World Rhythms for Drum Set

This course is a truly interactive and structured programme that represents the curriculum and lessons taught by Lucas van Merwijk to students at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam. It comprises a series of 10 interactive video lessons over a period of 10 weeks.

Video's
3 hours

Skill Level
Intermediate

Backing Tracks
30 Backing tracks especially recorded for this course

Language
English

Certificate
Certified from the Conservatorium van Amsterdam

Feedback
Personalised video feedback every lesson

Watch the video for more information or go directly to the content of the course

Content of this course 

Lesson 1: Cuba
Investigation of the clave, introduction, Son & Son with Conga

Lesson 2: Cuba
LATIN AMERICA, Cuba, Salsa, Timba & Bembé, Songo, Cha cha cha
son rhythms starting on both sides of the clave
songo rhythms starting on both sides of the clave
son and songs patterns with the high hat on one and three.
son clave in the left foot

Lesson 3 - Salsa-Timba-Bembe
LATIN AMERICA, Brazil, Salsa, Timba, Bembe
salsa rhythms starting on both sides of the clave
timba rhythms starting on both sides of the clave
bembé rhythms starting on both sides of the clave
rhythms playing each pattern seven bars and play a fill and eight bar 8
salsa patterns with the high hat on one and three.
son clave in the left foot, bembé rhythms

Lesson 4 - Partido Alto-Samba-Samba Batucada
LATIN AMERICA, Brazil, Samba Batucada, Bossa Nova
samba rhythms starting in both directions
samba patterns with the right hand playing the high hat on 2 and 4
samba patterns with the right hand playing the cymbal and the left foot on 2 and 4
bossa rhythms starting in both directions
batucada rhythms starting in both directions
playing each pattern seven bars and play a fill and eight bar 8

Lesson 5 - Samba Reggae, Partido Alto, Bajao
LATIN AMERICA, Brazil, Samba Reggae, Partido Alto, Bajao
Samba Reggae rhythms in different tempi (start at 70)
samba patterns with the right hand playing the high hat on 2 and 4
samba patterns with the right hand playing the cymbal and the left foot on 2 and 4
partido alto rhythms starting in both directions
Baion rhythms

Lesson 6 - Africa
Afro Beat, Zouk, High Life, 6/8 & 12/8
afro beat rhythms starting in different tempo’s
zouk patterns with the right hand playing the high hat on 2 and 4
Highlife patterns with the right hand playing the high hat on 2 and 4
playing each pattern seven bars and play a fill and eight bar 8

Lesson 7 - Africa
West African 6/8, Senegal Mbalax
6/8 rhythms starting in different tempo’s
patterns with the right hand playing the high hat
patterns with the right hand playing the cymbal and the high hat on the beat
playing each pattern seven bars and play a fill and eight bar 8
Mbalax rhythm

Lesson 8 - Technique
paradiddles on snare, single paradiddles on snare between the ride cymbal and the snare, single paradiddles on snare between the ride cymbal and the snare on top of Samba Bassdrum Pattern, single paradiddles on snare between the ride cymbal and the snare on top of Tumbao or Baion bass drum Pattern

Lesson 9 - Bulgarian, Ruchenitsa,Chetvorno Horo, Daychovo Horo, Gankino Horo
Ruchenitza 7, Chetvorno Horo, Daichovo Horo, Rankino Horo
7/8 & 9/8 , short/long notes

Lesson 10 - Bulerias, Bulgaria Part 2
Flamenco, Buleria rhythms
Bulgaria 7/8 2,2,3, med-up, up tempos

What students say about Luca's course:

Maximilian B. Germany:
"Thank you Lucas for the great lesson and feedback!"

Examples
Each lesson will start with some musical examples played by van Meerwijk and in most cases accompanied by a rhythm section consisting of piano and bass. These examples will musically define the sound of the rhythms studied in each video, and will mostly consist of easy-to-assimilate rhythms, comping exercises, phrases or coordination exercises.

Study routine section
After the examples we will proceed to the study routine section. First we will discuss how to hear, understand and play certain rhythms. Then we will play some rhythms and exercises together, mostly to show you how to structure your daily study routine. We will then go on to make music with what you have just learnt. You will be invited to internalise, practice and play the material and rhythms you have just learnt.

Assignments
At the end of each lesson you will be given an assignment to help you assimilate the material further. You will be asked to study and video record some specific exercises. Once you are ready you can video record yourself, upload the video and send it to us.

Feedback
Each week you will receive a video with personalised feedback, instruction and comments on your weekly assignment. The process of having to record yourself every week, significantly helps to internalise the world rhythms and materials presented to you in this course. We very much hope that you will be inspired to take a walk on the rich road of world drum rhythms.

So let's get started - grab your sticks and join us!