The Modern Hand Percussionist

The Modern Hand Percussionist is an immersive, 7+ hour course designed for percussionists eager to deepen their understanding of rhythm, technique, and global percussion traditions. Guided by the expertise of Latin Grammy-winning percussionist Samuel Torres, the course offers a comprehensive exploration of hand percussion, emphasizing both technical proficiency and musical expression.

Beginning with foundational concepts, students delve into rhythm notation, time division, and syncopation, establishing a solid theoretical base. The course then transitions into practical applications, focusing on hand exercises tailored for congas, including wrist techniques, hand combinations, and multi-drum coordination.

A significant portion of the curriculum is dedicated to Afro-Cuban percussion, where learners explore the intricacies of conga patterns, the language of the bongo, and the dynamic roles of timbales within ensemble settings. Further expanding the global perspective, the course introduces shaker techniques, world music drums, and the art of crafting unique percussion setups, emphasizing the importance of musical taste in creating percussion effects.

The final module empowers students to apply their acquired skills creatively, focusing on understanding musical form, adapting to various genres, and developing improvisational abilities. By the end of the course, participants will have cultivated a versatile skill set, enabling them to perform and innovate within diverse musical contexts.