RÍTMICA: A Workshop for Rhythmic Fluency, Coordination, and Understanding

Quey Percussion Duo | RÍTMICA at Coastal Carolina University

Based on the two books by Brazilian violinist and composer José Gramani, Rítmica is a unique, musical and fun approach to the development of rhythm, coordination, counterpoint, and independence. Rítmica consists of systematic exercises that focus on rhythmic fluency for ALL musicians, regardless of instrument or experience level. Each exercise has criteria based on one’s own ability and can be modified to address the needs of individual performers from beginners through professionals. The material is designed to be taken as far as one’s creativity allows.

The beauty behind Rítmica is that it can be done anywhere, anytime. The exercises and etudes utilize simple body percussion (clapping hands, tapping feet, snapping fingers, etc.), vocalization, and conducting to address a myriad of rhythmic and coordination fundamentals that get to the heart of understanding rhythmic counterpoint and independence, a must-have for serious musicians at any level.

This workshop immerses the participants in the Rítmica system through hands-on participation from beginning to end. Each participant will receive a packet of material that will facilitate years (and even decades) of learning. This workshop is fun, completely interactive, and can engage any number of participants from any instrument background.

Txalaparta Workshop

Quey Percussion Duo | Txalaparta Workshop at the Peabody Institute

Txalaparta (pronounced: CHAH-lah-par-tuh) is a musical style that might be best characterized as a community music making activity.  Largely only existing in the Basque Country, the history of txalaparta likely finds its roots in the 18th century (potentially earlier), but its inception is not clear. It is most often played on large wooden boards by two players, each player with a pair of large hardwood dowels.

In addition to the obvious musical benefits of studying any style of music, txalaparta has unique perks for musicians of any age or experience level. The foundational skills found at the root of txalaparta are transferable to all modes of percussion performance. Txalaparta will quickly get to the heart of one’s core rhythmic ability, listening and improvisational skills, and basic chamber music capabilities.

This workshop is entirely interactive where participants are immersed in the txalaparta experience from beginning to end.

The Chamber Music Pyramid

Quey Percussion Duo | The Chamber Music Pyramid at Lawrence University Conservatory

Having performed together for over 20 years, we are delighted to share our philosophy and approach to teaching and performing chamber music. This session will walk through our “Chamber Music Pyramid,” which outlines four levels of proficiency and understanding of music making in a chamber setting (one on a part and without a conductor). We will use the pyramid to discuss various aspects of chamber playing from before the first rehearsal, practice strategies, score analysis, specific chamber performance techniques, and making artistic decisions. As artists that strongly believe in the importance of chamber music as a key component in the development of any musician, our hope is that this workshop will provide information that helps elevate your chamber music experiences.