Total Rhythm™ : Workshops

Learn hand-drumming basics: how to hold the drum, how to create the proper notes, how to relax your shoulders and arms and BREATH while you play. Learn rhythms from Africa, Jamaica and Cuba in a warm, supportive and fun environment. All drums provided (or bring your own). No prior experience needed.
First-timers welcome! Tap into the soul of rhythm!

Saturday, March 28, 2009, 1:00 - 2:30pm
Total Rhythm Studio
3001 Chapman Street, Oakland, CA 94601 (click for directions)
$30/25 advanced

Pay online with credit card via paypal™

Total Rhythm!

Mastering 6/8 Rhythms!

Don't be intimidated by 6/8 rhythms! They are exciting & powerful and this workshop will teach you how to play them while keeping the quarter-notes with your feet. Designed for people with some experience (no matter how frustrating) with 6/8 rhythms who really want to master this incredible feel. All drums provided. We'll be working with Afro-Cuban bembe and W. African rhythms.

Saturday, March 28, 2:30-4:00pm
Total Rhythm Studio
3001 Chapman Street, Oakland, CA 94601 (click for directions)
$30/25 adv.

Pay online with credit card via paypal™

Total Rhythm!

Samba for Congas

You have congas, and you love samba, so let's put them together! Learn traditional and contemporary samba de roda ("samba in a circle") rhythms which sound great on congas. Each rhythm broken down and taught SLOWLY, with emphasis on how each fits with the samba de roda bell line. We'll cover soloing ideas if time permits. All drums provided or bring your own. No exp. needed - this is an open session for samba and conga lovers alike.

Saturday, May 9, 1:00-2:30pm
Total Rhythm Studio
3001 Chapman Street, Oakland, CA 94601 (click for directions)
$30/25 adv.

Pay online with credit card via paypal™

Total Rhythm!

Afro-Cuban Rumba

Learn the rhythms of the folkloric Afro-Cuban guaguanco family: tumbao, segundo, rumba clave and palitos with an emphasis on ensemble playing. Put together this sweet music in an encouraging, supportive environment. Learn to play rumba clave and step quarter notes with your feet. Learn how to start each rhythm on time and in it's proper place with clave. All drums provided. Some experience with rumba needed. Call to check (phone # below).

Saturday May 9, 2:30 - 4:00pm
Total Rhythm Studio
3001 Chapman Street, Oakland, CA 94601 (click for directions)
$30/25 advanced

Pay online with credit card via paypal™

Total Rhythm!

Cajon Workshop with Gustavo Ramos

Learn to play the Cajon ("cah-HONE"), a box-like, Afro-Cuban drum which is emerging as one the most exciting and versatile percussion instruments on the scene today. Gustavo Ramos, from Havana, Cuba, will teach basic cajon playing technique, body positioning, how to create proper notes from the cajon, and exciting folkloric rhythms from Cuba. Gustavo will also provide insight into the history of the cajon and it's use in present-day Afro-Cuban music. Ten hand-made Cajons available for student use and/or purchase!

Workshop Insructor Gustavo Ramos is a Cuban- born percussionist who has performed with Afro-Cuban percussion ensembles Oku Omodde Ota and 7 Potencias. He brings a wealth of knowledge in Afro-Cuban folkloric music to all of his workshops.

Saturday, May 30, 2009, 4:00 - 6:00pm
Total Rhythm Studio
3001 Chapman Street, Oakland, CA 94601 (click for directions)
$30/25 advanced

Pay online with credit card via paypal™

Total Rhythm!

UDU and Caxixi Workshops

The Udu ("ooh-doo") is a warm, enchanting claypot drum from Nigeria. Learn basic Udu technique and rhythms from Nigeria, the Caribbean and the USA. No exp. needed. Udus available for use and/or sale. Warning: Udu playing can be addictive! In the second workshop, learn to play Caxixi ("cah-she-she"), woven, seed-filled Brazilian percussion instruments similar to shakers but much more versatile. Full-length instructional Caxixi DVD covering all rhythms available.

Sat. June 20, 2009
Udu: 1:00 - 2:30pm
Caxixi: 2:30 - 4pm
Total Rhythm Studio
3001 Chapman Street, Oakland, CA 94601 (click for directions)
$30/25 advanced each class

UDU Workshop: Pay online with credit card via paypal™
CAXIXI Workshop: Pay online with credit card via paypal™

Total Rhythm!

Congolese Workshop

Learn traditional hand-drumming rhythms of the Congo with Kiazi Malonga. Learn interlocking parts in a dynamic and supportive environment. Kiazi blends a wealth of knowledge of traditional Congolese rhythms including Elima, Zebolah and Ebuka (learned from his father Malonga Casquelord), with a warm and open teaching style. Kiazi will also teach the history and cultural significance of all rhythms presented. All drums provided, or bring your own (djembe, congas, ashikos).

Workshop Insructor Kiazi Malonga is an Oakland-based drummer with an extensive background and knowledge of Congolese music. He is a regular drum instructor at the Congolese Music & Dance Camps in Maui and California.

Sat. July 18, 2009
3:00 - 5:00 pm
Total Rhythm Studio
3001 Chapman Street, Oakland, CA 94601 (click for directions)
$30/25 advanced each class

Congolese Workshop: Pay online with credit card via paypal™

To Register:

Pay online with credit card via paypal or call or e-mail Robert with your selection(s): 510-482-8005, Robert@TotalRhythm.com and send check payable to "Total Rhythm" for course fee and mail to Total Rhythm, c/o Robert Wallace, 3001 Jordan Road, Oakland, CA 94602.

Location:

All classes held at the Total Rhythm Studio, 3001 Chapman Street, Oakland, CA 94601 (click for directions), unless otherwise noted. Plenty of free street parking. Accessible by public transportation. (Fruitvale BART station.) All drums and percussion instruments provided, or bring your own (any drum).