MUSC 123 Afro-Cuban Drumming

Semester-long instruction with music tradition-bearers allows students to develop the technique and language to approach musical styles from outside the Western art music canon, while exposing them to alternative modes of musical pedagogy. In addition to practicing secular rumba drumming, students will study the sacred rhythms of Santeria and learn to sing the songs of the Orishas in the Yoruba dialect of Lucumi. In addition to weekly rehearsals with the ensemble, students will be expected to practice on their own and to participate in a public performance at the end of the semester. No prior music experience is required.