We’re super excited here at Sing Music Studio about our upcoming Drum and Percussion Circles! Professional drummer Neal Burstyn will be leading these incredible workshops. Sponsored by SABIAN and Groove Factor Drums, Neal’s been drumming for over 35 years and in that time he’s built up a pretty impressive resume! Throughout his career, Neal has marched in drum corps, attended Humber College for Jazz Performance, recorded on numerous albums, had many TV appearances and has been instructing drum and rhythm for over 20 years. Neal’s also performed with Rough Trade, Carole Pope, Tom Barlow, Universal Honey” and many many more artists. Besides drumming, Neal is also a freelance commercial photographer (editorial and advertising) so don’t be surprised if you meet him around the studio snapping some shots of our Kindermusik classes in action! You can visit his website, www.ntbcreative.com to take a look at his amazing photos.
What to expect in these Drum and Percussion Circles? Firstly, lots of fun! Secondly, lots of learning! Thirdly, an opportunity to play lots of different drums and percussion!
For children from age 3.5 to 6, the main focus will be steady beat, simple rhythms and group work. All important for playing any musical instrument but these concepts also carry over into everyday life and learning. Mastery of steady beat also helps children to develop the ability to ride a bike, cut with scissors, dribble a ball, skate, dance, play sports – anything that takes organizing and coordinating the body in repetitive patterns.
For children from age 7 and up, the main focus will be steady beat, rhythm and ensemble work. This workshop is geared towards the student who is already taking lessons in order to improve time and rhythm and have more ensemble experience. Although non-lesson students of this age are also welcome. At Sing Music Studio, we run concerts twice a year where students have the opportunity to work together in duos/trios/quartets. Having a keen sense of time and working together is essential for ensemble success and also carries over into life and learning skills. There is a strong correlation between rhythm, mathematics and language and working in groups is definitely an ongoing school and life skill.
