Pitched at absolute beginners with no background in music. Participants can expect to be able to play the percussion patterns that are used in the majority of today's salsa music by the end of the workshop. They should also begin to recognise different rhythm patterns, and have an improved sense of timing.

There are six sessions each lasting two hours: two on congas; two on bongos; and two on clave, campana, and guiro. Participants learn on each instrument in rotation, and as much time is spent on getting the right tones as it is on establishing the proper rhythm. From the end of the second session, the class ends with the entire group playing together. It gives all a sense that they can make music together, and is really good fun.

 
Instruments and patterns

Bongos
Martillo pattern, old and modern.

Campana (Cencerro)
Basic one bar pattern, and a two bar variation pointing clave direction.

Clave
Son pattern in forward and reverse direction.

Congas
Tumbao moderno single player pattern with/out clave direction.

Güiro
Slow pattern emphasising downbeats.