A 12 Week Workshop on Contemporary Rhythmic Patterns
Ever felt lost when someone mentions “the Charleston rhythm” or “clave”? Are you struggling to lock in with a Second Line groove or navigate polyrhythms at rehearsals? This 12-week workshop will transform your rhythmic confidence and vocabulary.
Starting with foundational pulse and common patterns, you’ll progress through essential rhythms that define contemporary music. From jazz and funk to Afro-Cuban and hip-hop. By the end, you’ll not only recognize these patterns but articulate and play them with confidence on your instrument.
Beginner to intermediate level
What You’ll Learn
-Master fundamental hand/foot coordination and counting, applicable to any instrument
-Decode and demystify polyrhythms
-Play confidently alongside Charleston, New Orleans Second Line, Clave, Bembé, Breakbeats, and more
-Develop precise rhythmic accuracy through song study and practical application
-Build a versatile rhythmic vocabulary that enhances your musicality across genres
Course Structure
Weeks 1-3: Foundations (pulse, subdivision, basic patterns in 4/4)
Weeks 4-6: Swing & Jazz Rhythms (Charleston, shuffle, syncopation)
Weeks 7-9: Afro-Cuban & Latin Rhythms (Clave, Bembé, Cascara)
Weeks 10-11: Funk, Second Line & Breakbeats
Week 12: Polyrhythms demystified
Faculty: Jackson Hillmer
When: Sundays, January 18th – April 5th, 1 PM-3 PM
Fees: $875
Where: NYJW, 265 W 37th St, 10th Floor, New York, NY
Discounts and Special Scholarship Opportunities
For students regularly enrolled in multiple workshops, we offer a 25% discount on each workshop after the first. If you are a student between 17 and 26 years old, you qualify for a 25% discount on any of our workshops. If you are a student 70 and over, you qualify for a 10% discount on all weekly workshops. Please contact us for more information.