Afro-centric drumming
- Course Code: ME996
- Dates: 03/08/24 - 10/08/24
- Time: 14:00 - 17:00
- Taught: Sat, Daytime
- Duration: 2 sessions (over 2 weeks)
- Location: Keeley Street
- Tutor: Paul Chivers
Course Code: ME996
Duration: 2 sessions (over 2 weeks)
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What is the course about?
We will play drums and percussion instruments together in a group setting. The rhythms are not fixed to one style of the Afrocentric diaspora, but are essentially rooted in rhythms originating in West Africa and are universally applicable.
What will we cover?
Afrocentric rhythms and accompanying parts. Simple and more complex rhythms, how to play interlocking parts and how to improvise with them and create your own variations. Instrumentation will include congas, bells, claves, shakers and hand percussion.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
Play some basic, intermediate and internationally used rhythms, some variations thereof and accompanying parts. You should be able to play as part of a unit, each player understanding their role.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
These two sessions are designed to accommodate beginners and experienced students, allcomers can enjoy playing as a percussion ensemble.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
You will be taught to play some simple rhythms first, and students will be accommodated to move forward at their own pace whilst continuing to play in the group. The nature of the ensemble parts means that students of all levels can continue to play together. You should practice every day, even if it’s just tapping the table top or your knees! The rhythms are distinct and repeatable. Practice makes perfect!
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
You are welcome to bring your own drum, shaker, clave bell etc if you have one you are keen to use, otherwise instruments are provided. Bring a notebook and a pen. You are welcome to document and video rhythms but please be aware that some students may not want to appear in your video.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Further sessions of this study will be scheduled for the autumn term.
Paul has spent most of his adult life playing with sound, making music, and helping others to do the same. In the late 1980s, with 0.5 MB of digital memory, he played his own compositions at clubs and parties around the M25. He first taught music technology in 1990, whilst programming and recording with Asian Dub Foundation, Coldcut, Jeff Wayne, Juno Reactor and, latterly, Dub Colossus. He also studied with jazz drummer and pedagogue John Stevens, and with West African, Brazilian, and Cuban drummers. Paul ran his own recording studio in Belzise Park for 20 years and his interest in audio editing and performing brought him to sound art, leading to a Masters at Middlesex University in 2011, researching mashup culture, multiple simultaneous audio streams and associated issues of ownership. Paul has taught for Community Music, WAC Arts, and now at City Lit, where he teaches Sound Art for Music and for Learning Disabilities, Afrocentric drumming and other practical music courses. He also teaches at Guildhall, as professor of Electronic and Produced Music. He has run three recording studios and now likes to spend time enjoying the countryside and the sounds of nature.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.