London International Arts Festival's music workshops

1) Indian drumming & percussion by Bangalore RN Prakash, 10.00-10.45

Come and enjoy a dynamic and interactive drumming experience that will teach you about the rhythm patterns of India and how to get the best sounds out of your drum. Guided by master drummer RN Prakash, the session starts with a brief discussion on working together in rhythm, before learning about Indian rhythms, percussion and hand drums using traditional instruments from India. This workshop is for people of all ages and abilities, including beginners and those who already play and want to enhance their skills. Some drums will be provided on a ‘first come first serve’ basis – bring your own if you can.

2) Bollywood Hungama – singing/playing with Shadrach Solomon, 11.00-11.45

If you ever wanted to know the secret to great Bollywood songs, this is your chance. Shadrach Solomon is a musical instructor and leading music producer in the Indian film industry. His fun and interactive workshop will teach you how to sing and play songs the Bollywood way. The session starts by learning the fundamentals of Bollywood music before everyone joins in to perform vibrant hit tracks such as Jai Ho from Slumdog Millionaire, which are guaranteed to leave you feeling totally energised. For the musical experts among you, Shadrach will give both Indian & western notations to the songs. This session is for people of all ages and abilities. Instruments are not provided so participants are advised to bring their own.

3) Traditional music of Vojvodina with Chris Haigh and Viktor Obsust, 12.00-12.45

The culturally rich Vojvodina (pronounced Voyvodeena) is the only province in former Yugoslavia not to gain its independence. With 26 officially registered ethnic groups, this workshop draws on the cultural heritage of the region. Chris Haigh and Viktor Obsust promise a musical journey with a rich mix of musical influences including Serbian, Croatian, Albanian, Hungarian, Romanian, Slovak, and Rutenian. This session is suitable for people of all ages and abilities.

4) Mexican traditional music with Bruno Bartra of La Internacional Sonora Balkanera, 13.00-13.45

Bruno Bartra (a.k.a. DJ Sultán) is not only a pioneering Mexican DJ and musician, he is also a Fulbright scholar studying for his Ph.D in Ethnomusicology. His studies and musical experiences shape this fantastic workshop, which hones in on the history and diverse styles of 20th century Mexican folk music.

Bruno will cover traditional genres such as Son Jarocho, Rancheras, Tamborazo and Tanda. He will also focus on the rhythmic and melodic patterns of the genres. He may well be joined by the other members of La Internacional Sonora Balkanera. Expect a lively and interactive session, which is open to people of all ages and backgrounds.

Other members that will join the workshop will be Zabad Castro (guitar), Enrique Pérez (clarinet), Pablo Ramírez (clarinet) and Mario Salas (percussion). Don’t miss this one!