Introduction to Hand Drumming/Global Rhythms and Improvisation MUSIC4
Introduction to Hand Drumming/Global Rhythms and Improvisation
5
Dates:2/25/2025 to 3/25/2025
- Joe McCarthy
Meeting Times
- Tuesday 2/25/2025, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
- Tuesday 3/4/2025, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
- Tuesday 3/11/2025, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
- Tuesday 3/18/2025, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
- Tuesday 3/25/2025, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Description
Course Description
This course is designed to introduce students to the world of hand drumming through the exploration of global rhythms and the fundamentals of rhythmic improvisation. Students will engage with a variety of percussion instruments and styles, gaining hands-on experience while learning about the cultural contexts and significance of drumming traditions from around the world. Through a combination of technique-building exercises, rhythmic patterns, and creative improvisation, students will develop a deeper appreciation for the art of drumming while cultivating their own personal rhythmical expression.
By the end of the course, students will have the skills to play simple to intermediate hand drumming patterns, understand key rhythmic concepts used in various global traditions, utilize critical listening as an educational tool, and feel confident in improvising within a group setting.
**Required Materials**:
- A hand drum (djembe, conga, or similar instrument). Some drums may be available for loan or purchase through the instructor.
- If a drum is needed, it can rented or purchased from the instructor.
- Comfortable clothing for movement and drumming.
Course Objectives
1. Master Basic Hand Drumming Techniques: Students will learn foundational techniques for playing hand drums, focusing on proper hand placement, tone production technique, and developing rhythmic control.
2. Explore Global Rhythms: The course will introduce rhythms and drumming patterns from diverse cultural traditions, including West African, Latin American, Middle Eastern, and Indian styles.
3. **Develop Improvisation Skills**: The course will emphasize the importance of rhythmic improvisation, allowing students to experiment with creating spontaneous rhythms in both solo and group settings.
4. **Cultivate Group Cohesion and Ensemble Playing**: Through group drumming sessions, students will learn how to listen and respond to others, developing an understanding of ensemble dynamics and the role of the drummer in a collective musical setting.
**Course Outline**:
Introduction to Hand Drumming Basics**
- Overview of different hand drums (djembe, conga, bongos, frame drums, etc.)
- Basic hand techniques: open tone, slap, bass, and tone.
- Simple rhythms: quarter notes, eighth notes, and basic polyrhythms.
Rhythms of West Africa**
- Introduction to West African drumming traditions (e.g., Djembe and Dundun ensembles).
- Basic rhythms and call-and-response patterns.
- Group drumming practices: playing in unison and layering rhythms.
Rhythms of Latin America**
- Exploration of Afro-Cuban rhythms (e.g., 3-2 and 2-3 clave).
- Playing in time with clave and exploring syncopation.
Rhythms of the Middle East and India**
- Introduction to Middle Eastern rhythms (e.g., Maqsum, and Baladi).
- Basic Indian tabla rhythms and the concept of *tala*.
- Cross-cultural comparisons: how different traditions approach rhythm.
Improvisation and Creative Expression**
- Techniques for improvising on hand drums: phrasing, dynamics, and interaction.
- Group improvisation exercises: jamming and responding to other players.
- Introduction to solo drumming and developing a personal style.
Group Performance and Ensemble Playing**
- Collaborative drumming exercises: creating layered rhythmic compositions.
- Developing awareness of listening, timing, space, and group cohesion in ensemble playing.
- Final performance preparation: combining the rhythms and improvisation techniques learned.
**Course Prerequisites**:
This course is designed for beginners and does not require prior musical experience. An open mind and a willingness to explore new rhythms and creative expression are all that is needed.
**Instructor's Note**:
Whether you have never picked up a drum or have been drumming for years, this course provides a supportive environment where you can explore your own rhythm and creativity. We will explore the joy of drumming in a non-competitive, inclusive setting, where the focus is on both learning and self-expression through rhythm.
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This course aims to offer a balance of technical skill-building and creative exploration, allowing students to learn both the "how" and the "why" of drumming.
Bio:
Joe McCarthy has led a diverse career as a drummer/percussionist, bandleader, producer, and educator in a myriad of settings from symphony orchestra to bebop, big band, Afro-Cuban, theater and beyond.
Joe is the founder, leader, producer, and drummer of The New York Afro Bop Alliance Big Band (NYABABB), winner of the 2008 Latin Grammy® for Latin Jazz Album of the Year and nominated in the same category for the 51st Grammy Awards® for the Heads-Up release “Afro Bop Alliance”, featuring Dave Samuels. NYABABB has released its eighth recording, “The Pan American Nutcracker Suite”, on Joe’s independent label Angelface Records, which received a 2023 Latin Grammy® nomination in the “Best Arrangement” category.
Active in education, Joe has held adjunct appointments at the collegiate level since
1992 upon graduating from the University of North Texas with a Masters in Percussion
Performance. Previous adjunct positions include Texas Wesleyan, Georgetown, and
George Mason University. Joe is currently an adjunct Professor of Music at the University of New Haven.
As a clinician, Joe has been a featured performer and clinician at the Percussive Arts
Society International Convention (PASIC), Jazz Educators Network International
Convention (JEN), and has presented masterclasses around the world covering a wide
range of topics from drum set/percussion performance to music business management,
and development of essential tools for a life in music.
As an author, Joe is published by Alfred music with “Joe McCarthy’s Afro Cuban Big Band Play-Along Series”, featuring a book/CD play-along and Vol’s I & II DVD’s. This series has received rave reviews worldwide and is part of the curriculum at The University of North Texas, University of Miami, Berklee School of Music, Humber College and among others. In 2020, Joe released his new all-inclusive, online drum set system titled “Basic Training”, built upon the five foundational components essential to achieving total control of the drum set including Balance, Alignment, Substitution, Interdependence, and Control.
Joe is a twenty-year veteran of The United States Naval Academy Band, where he served as Chief Petty Officer, principal percussionist with the wind ensemble, and Chief in Charge/drummer of the Next Wave Jazz Ensemble- one of the Navy’s two premier big bands. Under Joe’s direction, the Next Wave commissioned and recorded new works by Jim McNeely, Vince Norman, Dave Samuels, Shawn Purcell, and Dan Cavanagh.
Fees
- Class Fee $150.00