West African Drumming Workshop

A hands-on workshop in which participants will play drum ensemble music from the Ewe, Akan and Dagomba people of Ghana. The workshop can be for any number of people. Groups of 8-10 people at a time will learn to play pieces on traditional West African instruments. Rhythmic construction of the music will be analyzed and performance techniques will be demonstrated. Discussion will include social context of the music, relation of West African music to Western music and use of standard Western percussion instruments as substitutes for West African instruments.
Workshop length – one or two hours

Rhythm and Time in Music

A workshop to enable musicians to develop a more comprehensive understanding of rhythm and time in music. This workshop is open to percussionists and non-percussionists. Rhythm in Western music will be examined from a historical perspective. Rhythm in non-Western cultures will be explored and compared to the use of rhythm in Western music. Time in music, in its various meanings, will be examined in the context of ideas of time in other disciplines.
Workshop length – one or two hours

Minimalism and the Music of Steve Reich

A lecture/workshop which examines the music of Steve Reich in the context of the minimalist movement. Reich’s compositions, from the early phase pieces to the current video theater works will be examined. The workshop will include a study of rhythmic ideas, structural frameworks and performance techniques. Participants will perform some of Reich’s works and learn about phasing techniques, concentration development and rhythmic consistency. The workshop is open to percussionists and non-percussionists.
Workshop length – one or two hours

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