Latin piano
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- Course Code: ME1051
- Dates: 22/07/24 - 29/07/24
- Time: 18:30 - 21:00
- Taught: Mon, Evening
- Duration: 2 sessions (over 2 weeks)
- Location: Keeley Street
- Tutor: Sara Dhillon
Course Code: ME1051
Choose a start date
Duration: 2 sessions (over 2 weeks)
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.
What is the course about?
This practical course for intermediate pianists will introduce you to the dynamic role of the piano in Afro-Cuban music and Salsa. The course will focus on rhythm, playing different Latin styles and soloing. You will play at a digital piano and take turns on percussion to emulate playing in a Latin band.
What will we cover?
Introduction to Salsa, Son montuno, Mambo, Cha-cha-cha and Bolero. Learn the differences between these styles and their associated rhythms.
Montunos and how to play them including common variations.
The different percussion instruments used in Salsa : congas, bongos, clave, guiro, cowbell, Learn their associated rhythms/patterns and how these relate to Salsa piano.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- understand the function of the piano in Salsa and Afro-Cuban music and learn how to play in this style.
- be familiar with the some of the Latin music styles and be able to distinguish between them.
- have an understanding of how to improve your music reading in this style including exercises to help you with this.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
The course is designed for intermediate players at around Grade 4 (ABRSM) and higher with sight-reading skills at a similar level. Ideally you will have a minimum of four year’s regular playing experience to get the most out of the classes.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
You will be taught through playing episodes at the piano, with instruction and feedback from the tutor, as well as listening to and following musical examples. You will be taught rhythmic and harmonic exercises to help you play in this style. There are backing tracks for you to use for practice outside of the class.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
A notebook and some manuscript paper.
Music and all other teaching materials will be provided by the tutor.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
There are a range of pop, jazz, Latin and classical piano courses at City Lit.
Sara Dhillon is a composer, arranger, pianist, vocalist and bandleader, born in the UK and educated in Los Angeles. She plays with various jazz, salsa and samba bands on the London music scene. She plays regularly with her own jazz trio and also leads the popular salsa sextet 'Grupo Malanga'. She has worked with artists including Joss Stone, Geri Haliwell, Darius, Juliet Roberts, Talvin Singh, Kuljit Bhamra and Jocelyn Brown, performed at Elton John's wedding, and has toured with Shakespears Sister. Sara composes music for TV and stage, including a West production of "Twelfth Night" set in modern day India for which the music blended jazz, Indian classical music, Hindi pop music and spiritual songs. She also wrote string arrangements for top-selling Bhangra/Hindi pop artist Sangeeta's album "Footsteps in the Sand." Sara teaches at City Lit, Morley College, Royal College of Music (Junior Department), and Royal Holloway, University of London.
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.
