Hello Friends:
Do you hear the call of the drum?
Do you love tapping your feet to the beat? Do you regularly play your car steering wheel or dashboard to your favorite song on the radio? Do you like virtually any type of music with a good beat?
If you answered yes to any of these, you MAY BE A DRUMMER!! If you want to pursue it, I can help. (There is power in the drum.)
I'm very pleased to announce Open Enrollment for my Fall 2008 Drumming Classes! Here is a Complete List of Fall Drumming Classes.
You have three levels to choose from: Level 1 is called "Yes, I Have Rhythm", Level 2 is "10 Rhythms" and Level 3 is the Ensemble class. Detailed description of the courses, along with a Frequently Asked Questions section, are included below. All drums provided.
Caxixi! I love to play them. However, I don't think it's humanly possible to play THE WORLD'S LARGEST CAXIXI, pictured below. What do you think?
Finally, congrats to the winners of last month's World Rhythms Trivia contest (answers revealed).
Enjoy the rest of Summer!
In the Beautiful Flow of Life, Robert Wallace Robert@TotalRhythm.com 510-482-8005
|
Fall 2008 Small Group Adult Drumming Classes Begin Mon/Tues. Oct. 6/7 JOIN US!
|

Hello New and Returning Students!
I've had a great summer and I'm ready to get back to teaching! Here is a Complete List of Fall 2008 Small Group Adult Drumming Classes
I have included the following FAQ's, please let me know if you have any other questions! Reminder: Many classes fill up (max. 10 students), so please enroll now to ensure your spot.
See you soon!
Small Group Drumming Classes FAQ's:
Q: Where are the drumming classes held?
A: In my home located at 3001 Jordan Road, Oakland, CA, off of 35th Ave./Redwood Road. Completely safe, secure, plenty of street parking.
Q: What times are the classes held? A: Two sessions each on Monday and Tuesday evenings: 6:30 - 7:45pm, and 7:45 - 9pm. Complete Drumming Class Schedule
Q: When do the classes start? A: Monday/Tuesday, Oct. 6/7.
Q: Do I need a drum? A. No! All drums provided. (You are welcome to bring your own, however.)Q. How long are the courses? A. 10 or 11 weeks, depending on the course.
Q: What if I miss a class or can't attend the first class? A: No problem. Many students miss a class or two and I review all material as needed.
Q: Do the courses include instructional material? A: YES! The Level 1 course includes easy-to-read graphs of all rhythms. The Level 2 and 3 courses include written material and a full-length instructional "10 Rhythms" DVD so you can review the rhythms on your own at any time.
Q: What are the prices? A: Prices range from $295 to $335 for a 10 or 11 week course. Full Course Descriptions and Prices
Q: Do I need prior experience? A: No! The Level 1 "Yes, I Have Rhythm" class is designed for total beginners, even people who have never touched a drum in their life!
Q: How do I know which class is right for me? A: Call or e-mail me if you have questions (510-482-8005). Here are some general guidelines: If you are new to the drum and want to work with your body to start to feel downbeats, upbeats, and basic syncopation, take Level 1: Yes, I Have Rhythm! Also, if you are unfamiliar with creating proper tones on a hand drum, Level 1 is best for you. If you have SOME playing experience, and you want to broaden your repertoire of rhythms, I suggest Level 2: 10 Rhythms; you'll learn 10 world rhythms from 8 countries. Level 3 Ensemble is for EXPERIENCED players who want to play traditional (Afro-Cuban Rumba, Brazilian Samba, W. African Kuku, Mozambique) and comtemporary (Leon Parker, Funk) percussion arrangements in a cohesive group setting. If you are still unsure about the right class for you, call me to discuss!
Q: What sort of students take these classes? A: All kinds! We have carpenters, new Moms, sculptors, teachers, computer programmers, massage therapists, writers, musicians, salespeople, attorneys.....a real Bay Area mix of interesting folks. JOIN US!
Q: Can I register online? Are there other ways to enroll? A: Yes, you can easily and securely register online using your credit or debit card and/or PayPal. Click here: List of Drumming Classes, make your selection and you are set! You may also send a check for the course fee, payable to "Total Rhythm", and send to Total Rhythm, c/o Robert Wallace, 3001 Jordan Road, Oakland, CA 94602.
Q: How many students are in each class? A: The maximum is 10. Most classes have between 7-10 students.
Q: Do the classes fill up? A: Yes! Many classes fill up prior to the first session. I encourage you to enroll now.
THANK YOU!
AS ALWAYS, DON'T HESITATE TO CALL ME TO ASK MORE QUESTIONS. Robert: 510-482-8005
SEE YOU SOON!
|
|
|
|
|
Upcoming Events:
August 2008: Boston Caxixi and Pandeiro Workshops
August 2008: California Brazil Music Camp
October 7/8, 2008: Small Group Adult Drumming Classes Begin
|
|
|
WORLD MUSIC TRIVIA RESULTS!
In the last Total Rhythm Newsletter, I presented the following World Music Trivia Contest, with the opportunity to win a free copy of my Top Ten World Rhythms DVD!
The Questions:
1) What is Brazilian singer Gilberto Gil's "other job"?
2) What popular world fusion group features the vocals of Marie Daulne?
3) What percussion instrument is featured in Ali Farka Toure's Album "Savane"?
4) In the USA, we call it "Salsa" dancing. What is it called in Cuba?
5) Who won Panorama 2008?
6) What country features Gumboot dancing?
7) Unscramble the following letters to spell a Brazilian percussion instrument: mabzuba.
The Winners: (Congratulations!)
Shiko Yakamura, Tokyo Glenn Allen, Davis, CA Shirley Conner, Milwaukee Jalen Oleffstotter, Norway Jerome Calvo, Mountain View, CA
The Correct Answers:
1) Minister of Culture 2) Zap Mama 3) Calabash (also accpeted "Gita" and "N'Jarka") 4) "Casino" (also accepted "Timba") 5) Phase II Pan Groove 6) South Africa 7) Zabumba
CONGRATULATIONS to the winners and THANK YOU to everyone who participated!
(Note: Many of you commented that the Quiz was too hard. I admit it was difficult, but if it caused you to dip a little deeper into the well of world rhythm and culture, I'm pleased.)
|
|
World's Largest Caxixi!

AGIGANTADO!
Standing over 72 inches tall and measuring over 42 inches in diameter, this is the World's Largest Caxixi.
(Caxixi ("Cah-she-she") are versatile and accessible Brazilian percussion instruments.)
These gigantic Caxixi were made by Julio Goes (pictured behind the Caxixi), the instrument maker in Bahia, Brazil who makes the Caxixi I sell with my Caxixi Instructional DVD.
No, the caxixi you get with my DVD are NOT 5 feet tall and over 125 pounds. They ARE, however, sweet-sounding and well balanced instruments with a great tone and feel.
The Caxixi Package has everything you need to get started: a pair of Julio Goes Red-Top Caxixis (normal size!) and a Full-length instructional DVD with bonus Play-Along section for all rhythms. Only $69.99 for everything.
I can ship anywhere in the world! Just don't expect the Agigantado Caxixi!
|
Knowledge of Self is Knowledge of God. (Persian proverb.)
In Rhythm, Robert Wallace
Total Rhythm
|
|
|