Lara's Workshops - Roots Heart Pulse

photo by G. Cagno

" . . . the drumming work that you are doing is some of
the most important work that there is in the world.
It changes the soul, it grows the soul."
- D. Phillips, presenter and participant

"You are one of the best anti-depressants I've ever encountered."
- V. Parnell, presenter and participant

"The spirits of our teachers lives on in us. Yours are smiling."
- J. Crane, presenter and participant

"You have a wonderful approach to teaching people.
And you have made music, drumming, even more exciting
and interesting for me. I am sure you have that effect on
many people, and its wonderful to see that you have
that ability. I think people feel a very honest feeling
after your class." - K. Patel, participant

"We really loved it and I feel like I learned a lot from you . . .
Playing in a group like that just lifted me off the ground."
- N. Duggan, participant

Current Workshop Schedule click here

Lara is an experienced teaching artist who works
with all types of populations in a variety of settings.

Any of the programs described below
can be customized to suit your needs to create
a special rhythm, movement and song-based
experience for your group.

The Roots of Rhythm, Your Heart in the Pulse ^TM- Intro to Hand Drum & Percussion Workshops
Drawing on 10 years of West African drum and dance personal study, Lara brings to her classes and workshops integral and respectful knowledge of a variety of rhythms from different geographical areas, some of which include Mali, the Caribbean, Nigeria, Liberia and Guinea. She is fluent on djembe and ashiko drums as well as shekere. Through the use of metaphor, breathing, movement and song, Lara brings a holistic approach to rhythm that is fun, encouraging and accessible. A great place for beginners to start, or for intermediate and advanced players to gain a different perspective.

- Rhythm Exploration Workshops, Drum Circle Style!
These workshops are presented in a "drum circle" rather than "drum class" format. The focus is not on technique or product, but instead exploration, improvisation, communication and cooperation. Different rhythm landscapes and textures are explored in a facilitated environment through the use of breathing, metaphor, movement and song.

Earth Meets Our Feet and Hands Meet the Drum ^TM
- Intro to Drum & Dance

In these workshops students will learn the exciting connection between drummer and dancer as they are invited to experience both sides of this contagious art form! Lara co-teaches with two different movement artists to present two versions of this workshop, both versions include a drum section and a dance section:

One version explores traditional West African rhythms and dances highlighting the talent of Mimi Stella who has studied and performed West African Dance in the metropolitan area and is a member of First World Dancers. Mimi and Lara have been studying West African Dance together for over 10 years.

The second version explores the drum and dance relationship in an improvised setting highlighting the ecstatic dance work of Nadine Fiume who is a certified teacher of the work of Gabrielle Roth (Waves^TM, Sweat Your Prayers^TM, The 5Rhythms^TM). Lara has been Nadine's accompanist for over 5 years.


photo by G. Cagno
" . . . the drumming work that you are doing is some of the most important work that there is in the world. It changes the soul, it grows the soul." - D. Phillips, presenter and participant "You are one of the best anti-depressants I've ever encountered." - V. Parnell, presenter and participant "The spirits of our teachers lives on in us. Yours are smiling." - J. Crane, presenter and participant "You have a wonderful approach to teaching people. And you have made music, drumming, even more exciting and interesting for me. I am sure you have that effect on many people, and its wonderful to see that you have that ability. I think people feel a very honest feeling after your class." - K. Patel, participant "We really loved it and I feel like I learned a lot from you . . . Playing in a group like that just lifted me off the ground." - N. Duggan, participant
Current Workshop Schedule click here Lara is an experienced teaching artist who works with all types of populations in a variety of settings. Any of the programs described below can be customized to suit your needs to create a special rhythm, movement and song-based experience for your group.
The Roots of Rhythm, Your Heart in the Pulse ^TM- Intro to Hand Drum & Percussion Workshops Drawing on 10 years of West African drum and dance personal study, Lara brings to her classes and workshops integral and respectful knowledge of a variety of rhythms from different geographical areas, some of which include Mali, the Caribbean, Nigeria, Liberia and Guinea. She is fluent on djembe and ashiko drums as well as shekere. Through the use of metaphor, breathing, movement and song, Lara brings a holistic approach to rhythm that is fun, encouraging and accessible. A great place for beginners to start, or for intermediate and advanced players to gain a different perspective.
- Rhythm Exploration Workshops, Drum Circle Style! These workshops are presented in a "drum circle" rather than "drum class" format. The focus is not on technique or product, but instead exploration, improvisation, communication and cooperation. Different rhythm landscapes and textures are explored in a facilitated environment through the use of breathing, metaphor, movement and song.
Earth Meets Our Feet and Hands Meet the Drum ^TM - Intro to Drum & Dance In these workshops students will learn the exciting connection between drummer and dancer as they are invited to experience both sides of this contagious art form! Lara co-teaches with two different movement artists to present two versions of this workshop, both versions include a drum section and a dance section: One version explores traditional West African rhythms and dances highlighting the talent of Mimi Stella who has studied and performed West African Dance in the metropolitan area and is a member of First World Dancers. Mimi and Lara have been studying West African Dance together for over 10 years. The second version explores the drum and dance relationship in an improvised setting highlighting the ecstatic dance work of Nadine Fiume who is a certified teacher of the work of Gabrielle Roth (Waves^TM, Sweat Your Prayers^TM, The 5Rhythms^TM). Lara has been Nadine's accompanist for over 5 years.