AB Workshops
Music Workshops – 07711 998058
Percussion Workshop with Marc Cecil19th June 2027
Coda Music Centre and Arts Trust, Chewton Farm Rd, Walkford, Christchurch BH23 5QL
Percussion Workshop with Marc Cecil19th June 2027
Coda Music Centre and Arts Trust, Chewton Farm Rd, Walkford, Christchurch BH23 5QL
On 19th June 2027 join AB Workshops for a unique one-day Percussion Workshop with professional drummer, percussionist and educator Marc Cecil.
Open to musicians of all instruments and abilities, this hands-on day explores improvisation, rhythmic creativity and ensemble playing, alongside the infectious grooves of Brazilian and Cuban music.
Rhythm is at the heart of everything we play, yet it’s something we don’t always get the opportunity to explore in depth. This workshop offers a chance to approach music from a different perspective, discovering how rhythm, feel and interaction can transform the way we improvise and perform.
Throughout the day, Marc will share his extensive experience as a professional percussionist, introducing practical ideas and techniques through demonstrations, group activities and plenty of hands-on playing. You’ll explore how rhythms fit together, how to communicate more effectively within an ensemble and how to develop greater freedom and spontaneity in your music.
Whether you’re looking to strengthen your rhythmic confidence, develop your improvisation skills or simply try something new, this workshop offers an exciting opportunity to learn, experiment and make music together in a relaxed and supportive environment.
No previous percussion experience is necessary.
Join AB Workshops for a unique one-day Percussion Workshop with professional drummer, percussionist and educator Marc Cecil.
Open to musicians of all instruments and abilities, this hands-on day explores improvisation, rhythmic creativity and ensemble playing, alongside the infectious grooves of Brazilian and Cuban music.
Rhythm is at the heart of everything we play, yet it’s something we don’t always get the opportunity to explore in depth. This workshop offers a chance to approach music from a different perspective, discovering how rhythm, feel and interaction can transform the way we improvise and perform.
Throughout the day, Marc will share his extensive experience as a professional percussionist, introducing practical ideas and techniques through demonstrations, group activities and plenty of hands-on playing. You’ll explore how rhythms fit together, how to communicate more effectively within an ensemble and how to develop greater freedom and spontaneity in your music.
Whether you’re looking to strengthen your rhythmic confidence, develop your improvisation skills or simply try something new, this workshop offers an exciting opportunity to learn, experiment and make music together in a relaxed and supportive environment.
No previous percussion experience is necessary.
Marc Cecil is a highly experienced professional drummer, percussionist and educator with over 25 years of performing and teaching experience.
With a degree in Jazz and World Music, Marc has enjoyed a varied career performing at some of the UK’s most prestigious venues, including Ronnie Scott’s, the Royal Opera House, Wembley Arena, The O2 and Glastonbury Festival.
His extensive performance credits include working with artists such as Mel C, Marti Pellow, Victoria Wood, The Real Thing, Robin Trower and Guthrie Govan, alongside an impressive list of jazz and Latin musicians including Nigel Price, Jim Mullen, Art Themen and Laurence Cottle. Marc is also the drummer with Derek Nash’s Latin jazz band Picante, bringing a wealth of experience in Latin rhythms, jazz and ensemble performance.
Alongside his performing career, Marc is a passionate educator who regularly leads workshops and jazz courses. He is co-leader of The Jazz Fix and has extensive experience helping musicians of different abilities develop their confidence, technique and musical understanding.
His particular interest in jazz, Latin and world percussion makes him an ideal guide for a day exploring improvisation, rhythm and the art of playing together.
The workshop will combine demonstrations, practical exercises and plenty of opportunities to play together. Marc will guide participants through four contrasting sessions, exploring different approaches to improvisation, ensemble playing and Latin percussion.
Percussion Improv: Everything You Need Before the Chords
Explore the essential building blocks of improvisation, focusing on rhythm, phrasing and musical ideas that can be developed independently of harmonic knowledge. Marc will introduce practical tools to help build confidence, develop creativity and approach improvisation with greater freedom.
In the Moment: Ensemble Improv
Put those new skills into practice through guided ensemble improvisation. This session focuses on active listening, musical communication and responding spontaneously to the musicians around you. With no set charts or predetermined arrangements, the emphasis is on creativity, interaction and making music together in the moment.
The Samba School Experience
Discover the energy and excitement of Brazilian percussion as the group comes together to create a full samba groove. Explore the rhythmic foundations of samba and bossa nova, developing an understanding of how individual percussion parts fit together to create the distinctive feel and drive of Brazilian music.
Cuban Percussion
Explore the rich rhythmic traditions of Afro-Cuban music, discovering classic grooves and the role of different percussion instruments within an ensemble. This practical session introduces the interplay of rhythms that gives Cuban music its distinctive character, with an emphasis on listening, coordination and playing together.
The Aim of the Day
Above all, this is a day about making music, trying something different and having fun. Whether you’re looking to improve your improvisation, deepen your understanding of rhythm or experience the excitement of playing in a percussion ensemble, the aim is to leave with new ideas, greater confidence and plenty of inspiration to take into your own playing.
- Based at Coda Music & Arts Trust in beautiful Dorset, with excellent facilities
- One full day of tutor-led sessions
- Suitable for all
- Workshop runs from 10am – 4.30pm, with two 30 minute breaks and a 1 hour lunch break
- Refreshments; Tea, coffee (including freshly made filter coffee), juices, a variety of biscuits, fresh pastries
- Price is £75
- FREE parking
- Safe, simple, secure. We have now set it up for you to be able to book easier than ever before, simply BOOK ONLINE
Alternatively if you have any questions on the suitability of this course for you we will be happy to help. Contact us at hello@abworkshops.com or by calling 07711 998058 and we will be happy to discuss your needs further.
Lunch not included.
Arrive: 9.30am onwards
Session one: 10am – 11.15am
Morning break: 11.15am – 11.45am
Session two: 11.45am – 1pm
Lunch: 1pm – 2pm
Session three: 2pm – 3pm
Afternoon break: 3pm – 3.30pm
Session four: 3.30pm – 4.30pm
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