Arturo Rodriguez - Percussionist
Interact and Learn - teaching drums and percussion
Playz Music - DJ & Live music services
Rhythm Ambassadors - school programs
I offer group hand drum classes in traditional forms of Puerto Rican and Cuban music. Learning to play traditional forms of music in a group I believe is the most accessible and quickest way for beginners to start experiencing the music making process. Traditional forms of music requires many people to play in unison in order to complete the drum kit where as contemporary forms usually have one main drummer. Learning how to sound as one drum kit with multiple individuals creates an environment in which everyone involved understands how rhythmic interactions/polyrhythms work, thus developing your hearing, feel and groove. I also instruct contemporary forms of music such as rock, funk, swing, salsa, latin jazz, folk, reggae, fusion on timbales, bongo, cajon, bata, multiple congas and drum kit. I've written three books published by Mel Bay Publications. Bembe Conversations, Rumba Conversations and Traditional Afro Cuban Concepts in Contemporary Music. I have had the privilege and honor to play music with some incredible musicians. Tito Puente, Dave Valentin, Pete Escovedo, Paul Horn, Shawn Colvin, Brandi Carlile, Jason Mraz and Crosby Stills and Nash. For over 20 years I have been a key performer and instructor annually at the World Rhythm Festival, Bumbershoot and Folklife. The power of playing music and drums in a group is exhilarating, you'll see it on people’s faces! It doesn’t matter your level, age or ability, everyone can participate. Good music requires everyone to learn to work together promoting no competition. It's magnetic and you can feel its power and energy. Schedule:
Location: Ted Brown Music
6228 Tacoma Mall Blvd,
Tacoma, WA 98409
Group Classes:
Friday, 7-8pm
Location: Salsa Con Todo
211 N 36th St,
Seattle, WA 98103
Saturday 10am Intermediate Level
Saturday 11:15am Beginning Level
Private Instruction:
Monday through Sunday (Call to Schedule)
PlayzMusic provides the best in DJ and live music entertainment for private weddings, receptions, private parties, banquets, bar mitzvahs, bat mitzvahs, corporate functions, restaurants, clubs, festivals - anytime and anywhere music will help spice up the event and create a personalized and memorable experience. Rhythm Ambassadors is your single, centralized source for music education, cultural awareness, community building, and entertainment for Pacific Northwest area schools, offering school assembly, artist-in-residence, and after-school programs to fit even the tightest school budgets.
