Etudes for Latin Percussion, by Victor Rendón, is a collection of pieces to train drummers and percussionists in the ensemble playing of Afro-Cuban rhythms. The etudes and performance pieces are written to explore the art of playing Latin percussion instruments, in particular, bongos, tumbadoras (congas), timbales, and drum set. In addition, the pieces leave plenty of space for improvisation, thus developing the player’s creativity. The material can be read and practiced by beginner to advanced players. Most of the pieces are open-ended so that they can be played with any combination of instruments. For those studying Afro-Cuban percussion, the suggested instrumentation is congas, bongos, timbales, and/or drum set. Clave and güiro can also be added. The pieces can be played by 2 – 6 players or more.
The book culminates with four performance pieces written for drum set, bongos, congas, and timbales.
Each etude and performance piece comes with an audio recording with full percussion, minus bongos, minus congas, minus timbales, and minus drum set for play-along practice. Videos are also included.
Great for percussion recitals and other performance situations as well as an excellent resource for developing reading and improvisational skills.
eBook with audio and video | 56 pages
Praise for Etudes for Latin Percussion Ensemble
“Victor’s clearly written book and its original ensemble compositions is a welcomed addition and resource to the art of learning to play Afro-Cuban and Latin music for percussionists. The well-performed, well-recorded series of percussion ensemble pieces and user-friendly explanations add to the important learning experience of this wonderful music and style.
- Aldo Mazza (Répercussion, Kosa Music director)
“Etudes for Latin Percussion Ensemble is an outstanding resource for educators wanting to teach and/or learn rhythms and instruments of the Afro-Cuban genre. Maestro Rendón masterfully presents the basics of the rhythmic patterns but also provides progressive etudes and pieces with play-along tracks to develop students as a section which is by far the most important skill to learn in this genre.”
- John A. Lopez (Emeritus Director of Latin Music Studies Texas State University)
“Brothers and Sisters of the Drum and everyone else, here is an easily understood and accessible method to understanding this beautiful musical style. In this book you’ll learn how Latin percussion instruments work and their function in this music’s rhythmic structure. Enjoy!”
- David Garibaldi (Tower of Power)
“Whether you’re a student, pro and or eductor, Victor’s Etudes for Latin Percussion Ensemble provides a fantastic audio practice series for the practical applications of performance techniques and chart reading as applied to the battery of Afro-Cuban percussion: congas, timbales, bongó/cencerro, güiro, maracas, as well as the drum set. Not only does it fill a void that hasn’t been addressed in contemporary percussion pedagogy, but they are fun to play as well! You can play them by yourself or with a group of other players!
- Bobby Sanabria (composer/bandleader, Dizzy Gillespie, Tito Puente, Mongo Santamaria)
