Roots of Cuba (all explained..)


We’re proud to announce the return of the Roots of Cuba course. A new course starts in September 2017
Roots of Cuba
The Roots of Cuba course is a unique experience, that can have a huge impact on your life over the years to come! Come and learn in a warm, encouraging, non-judgemental, light-hearted, yet concentrated environment.

This percussion journey is one of ultimate togetherness, progress and lots of fun


Scroll down or click on the headings to find out more…

Is this course right for me?

Why the retreat nature of the course?

What’s so special about this course?

What can I expect to have gained by the end of the course?

How is the course structured?

What can I expect to learn during the course?

What are former students of similar OVM courses doing now?

What instruments and music styles will be covered during the course?

Former students’ experience of the Roots of Cuba course


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This course is ideal for all types of percussionists as well as musicians in general.
Roots of Cuba

As well as attracting people who already have some interest, knowledge and skills in Cuban percussion, this course is also ideal for people who already direct, teach or play in a Brazilian styled bateria.


This course provides students with new and different challenges helping to take them to the next level and beyond.

If you are an established musician looking to broaden your musical knowledge you will also find this course hugely beneficial and life changing.

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Why the retreat nature of the course?

The intensive, residential style of OVM courses offers UK and Europe-based students a comprehensive study in Brazilian and Cuban percussion and a rare opportunity to delve into the complex West African musical heritage of Brazil and Cuba, leading to a much more in-depth musical understanding – no matter what level you’re currently at.

By taking yourself away to a country retreat, you can concentrate fully on your learning without the distractions of everyday life.
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Most students find that studying in such a focused way not only greatly accelerates the learning process, it allows them to ‘feel’ the music in a richer and more authentic way than would result by simply completing the same number of study hours over a longer period.

Whatever your current level, OVM can provide the techniques, skills and motivation to deepen your understanding of the music. Find out more about our teachers and teaching style

The benefits of the OVM experience go way beyond a purely musical development. Many people find that it’s the personal journey they embark on that’s the most important (and unexpected) benefit.

Past students have cited overcoming their personal challenges, developing confidence, enhancing their learning skills and setting new personal goals and targets as some of the most notable benefits.

For a clearer picture, read some of the comments
from ex students.

Aside from that, most people find that studying with a like-minded group of people has enormous social and professional benefits. Past OVM courses have created some lifelong friendships.

Be prepared for a life-changing experience!

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What’s so special about this course?

Studying in the beautiful and secluded residence of Whaley Hall will give you an unbridled opportunity to immerse yourself in the diverse content which this course has to offer.
Roots of Cuba
Ravin Jayasuriya is a well respected and award winning tutor with over 20 years teaching experience. Together with guest tutors, they will be on hand at all times giving you access to the the best knowledge in the country.

The guest tutors will bring a deep knowledge in certain areas of Cuban percussion to help strengthen your study.

We want you to get the most out of this course so we will take requests from you on the things that you would like to learn.

As you will be living with the other students on the course you can expect to make life long musical friendships.

Expect to be challenged and to learn a bag full of new tricks that will stay with you for the rest of your musical life.

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What can I expect to have gained by the end of the course?

Roots of Cuba
To be able to play a multitude of Cuban percussion instruments.

An in-depth knowledge in a broad range of Cuban music and its history.

The ability to turn up at any of the major cities in Cuba and be able to identify with the music that is being played.

Greatly improved learning skills enabling you to learn at a faster pace in the future.

How to teach students and friends so you can pass your knowledge on.

To be able to use your new found knowledge in a creative way to suit any musical situation.

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How is the course structured?

The course consists of six modules of 5-days spread over two years.
Roots of Cuba
Provisional schedule:
Weds-arrive by 6 pm, Supper 7 pm, study session 8.30 to 10 pm

Thurs-breakfast 9 am, study session 10 am to 1 pm, lunch, study session 3 to 7 pm, supper, study session 8.30 to 10 pm

Fri & Sat-as Thurs


Sun-breakfast 9 am, study session 10 am to 1 pm, lunch, depart by 4 pm

There will also be morning and afternoon tea breaks and individual study time on most days.

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What can I expect to learn during the course?

Roots of Cuba


We’ll be teaching a wide range of percussion instruments played in a number of traditional, carnival, popular and modern music styles from Cuba.


You will have a greater knowledge and ability on the instruments you already play plus the opportunity to learn a number of instruments new to you.

There will be a strong element on songs built into the course. You will learn songs for a number of folkloric music traditions including Bata, Bembe, Guiro, Congo, Iyesa & Arara as well as songs for Rumba and Conga (Cuban carnival music).

Encouragement will be given for you to play and sing at the same time. It’s not that difficult actually!! NB – You don’t need to be a singer to take part.

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What are former students of similar OVM courses doing now?

Many people who have completed OVM courses have since gone on to achieve national and international success, both personal and with their performing groups.

Some of the things our ex-students have been getting up to include:

  • beginning or developing a music performance / teaching career
  • joining a band for the first time (samba, salsa, rumba, folkloric, pop, funk, Afro, are just some of the examples)
  • forming &/or leading a Cuban music band
  • taking music creation and arrangement to new levels
  • enjoying music with a much deeper level of understanding
  • continuing with advanced or specialist music study (such as trips to Cuba, Brazil, Africa etc)
  • fostering personal and professional connections made on OVM courses

It’s worth pointing out that a lot of past students are now respected teachers and performers within the UK and Europe’s Cuban music scene.

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What instruments and music styles will be covered during the course?

Technique and rhythms for:
Congas (for popular and folkloric music), Bata, Cajon, Shekere, Bongo, Timbale, Cowbells, Clave
Roots of Cuba 7


Styles covered:
Rumba (different styles using congas & cajones), Bata (a range of toques), percussion played in Salsa, Congo, (Palo, Makuta, Yuka), Toques de Guiro (shekeres), Bembe, Iyesa, Guarapachangeo (mixing congas, cajones & Bata), Arara, Songo, Mozambique, Conga de Comparsa (Cuban carnival music).



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