Cuban Music Big Band Weekender | Summer 2022

Whatever your instrument, here’s a chance to play some classic Cuban styles: Son, Mambo, Cha Cha Cha, Latin Jazz… The course looks at rhythms, structure, arrangement & improvisation within those musical forms. Award-winner Sara McGuinness, and her supportive gang of musicians spanning all abilities, will give you the most immersive intro to Cuban Music you need. One of our most popular courses, sessions will be varied, hands-on and a LOT of fun!

When: Sat 11th - Sun 12th June, 10-12:30, (lunch 12:30-1:30) 1:30 - 4pm

Where: To be decided

Delivery: in-person

Level: All levels & instruments (arrangements customized to instruments present)

Course Description

 

You will learn the true function of your instrument in the ensemble, common chord progressions, and musical structure. We will also provide you with further listening to continue your journey into the world of Cuban Big Band as well as instrument and module-specific learning.

 

Modules

Saturday: Salsa rhythm, Guitar, Bass

Sunday: Vocals, Cuban piano, Horn section

 

Meet your teacher

Sara McGuinness is well known on the UK Salsa scene and has played written and arranged for many of the top bands in the country. Sara has also studied in Cuba and played with many musicians there. Sara also runs Malecon Productions, providing workshops and educational materials in the field of Cuban and related music in Universities, Schools and Colleges, teaches Performance in Latin, African and Caribbean Music in Westminster University, Cuban Piano at SOAS, and Sound recording at Gateway School of Recording, SOAS and the National Conservatoire in Bamako, Mali.