Explore the vibrant world of Afro Cuban percussion in this welcoming course for beginner and intermediate players. Learn to play congas, bongos, timbales, claves and more while discovering how these infectious rhythms can enhance everything from salsa to funk, rock to samba.
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
This course introduces you to the rich rhythmic traditions of Afro-Cuban percussion. Whether you're a complete beginner or have some experience with percussion instruments, you'll develop your skills and ensemble playing on a variety of instruments.
We'll explore traditional Afro-Cuban rhythms such as son, rumba, bolero, danzón, and bembé 6/8. Discover how to adapt these percussive foundations to other genres including funk, rock, R&B, samba and bossa nova. Learn how Afro-Cuban percussion can bring energy and authenticity to a wide range of musical styles.
What will we cover?
Cultural and historical context of Afro-Cuban percussion
Playing techniques for multiple percussion instruments
An introduction to some traditional Afro-Cuban rhythms
Understanding and identifying clave patterns
Developing our internal sense of time and feel
Adapting Afro-Cuban rhythms to other popular music genres
Ensemble playing and listening skills
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Have experience playing multiple percussion instruments
Identify different clave patterns and understand their role in various rhythms
Play effectively in an ensemble setting, listening and responding to other musicians
Have ideas about how you might like to take your playing to the next level
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This is an open level ensemble that welcomes complete beginners and players with experience of Latin percussion instruments. No previous musical knowledge is required and you do not need to read music. For those who prefer visual guidance or wish to practise at home, written notation of certain patterns will be provided, but this is optional rather than essential to the course.
Our mixed-level approach creates a supportive learning environment where beginners can benefit from both direct tuition and the peer support of more experienced players, while intermediate players can improve their technique and widen their exposure to different playing styles.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The course uses a hands-on, practical approach with demonstrations, group playing, and listening exercises to help you develop your skills and musical ear. You'll spend most of your time playing and making music together.
There is no required work outside class, though practising at home is beneficial to support your learning and improve muscle memory.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
There are no additional costs. Many instruments will be provided including congas, cowbells, shakers, shekere, claves, guiro, bongos.
Some instruments (timbales, cajon) are not currently available at the college, so you are welcome to bring your own if you have a preference. However, there is no requirement to bring an instrument - you can participate fully using the instruments provided.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
City Lit offers a variety of progression courses in music and percussion. You may wish to continue developing your beat-making skills through our Afrocentric drumming course which focuses on West-African rhythms or perhaps on our drum kit courses. You may wish to explore other world music traditions.
Veronique ‘Vee’ Okafor has been playing percussion instruments for a decade bringing passion and expertise to every teaching session. As a former member of a south London-based salsa band, Vee performed on timbales and as lead female vocalist, demonstrating how percussion and vocals interact in Latin music. As a session musician Vee has played percussion across jazz, rock, blues and world music venues across London and Cardiff. She has taught percussion workshops at City Lit, Brixton and Tunbridge Wells, always creating a welcoming environment where students of all levels can thrive. Vee's teaching philosophy centres on the belief that learning has no ceiling and opens new pathways for exploring personal potential and creativity while relieving stress. "We all have the capacity to learn something new regardless of age or prior experience," she explains. A professional singer for several decades, Vee discovered percussion and drums later in life and found them to be her true passion. This experience informs her encouraging approach to teaching adult learners.
