Class Descriptions
Specific Instruments
Schedule of Classes and Fees
Student Testimonials

Do you naturally bob your head when a good song comes on the radio?

Have you always been attracted to rhythm but don't know how to get started?

Total Rhythm has the answer! We offer a variety of Private (one on one) and small group (up to four people) lessons, in a warm, nurturing and fun atmosphere to help you explore rhythm. Please read our teaching philosophy and student testimonials. All percussion instruments are provided - all you bring is a desire to learn!

Classes held in a beautiful, private studio in Oakland, California, unless otherwise requested. If you would like classes in another location or in your own home, please Contact Robert@totalrhythm.com or call 510-482-8005.





Classes offered:
- Rhythm Basics: "Getting Rhythm In Your Body"
- Advanced Rhythm: "Rhythm and Expression"
- Brazilian Basics
- Cuban Basics
- Elements of Africa
- Specific Instruments: We also offer instruction from the absolute beginner (never touched a drum) to professional level in these specific instruments: congas, shekerai, djembe, pandeiro, caxixi, agogo bells.

Class Descriptions:

"Rhythm Basics:Getting Rhythm in Your Body" (For individuals or small groups up to 3). Fundamental rhythms for the complete beginner. Learn the building blocks of rhythm: Downbeats, upbeats, basic syncopation. Learn to comfortably move your body and play percussion at the same time. Learn how to feel and enjoy rhythm in your body. Have fun - sing, move, and play rhythm. All rhythm instruments provided. Instruments you will work with: Agogo bells, caxixi, Total Rhythm™ drum. Click for Schedule, Fees, and our teaching philosophy.

"Advanced Rhythm: Rhythm and Expression" (For individuals or small groups up to 3). Deepen your relationship with rhythm by getting the beat even more IN YOUR BODY. Learn hand and foot independence. Learn to interlock complementary cross-rhythms and incorporate singing into your playing. Learn how to solo while still keeping the pulse. Learn to be creative within the rhythm and play more musically. All rhythm instruments provided. Instruments you will work with: Agogo bells, caxixi, conga, djembe, Total Rhythm drum. Click for Schedule, Fees, and our teaching philosophy.

"Brazilian Basics" (For individuals or small groups up to 4). Learn to play the basics of Samba, Baioa, Partito Alto, and Samba Reggae music. Learn to relax and move your body while tapping into the joyful spirit of Brazilian music. Learn to sing, play Brazilian percussion and move your body at the same time. All instruments provided: Surdo, repinique, agogo, ganza, tambourine, pandeiro, cuica. Click for Schedule, Fees, and our teaching philosophy.

"Cuban Basics" (For individuals or small groups up to 4). Learn the fundamentals of Afro-Cuban rumba, bembe, and salsa, including 2/3 and 3/2 clave, 6/8 bell patterns. Learn how to feel the flavor and warmth of Cuban music in your body. All instruments provided: congas, bongos, clave, shekerai, cowbell. Click for Schedule, Fees, and our teaching philosophy.

"Elements of Africa" (For individuals or small groups up to 4). Learn the building blocks of African music: 2 beats against 3, call and response, 6/8 bell patterns, interlocking rhythms. Work with rhythms from the Congo, Senegal and Guinea. Relax and feel comfortable with rhythm, movement and song. All instruments provided: djembe, Total Rhythm™ drum, shekerai, bells. Click for Schedule, Fees, and our teaching philosophy.

Agogo Bells 2-headed metal bell from Brazil (with African origins). Lesson plan designed to teach student how to move feet, play simple rhythms on agogo, and sing at the same time. More advanced lessons incorporate soloing on the Agogo and playing complimentary rhythms in a small group setting.
	Caxixi - Woven baskets made from gourd-shell bottoms and bamboo. Filled with dried beans or beads. From Brazil (with African origins). Lesson plan teaches movement with the caxixi, ability to play syncopated rhythms and sing simple melodies. Advanced lessons teach hand independence, soloing on the caxixi and specific rhythms: partito alto, samba, baioa, etc.
Conga Drums - Wooden drums with cowhide skins. Played sitting down or on stands. Originated in Cuba. Learn basic hand technique: open tones, slaps, bass and muff. Develop hand and foot independence. Learn rhythms from Cuba, Brazil, Africa and USA, ranging from simple to very advanced rhythms on multiple congas.
	Djembe - Tapered drum from Africa. Play seated or standing (with strap). Learn basic hand technique: open tones, bass, slap, closed slap. Learn to move and sing while you play. Learn to be musical with the djembe. Work with rhythms from Guinea, Senegal, the Congo and the USA.
Pandeiro - Small, circular hand-held frame drum with goat skin head and jingles. From Brazil. Learn basic hand technique: how to hold the pandeiro and play open, slap, muted and grace tones, finger rolls. Learn to move your body, play pandeiro and sing. Work with rhythms from Brazil: samba, partito alto, baiao, American funk and hip-hop.
	Total Rhythm Drum - Standing wooden drum with goat-skin head designed exclusively for Total Rhythm™. This beautiful drum does not require a stand or strap and permits free and complete movement around the drum! Learn the basic hand technique: bass, open and slap tones. Learn how to move, play rhythm and sing at the same time. Work with music from around the world including rhythms from Africa, Brazil, Trinidad, Cuba, America.
Shekerai - Dried gourd with beaded skirt. From Cuba (with African origins). The shekerai is held in the hands much like a pitcher of water. It is moved back and forth between the hands to play rhythms. Learn the basic shekerai sounds and how to be comfortable moving your body, playing shekerai, and singing simple melodies. Work with rhythms from Cuba, Africa, Brazil, and America.