6 week samba drumming course

A 6 week block of workshops focussing on Rio Samba - the music played in Rio de Janeiro’s famous samba schools during carnival.

We will be delving into the wealth of infectious rhythms played by the ‘bateria’ (drum section of the samba school). This kind of music involves large numbers of people and the baterias in Rio often have up to 300 players! Because of this, samba is a very social activity and a great way of meeting new people while learning a new skill.

All levels of experience welcome - this music truly has something for everyone - from easy to grasp (but very useful) grooves to more complex phrases, calls & variations. Start simple and grow from there - there's always something new to learn in samba!

Instruments we use:

Surdo – Tuned bass drums

Caixa – Brazilian snare drum

Repique – High pitched drum played with one stick & hand

Tamborim – Very high pitched hand-held drum played with a single stick

Chocalho /Ganza – Different types of shakers

Agogo – Hand-held 2 tone bells

We will also be learning some songs and how the percussion supports and interacts with the melody.

Come and make some amazing music with a great bunch of people!!

Tutor: Roddy Dickson
Roddy Dickson is a percussionist, teacher and band leader from Glasgow. Roddy has studied with some of the best musicians in the world of Brazilian music and has over 20 years of experience teaching and performing in the UK, Europe and Brazil. As well as being the main musical director with Glasgow's own Sambayabamba, Roddy is a regular guest tutor for other bands on the UK carnival scene. Roddy is adept at catering to all levels of experience and has introduced countless people to Brazilian percussion.