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.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/afro-cuban-percussion3006676Afro Cuban percussionhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/Musicianship_for_singers-1024.jpg199199GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Performing arts/Courses/Performing arts/Music/Courses/Performing arts/Music/Jazz & popular music/Courses/vm/Latin American season22851314135113581348812285131413511653<p>Explore the vibrant world of Afro Cuban percussion in this welcoming course for beginner and intermediate players. Learn to play congas, bongos, timbales, claves and more while discovering how these infectious rhythms can enhance everything from salsa to funk, rock to samba.</p>003006670Afro Cuban percussion199199https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/Musicianship_for_singers-1024.jpgInStockDaytimeSatKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekend2026-05-02T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersMay 2026Performing artsME635199199Afro Cuban percussion199139199Vee Okaforafro-cuban-percussion/me635-2526<p>Explore the vibrant world of Afro Cuban percussion in this welcoming course for beginner and intermediate players. Learn to play congas, bongos, timbales, claves and more while discovering how these infectious rhythms can enhance everything from salsa to funk, rock to samba.</p>0000-Available|2026-05-02 00:00:00<p>This course introduces you to the rich rhythmic traditions of Afro-Cuban percussion. Whether you're a complete beginner or have some experience with percussion instruments, you'll develop your skills and ensemble playing on a variety of instruments.</p><p>We'll explore traditional Afro-Cuban rhythms such as son, rumba, bolero, danzón, and bembé 6/8. Discover how to adapt these percussive foundations to other genres including funk, rock, R&B, samba and bossa nova. Learn how Afro-Cuban percussion can bring energy and authenticity to a wide range of musical styles.</p><p>Explore the vibrant world of Afro Cuban percussion in this welcoming course for beginner and intermediate players. Learn to play congas, bongos, timbales, claves and more while discovering how these infectious rhythms can enhance everything from salsa to funk, rock to samba.</p><ul><li>Cultural and historical context of Afro-Cuban percussion</li><li>Playing techniques for multiple percussion instruments</li><li>An introduction to some traditional Afro-Cuban rhythms</li><li>Understanding and identifying clave patterns</li><li>Developing our internal sense of time and feel</li><li>Adapting Afro-Cuban rhythms to other popular music genres</li><li>Ensemble playing and listening skills</li></ul><ul><li>Have experience playing multiple percussion instruments </li><li>Identify different clave patterns and understand their role in various rhythms</li><li>Play effectively in an ensemble setting, listening and responding to other musicians</li><li>Have ideas about how you might like to take your playing to the next level</li></ul><p>This is an open level ensemble that welcomes complete beginners and players with experience of Latin percussion instruments. No previous musical knowledge is required and you do not need to read music. For those who prefer visual guidance or wish to practise at home, written notation of certain patterns will be provided, but this is optional rather than essential to the course.</p><p>Our mixed-level approach creates a supportive learning environment where beginners can benefit from both direct tuition and the peer support of more experienced players, while intermediate players can improve their technique and widen their exposure to different playing styles. </p><p>The course uses a hands-on, practical approach with demonstrations, group playing, and listening exercises to help you develop your skills and musical ear. You'll spend most of your time playing and making music together.</p><p>There is no required work outside class, though practising at home is beneficial to support your learning and improve muscle memory.</p><p>There are no additional costs. Many instruments will be provided including congas, cowbells, shakers, shekere, claves, guiro, bongos.</p><p>Some instruments (timbales, cajon) are not currently available at the college, so you are welcome to bring your own if you have a preference. However, there is no requirement to bring an instrument - you can participate fully using the instruments provided.</p><p>City Lit offers a variety of progression courses in music and percussion. You may wish to continue developing your beat-making skills through our Afrocentric drumming course which focuses on West-African rhythms or perhaps on our drum kit courses. You may wish to explore other world music traditions.</p>MusicJazz & popular musicvirtual3046678Afro Cuban percussion199199https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/Musicianship_for_singers-1024.jpgInStockDaytimeSatKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekend2026-10-03T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersOct 2026Performing artsME635A199199Afro Cuban percussion199139199Vee Okaforafro-cuban-percussion/me635a-2627<p>Explore the vibrant world of Afro Cuban percussion in this welcoming course for beginner and intermediate players. Learn to play congas, bongos, timbales, claves and more while discovering how these infectious rhythms can enhance everything from salsa to funk, rock to samba.</p>0000-Available|2026-10-03 00:00:00<p>This course introduces you to the rich rhythmic traditions of Afro-Cuban percussion. Whether you're a complete beginner or have some experience with percussion instruments, you'll develop your skills and ensemble playing on a variety of instruments.</p><p>We'll explore traditional Afro-Cuban rhythms such as son, rumba, bolero, danzón, and bembé 6/8. Discover how to adapt these percussive foundations to other genres including funk, rock, R&B, samba and bossa nova. Learn how Afro-Cuban percussion can bring energy and authenticity to a wide range of musical styles.</p><p>Explore the vibrant world of Afro Cuban percussion in this welcoming course for beginner and intermediate players. Learn to play congas, bongos, timbales, claves and more while discovering how these infectious rhythms can enhance everything from salsa to funk, rock to samba.