Andrew Martin -
Riamba's founder - offers specialised tuition in Cuban and Brazilian percussion
and its associated rhythms. With many years experience and having studied
at Guildhall, London and later in Cuba, he gives
classes to groups and individuals as well as leading workshops at schools and
colleges. He is also a regular contributor to International Summer
Schools.
Click on the course sub-heading of your interest.
Beginners:
Tuition is given over a series of 3 one-hour lessons and offers the beginner an insight into the more familiar Cuban percussion instruments: congas, bongos, claves, campana and their associated rhythms.
Intermediate/Advanced:
Specialised tuition is given over a series of 5 one-hour lessons which look at popular Cuban percussion instruments: congas, bongos, timbales, campana, claves, bombo and will explore their required techniques and rhythms from early Son to the present day.
Small groups:
This two-hour session is aimed at groups of between 4 to 8 people and gives the participants a working knowledge of Cuban percussion instruments and their patterns. By the end of the session, a percussion ensemble will have been created which is able to perform one of Cuba's many styles.
Large groups:
This two-hour workshop is led by two of Riamba's percussionists and is suited to larger groups of up to 30 participants where the emphasis is placed upon rhythmic skills and textures in music. These workshops are ideal for school or college classes and use both Cuban and Brazilian rhythms as a foundation for rhythmic development.
Educational Concert
Schools:
The concert is suitable for both primary and secondary schools and is sure to entertain and educate. The audience is taken on a tour of South America to explore the different styles of music and rhythms: Bolero, Cha Cha Chá and Salsa, that over decades have set the world's feet tapping. The use of solo voice and then the adding of percussion and other melodic instruments is explored, demonstrating a richness of sound through this diversity of cultures. The audience is given the chance to take part in a Brazilian Samba band, an opportunity not to be missed!