UNLV College of Fine Arts

Finally, we got to play some 6/8! 🫶
During my final Latin American Percussion class at the Elder Conservatorium, we were wrapping up a session on auxiliary percussion when I asked if anyone had any last questions. One enthusiastic student asked, “How do you play an Afro-Cuban 6/8 groove?”

Instead of just demonstrating it myself, I thought, why not have everyone play it together? It was the first time many of these students had explored this style of 6/8, and they did an amazing job. Their enthusiasm, focus, and willingness to learn made the experience even more rewarding.

It was a true pleasure representing UNLV and teaching five group classes to the percussionists, drummers, and student enthusiasts at the Elder Conservatorium, The University of Adelaide. Throughout the residency, we explored congas, bongos, timbales, auxiliary percussion, and multi-percussion ensemble playing.

Thank you to everyone who participated with such energy and curiosity. It was an honor to share music with you, and I hope our paths cross again soon! ❤️🥁

🎶 San Juan — a beautiful tune by the great Pepe Jimenez.
Here’s a 5 congas (tumbadoras) solo that I had the privilege of playing on it.

What a beautiful moment of sharing music, culture, and friendship with the wonderful people from Adelaide University and all of us from UNLV.

This trip has given me memories and musical moments that I’ll carry in my heart forever. ❤️🎶

We have three new timbaleros! 🥁🔥

I feel incredibly blessed to be teaching Afro-Cuban percussion here in Australia. As part of our visit from UNLV, these three amazing amazing students from the University of Adelaide had their very first timbal lesson, and just look at how well they’re doing!

They learn incredibly fast and, most importantly, they have the curiosity, dedication, and willingness to learn that every instructor hopes for in a student.

We’ve all been on that journey, and it’s a special feeling to experience the other side of the music academy, from being a student and now being an instructor.

We have one more week here in Australia, and I’m excited to keep sharing music, learning together, and making the most of this incredible experience. 🇦🇺🎶

We have new Bongoceros in Australia! 🥁🇦🇺
We’re in week two of our workshops leading up to our concerts this Wednesday and Friday, and the energy has been incredible.

It’s been such a blessing to come from UNLV and share knowledge with the students at the University of Adelaide’s Elder Conservatorium of Music and School of Performing Arts. These young percussionists and drummers are eager to learn Latin percussion, and it’s an absolute joy to teach them.
They’re absolutely killing it! 🔥

We have new rumberos in Adelaide! 🥁🔥
It’s the first time these kids have played guaguancó, and they picked it up so quickly. It’s a challenging rhythm, but they handled it incredibly well. I’m so proud of their energy and dedication!

This Thursday is my last percussion class here. If you’re around the Elder Conservatorium at the University of Adelaide, come join us!

🕓 Thursday, 4:00 PM
📍 Percussion Room, Elder Conservatorium

And don’t miss our concert! UNLV and the University of Adelaide will perform together this Friday at 7:30 PM at the Scott Theatre. We’d love to see you there!

I’ve loved every moment of my time here. Thank you, Adelaide people! ❤️