</p><ul><li>Cultural and historical context of Afro-Cuban percussion</li><li>Playing techniques for multiple percussion instruments</li><li>An introduction to some traditional Afro-Cuban rhythms</li><li>Understanding and identifying clave patterns</li><li>Developing our internal sense of time and feel</li><li>Adapting Afro-Cuban rhythms to other popular music genres</li><li>Ensemble playing and listening skills</li></ul><ul><li>Have experience playing multiple percussion instruments </li><li>Identify different clave patterns and understand their role in various rhythms</li><li>Play effectively in an ensemble setting, listening and responding to other musicians</li><li>Have ideas about how you might like to take your playing to the next level</li></ul><p>This is an open level ensemble that welcomes complete beginners and players with experience of Latin percussion instruments. No previous musical knowledge is required and you do not need to read music. For those who prefer visual guidance or wish to practise at home, written notation of certain patterns will be provided, but this is optional rather than essential to the course.</p><p>Our mixed-level approach creates a supportive learning environment where beginners can benefit from both direct tuition and the peer support of more experienced players, while intermediate players can improve their technique and widen their exposure to different playing styles. </p><p>The course uses a hands-on, practical approach with demonstrations, group playing, and listening exercises to help you develop your skills and musical ear. You'll spend most of your time playing and making music together.</p><p>There is no required work outside class, though practising at home is beneficial to support your learning and improve muscle memory.</p><p>There are no additional costs. Many instruments will be provided including congas, cowbells, shakers, shekere, claves, guiro, bongos.</p><p>Some instruments (timbales, cajon) are not currently available at the college, so you are welcome to bring your own if you have a preference. However, there is no requirement to bring an instrument - you can participate fully using the instruments provided.</p><p>City Lit offers a variety of progression courses in music and percussion. You may wish to continue developing your beat-making skills through our Afrocentric drumming course which focuses on West-African rhythms or perhaps on our drum kit courses. You may wish to explore other world music traditions.</p>MusicJazz & popular musicvirtual199199139ME635,ME635ANONESat02/05/26 - 04/07/2615:45 - 17:1515:4517:1510 sessions (over 10 weeks)105-10 weeksDaytimeWeekendKSKeeley StreetVee OkaforBeginnersAvailable courses2026-05-02T00:00:00+00:00,2026-10-03T00:00:00+00:00May 2026,Oct 2026Performing arts199199Afro Cuban percussionafro-cuban-percussion/me635-2526,afro-cuban-percussion/me635a-2627<p>Explore the vibrant world of Afro Cuban percussion in this welcoming course for beginner and intermediate players. Learn to play congas, bongos, timbales, claves and more while discovering how these infectious rhythms can enhance everything from salsa to funk, rock to samba.</p>0000-Available|2026-05-02 00:00:00<p>This course introduces you to the rich rhythmic traditions of Afro-Cuban percussion. Whether you're a complete beginner or have some experience with percussion instruments, you'll develop your skills and ensemble playing on a variety of instruments.</p><p>We'll explore traditional Afro-Cuban rhythms such as son, rumba, bolero, danzón, and bembé 6/8. Discover how to adapt these percussive foundations to other genres including funk, rock, R&amp;B, samba and bossa nova. Learn how Afro-Cuban percussion can bring energy and authenticity to a wide range of musical styles.</p><p>Explore the vibrant world of Afro Cuban percussion in this welcoming course for beginner and intermediate players. Learn to play congas, bongos, timbales, claves and more while discovering how these infectious rhythms can enhance everything from salsa to funk, rock to samba.</p><ul><li>Cultural and historical context of Afro-Cuban percussion</li><li>Playing techniques for multiple percussion instruments</li><li>An introduction to some traditional Afro-Cuban rhythms</li><li>Understanding and identifying clave patterns</li><li>Developing our internal sense of time and feel</li><li>Adapting Afro-Cuban rhythms to other popular music genres</li><li>Ensemble playing and listening skills</li></ul><ul><li>Have experience playing multiple percussion instruments </li><li>Identify different clave patterns and understand their role in various rhythms</li><li>Play effectively in an ensemble setting, listening and responding to other musicians</li><li>Have ideas about how you might like to take your playing to the next level</li></ul><p>This is an open level ensemble that welcomes complete beginners and players with experience of Latin percussion instruments. No previous musical knowledge is required and you do not need to read music. For those who prefer visual guidance or wish to practise at home, written notation of certain patterns will be provided, but this is optional rather than essential to the course.</p><p>Our mixed-level approach creates a supportive learning environment where beginners can benefit from both direct tuition and the peer support of more experienced players, while intermediate players can improve their technique and widen their exposure to different playing styles. </p><p>The course uses a hands-on, practical approach with demonstrations, group playing, and listening exercises to help you develop your skills and musical ear. You'll spend most of your time playing and making music together.</p><p>There is no required work outside class, though practising at home is beneficial to support your learning and improve muscle memory.</p><p>There are no additional costs. Many instruments will be provided including congas, cowbells, shakers, shekere, claves, guiro, bongos.</p><p>Some instruments (timbales, cajon) are not currently available at the college, so you are welcome to bring your own if you have a preference. However, there is no requirement to bring an instrument - you can participate fully using the instruments provided.</p><p>City Lit offers a variety of progression courses in music and percussion. You may wish to continue developing your beat-making skills through our Afrocentric drumming course which focuses on West-African rhythms or perhaps on our drum kit courses. You may wish to explore other world music traditions.</p>MusicJazz & popular musicconfigurable
13581351Jazz & popular musichttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/performing-arts/music/jazz-and-popular-music1/2/285/1314/1351/13581/Courses/Performing arts/Music/Jazz & popular music
