Free Your Voice while Drumming Outdoors in a Park!

This class runs 10 Thursdays from May 5-July 7, 5:30-7pm Pacific Time with May 26 off and a longer 3 hour session for the solstice on June 23 5:30-8:30pm. OK to join a week or two late. We will be outside on the grass at Memorial Park in Albany. I'm committed to running groups that are at least 50% Black, Indigenous, and people of color.

Amaze yourself and free your singer & drummer. Get expressive on your drum (djembe, doumbek, cajon, and conga recommended but pots, pans, and buckets welcome if you don't have access to a drum), rock out, and sing! All levels welcome including total beginners (yes, it's possible to sing & drum together in session 1!) You will be amazed at what you can accomplish in 90 minutes! We will also learn polyrhythms from West Africa. 1/3 of the class will be singing and drumming North African and Latin rhythms, 1/3 playing West African polyrhythms and singing, and 1/3 jamming/drum circle improv. $350 for 10 weeks.

In 10 fun weeks, we will cover:

--fundamental drum strokes--bass, tone, slap, pop, and touch

--good drumming technique

--healthy vocal technique (breath support, releasing throat tension, using your mask for projection, resonance)

--world rhythms from Mali, Guinea, Egypt, Morocco, Brazil, Cuba & more

--funk, rock, blues & hip hop rhythms & world songs

--trance rhythms (opening and closing rhythms) from North Africa

--improvisation

--drum circles, grooving, jamming, unleashing your voice as you drum, and lotsa play! We're going to cut loose together and get ecstatic!

This workshop is for all people: total beginners, those with trauma around their voices, the rhythmically challenged, and experienced singers and drummers. Everyone will benefit.

If you are unvaccinated, please wear a mask and keep 6 feet distance. Vaccinated folks have the option to be masked or unmasked depending on your comfort level and choose their own distance/closeness that feels safe.

In case of bad weather, we will meet via zoom.

Testimonials: “Phoenix Song's class – Free Your Voice while Drumming – was outstanding. Phoenix is a superb teacher who makes learning drum polyrhythms accessible and fun. Phoenix sets up the songs and rhythms with varying levels of challenge, and always encourages us with heart and a smile. It’s more than just the rhythms – it’s really a magical experience that has liberated new possibilities in my music and my being.” Lisa F

“They break down rhythm in a way that makes it incredibly tangible for a total beginner to percussion. And then they teach you to integrate your voice while drumming! An awesome teacher.” –Jai S

“I recommend this class! Phoenix created a supportive space for learning, stretching, listening, and curiosity. I appreciate how you’re able to create a community while at the same time encourage the individual within it.”–Lucy A

For other reviews: http://www.yelp.com/biz/amber-field-music-san-francisco

https://phoenixsongmusic.com