review of the musicality workshop ---- WOW
This is the review of the musicality workshop; in reference to: http://www.yasalsa.com/node/942
Ok, I can't find enough words to describe this workshop. but if I were to describe it in just two words: WOWly AWESOME! :) hehe
Here's why:
The class consisted of students at different levels in the musicality advancement. For example, I already knew the rythm of Clave and Compana and Cascara and how it relates to music; and I am able to do them to the music at the proper tempo; so I didn't feel that I might get out a lot from the workshop; boy was I wrong. First of all, Mike took it from 0 (because some students were at that level) and built it up to some very complicated things. First of all, he broke down the definitions of quater notes, measures and other important terminology that have to do with Latin Music. He made hand-outs with 17 different exercises (that he took us through). he explained the Guiro rythm, basic conga melody, basic piano tumbao, compana rythm and cascara rythm. all properly documented and explained.
However, why do I feel that it was so awesome? Because this workshop wasn't geared towards teaching a person how to be a percussionist, but it had 100% everything to do with us becoming a better dancer. By the end of the workshop he had us do the basic salsa step of forward/backwards while playing 2/3 and 3/2 Son Clave. Now, that is some crazy advance stuff right there. His level of experise as an educator is mind blowing; because he was able to take a person who never even knew that "Clave" existed [ and when it comes to latin music or dancing CLAVE IS EVERYTHING ] and got them not to just understand it and play it, but play it while doing basic step. That is just craaaazy advance level! Of course it is so complicated that not everyone will be able to do it ten min after the workshop, however the hand outs that he made for us with 17 excersises help us get to the level of being able to do it to the music in proper tempo. Out of all the musicality workshops that I have attended before, this was by far the best one, and was completely on a different level; much higher. Even though I already knew much of the stuff explained, because of the way that it was presented and explained; I now have a more solid understanding of the music and dance that we all love so much! :)))))
Just felt like sharing that with you guys! :))
I was also very impressed ...
I also was at ESDS for the musicality workshop with Mike this past Saturday.
With having over 16+ years of classical piano and vocal training/experience under my belt I also knew quite a bit going into the class. I knew that it would be a good opportunity to review what I already know but to also see visually, through the use of measures, notes and rests exactly how each salsa/timba rhythmic layer interacts with the next within a space of an eight beat phrase.
It was GREAT!! Mike did such a wonderful job at starting us off at the basics and then built from that into advanced syncopated rhythms (piano tumbao) with ease! Everything was very well planned and professionally structured right down to little stuff that everyone takes for granted (providing sharpened pencils and drumsticks for everyone). He had everything that we went over during the class documented in printouts so we could follow along and also have a visual reference for practicing at home. It really was a great balance of structured learning but relaxed, carefree fun! I honestly don't think he could have done a better job of presenting the information ... not only did he cover it from a visual standpoint (sight reading music and tapping it out while doing basic salsa steps) but also verbally (discussing exactly where various beats / steps fall and why along with having us vocally count while tapping the various rhythms out and dancing at the same time).
A very important statement Mike made was that we need to know how all of the rhythms interact and play out well enough that we can internalize them. Once that internalization takes place, we can go on autopilot and enjoy much more of what is taking place. Not only that but you also come out of it with a deeper understanding of the dance. It leaves so much room for so many different possibilities (like giving the music what it's asking for)!!
I'm really looking forward to upcoming class in Feb. with Mike! Until then, I'll be practicing the piano tumbao!