Afro-Cuban and Salsa Band

When & Where

17 September 2024 - 10 December 2024 ( 18 hours, 12 weeks )
Evening, Tuesday
View course timetable
Waterloo Centre

Quick Facts

Availability Yes
Tutor Sara Dhillon
Course Code W24JPMA01A
Suitable For 19 year olds and up are permitted on this course

What you will learn

Experience the thrill of playing in a Latin Ensemble. Suitable for all instrumentalists and percussionists, this course gives you 'hands-on' playing experience and helps develop your improvising skills in this highly rhythmic music.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

You will be able to identify different rhythms and song styles associated with Afro-Cuban and Salsa music including Son Montuno, Mambo, Cha-cha-cha, Bolero, Latin Jazz and more
You will learn different approaches to playing within this highly rhythmic music. This will include listening examples and harmonic analysis of repertoire and so you can learn how to improvise over commonly played chord progressions in this style
You will improve your sense of time and rhythm along with your ability to sight-read with more ease and confidence.
You will learn about the different rhythmic patterns which are commonly played by the various instruments in Afro-Cuban groups so you can better understand how the different parts interlock and use this knowledge to better inform your own solos

Cost

Full fee

£160

Concession fee

£120

Click here for information on Fees, Funding and Concessions (including financial support)

Class format and activities

The class will focus on approaches to improving your sense of rhythm and time, and how to play and solo in a Cuban and Salsa band. During classes you will also work on rhythm/sight-reading exercises led by the tutor to help you develop confidence playing this highly rhythmic music, and analysis of some well-known Cuban and Salsa standards including how to approach soloing over these songs. You will receive direct coaching from the tutor on how to improve your improvising skills in this style, and also backing tracks for you to practise along to between classes.

Entry requirements

You will have attended the previous term of Afro-Cuban and Salsa Band or have an interest in learning about the rhythms and repertoire of this wonderful music. The course is designed to be modular so new students can join in each term and can consult with the tutor if you have any questions beforehand.

What you need to know before you enrol

This course is for intermediate players with previous experience.

What you need

You might be required to practise a bit between lessons. Due to the nature of the instruments/content of the course you might be exposed to high volume levels. We strongly encourage everyone to bring a pair of ear plugs to every lesson.