Workshops and Private lessons with Percussionist Shawn Russell

Saturday Feb 20th, 131 Spring st Portland ME

Dancing with live drumming workshop with Adira and Shawn 10 am - 12 noon (10 participants max 5 spots left!)

Drummer workshops with Shawn Russell 12:15 - 2:15 pm; 1st hour all levels, 2nd hour more advanced (10 participants max per hour)

Private drum lessons with Shawn Russell Slots available from 2:30 pm onwards, can be shared with one other person. Please make appointment with Shawn (603 969 0533 or email him at shawnpatric@yahoo.com.

Bellydancing with Live drumming with Adira and Shawn (10 am - 12 noon)

$30 per dancer, 10 dancers maximum in class. Please scroll to the bottom of the page for registration information.

Dancing with live music is one of the most amazing things about bellydance - the joy of creating a unique visual and audible piece of art with another is captivating. In this workshop you will learn among others: Arabic rhythms, not just playing them, but also complementing them. How to interact confidently with the drummer (in this case Shawn) and the music, how to slow things down, speed them up, accent the music, inject pauses, at all times being conscious that you are co-creating with another artist. Shawn is an energetic, professional, friendly and surprising drumming partner who will make you feel great about yourself, your dance and your interaction with him. Please bring your zils.

Drum Workshop with Shawn Russell (12:15 - 2:15 pm)

$30 per drummer for the 2 hr class, 4 students minimum. Or $20 per hour if you only want to take half the workshop. Please scroll to the bottom of the page for registration information.

1-2pm Doumbek fundamentals from a new perspective (all levels)
2-3pm Intermediate/advanced rhythms and techniques (builds on first hour of information)

Workshop is doumbek-centric, however, many techniques can be easily converted to frame drum so feel free to bring one.

The first hour will cover doumbek fundamentals, and will emphasize how to get a great sound out of your drum. Subjects focused on will include holding the drum, proper hand positions for the ‘doum’ and ‘tek’ strokes, the importance of vocalization, and popular Arabic rhythms. Shawn will also discuss drum selection and tuning.

The second hour will move into more intermediate and advanced material.  Topics covered will include how to produce the often difficult and misunderstood ’slap’, or ‘pop’ stroke, finger rolls, the ‘half-pop’, more advanced rhythms and variations, plus dance accompaniment. Shawn will also discuss how to break down and simplify complex music and odd-meter rhythms, along with practice methods and tips.

Private percussion/rhythm lessons with Shawn Russell (after 2:30 pm)

call 603 969 0533 to schedule $40/hr or $45 for a duet.

Bring your own drum (bodhrán, riq, tar, bendir, tamburello, kanjira, ghatam, doumbek, cajón, conga, zils) and work with a seasoned professional on your own advancement at your own pace. ($40/hr, shared option available for two students: $45)
About Shawn Russell (http://shawnprussell.com):
Shawn has been playing drums and percussion for over 20 years. He specializes in percussion from around the world, with a strong focus on the Mediterranean and Middle East. In addition to being an accomplished doumbek player, Shawn has an extensive background in frame drums. He has studied with some of the world’s finest percussionists, including Glen Velez, Jamey Haddad and Ghatam V. Suresh. Some of the drums Shawn teaches and performs on include bodhrán, riq, tar, bendir, tamburello, kanjira, ghatam, doumbek, cajón, and conga. He also has a deep knowledge of the South Indian rhythmic system, and teaches konnakol, the art of South Indian vocal percussion.
Workshop costs and contacts:

To register for any workshop (not privates)  send a check to:

Emma Holder

222 St John st. suite 204

Portland ME

04102

(please include your email, phone number, name of the workshop your are registering for, and the name of your partner if registering as a pair)

Dancing with live drumming workshop 10am - 12 noon 2 hours: $30

Drummer workshop 12:15 - 2:15 pm $30 or $20 for the first or second hour only (please indicate)

Private lesson $40 (can be shared with another person as due for $45, please note partner’s name, and make this one payable to Shawn Russell. I’ll give it to him.)

You can also use the paypal “send money” option and not pay the paypal fee! yeah! Send the workshop payment to adira@emmaholder.com

If you want to register for a private lesson this way, send it to shawnpatric@yahoo.com

If you have questions, contact Adira at 207 415 7204 or adira@emmaholder.com