GLOBAL BEATS

No experience is necessary to join this class, where you will learn the basics of Afro-Cuban, Brazilian and African drumming traditions while making music with others. Through call and response, language, repetition and layers, students will connect with the rich history and culture of various musical drumming traditions and learn basic hand drumming and percussion techniques. If you always wanted to play an instrument or learn drums, this is the perfect place to start. This program is for any level of student who wants to deepen their understanding of rhythms and cultures from around the world. BKCM supplies the percussion instruments and hand drums for this class.

*Fall semester will feature West African Drumming and Singing with Amos Kwaku Gabia.

The fall semester of Global Beats will focus on West African Drumming and Singing taught by BKCM faculty member Amos Kwaku Gabia. Amos will teach students traditional West African repertoire on the djembe, dun dun and accompanying percussive instruments. Students will practice basic hand rhythms, drum etiquette, technique, form, style and improvisation. They will be introduced to the culture of various regions of Ghana through song, dance and storytelling.

Originally from Ghana, West Africa, musician and educator Amos Kwaku Gabia began performing with the Noko Yedzen group at an early age. He plays a variety of instruments including the djembe, dun dun, kpanlogo, flute, and asalato.

Amos is a founding member of Saha, Ekome Feemo African Drumming and performed with the award winning Salaka Ensemble. While still living in Ghana, he led programs for groups of travelers from around the world interested in learning about West African culture through its music and dance. Amos recently spent some time back in his homeland working with students and educators while learning from the masters. This was a very special trip for him and he’s looking forward to sharing his experiences with the BKCM community.

Interested in this class? Click HERE to fill out an interest form.

Community Ensembles and Classes

Come jam with us! The core values of “community” and “joy” are at the heart of these ensembles and classes, which feature a variety of genres and styles. A great place for students of different ages and experiences to come together to learn, play and spread joy and music.

Registration Info

Do you want to register for a class? Please call 718-622-3300 to speak to one of our registrars, who will guide you through the registration process and answer any questions you might have.

For complete information on our registration process and policies please click here