I conduct this class standing in a circle. I show simple footstep which lock every one into the same time frame and from there we speak the rhythms we want to learn. Finally we deal with instrumental techniques, patterns and variations. I find this process to be very effective in helping people to always know where the pulse is, which stroke or rest of the pattern is "1" and how to express themselves within the framework of the music. They also learn how closely dance is associated with the drumming, and in fact, are started on a path which may lead them to dancing, which is where they will learn the real "feel" and soul of the music.

Level 1- Intro to Brazil percussion: ganza, agogo, tamborim, surdo. Basic dance steps and hand claps. Simple chants. Slow Samba and Afoxe. Samba Reggae. Call and response with Bateria.

Level 1.5- Contra surdo, caxia (tarol), more agogo patterns, faster tempo. Call and response with repinique and bateria plus simple songs.

Level 2- Hand drum rhythms: Ijexa, Maculele, Samba, Capoeira. More difficult instruments: berimbau, pandiero, cuica. Harder songs.

Level 3- Tamborim designs for Batucada. Repinique calls. Agogo, cuica, and pandeiro solo. Samba Reggae styles. Playing for dancers. Adapting folkloric rhythms to drum set and Bateria.

Private Lessons Available.




All materials copyright 1998 PulseWave Percussion and Kim Atkinson.