabwe. We will discuss basic technique for making the main sounds on the drum, which are bass, tone, and slap. Then we will begin to learn and combine different rhythms. Cultural context will also be discussed. I welcome and encourage use of smartphones to make audio and/or video recordings of class in order to have a reference point for practicing in between classes.
No experience is necessary, but it’s also okay if you have some! Some drums are available for use at no extra cost, but it is ideal to bring your own if you have one.
Description of AfroCuban Drum Class:
In this class, all levels are welcome, including adults and teens. We will begin with a brief discussion and practice of making the 3 basic sounds of the drum: slap, tone, and bass. Then we will jump right into playing traditional conga rhythms of Cuba. Most of what is taught will be drawn from the lineage of Los Munequitos de Matanzas. Scott received the permission to teach this repertoire from elder Jesus Alfonso (RIP), during follow up studies with him in Cuba in 2005. We will learn first and second accompaniments, as well as breaks and bell/clave patterns, and some root lead parts. Cultural context will also be discussed. I welcome and encourage use of smartphones to make audio and/or video recordings of class in order to have a reference point for practicing in between classes.
No experience is necessary, but it’s also okay if you have some! Some drums are available for use at no extra cost, but it is ideal to bring your own if you have one.
No experience is necessary, but it’s also okay if you have some! Some drums are available for use at no extra cost, but it is ideal to bring your own if you have one.
Cost:
Total cost for African Rhythms of Zimbabwe drumming class series is $575.
Total cost for AfroCuban drumming class is $300.
Total cost for Advanced AfroCuban drumming is $300.
For registration information, please click here.
I love teaching students of all ages and backgrounds.
There is no video demo for Afro Cuban class at this time, but I’m working on it!
*Private lessons are available at a rate of $75/hr, or $40/half hour.