Percussion Intensive

Percussion Intensive is a multi-session course led by Kenyan percussionist, educator, and cultural leader Kasiva Mutua exploring rhythm as both a musical and social practice. Rooted in East African percussion traditions while remaining open to global approaches to rhythm and movement, the course treats percussion not simply as technique, but as a way of listening, communicating, and organizing energy collectively. Across the sessions, participants work through hand percussion techniques, groove construction, call-and-response structures, polyrhythm, improvisation, and ensemble interaction. Particular emphasis is placed on rhythm as an embodied experience — something felt physically before it is analyzed intellectually. The course combines practical exercises with broader conversations about oral tradition, cultural transmission, performance, and the role of rhythm in ceremony, storytelling, protest, healing, and community life. Open to percussionists, producers, instrumentalists, dancers, and curious listeners alike, the Intensive invites participants to rethink rhythm as a living practice rather than a fixed system. No formal music theory or percussion background required.

PercussionDeep Listening

Instructor

Kasiva Matua

Dates

Sessions

1 session

Duration

90 mins each

Level

All levels

Language

English

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Kasiva Matua

Kasiva Mutua is an internationally touring drummer and percussionist based in Nairobi, Kenya. Her exuberant performances reflect a panoply of influences mainly inspired by cultures she has interacted with. One of few African women playing percussion continentally and internationally, Kasiva plays music to celebrate her community’s spirit, tell her people’s stories, and elevate the place of the African woman in music. She is the co-founder of MOTRAMUSIC, an all female percussion collective in Nairobi, Kenya, that teaches young women and girls the art of percussion and drumming. Citing the girl child and gender equality as issues she is passionate about, Kasiva continues to motivate women to diversify their positions in music and inspire the young generation to continue preserving their culture.

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Instructor Statement

Rhythm is one of the oldest ways human beings learn to listen to each other. In many traditions, percussion is not separate from community, movement, or storytelling — it is part of how people gather, communicate, and remember. This course is an invitation to enter rhythm through the body first: through repetition, listening, breath, and collective energy. We will focus less on perfection and more on presence, attention, and groove. — Kasiva Mutua

FAQs

Do I need to be a percussionist to attend? No. The course is open to musicians, dancers, producers, and anyone interested in rhythm and listening. Do I need to own percussion instruments? Simple hand percussion is encouraged, but many exercises can be done with the body, found objects, or improvised instruments. Is this focused on a specific African tradition? The course draws heavily from East African rhythmic traditions while remaining open to broader global rhythmic approaches and exchange. Will we learn technique? Yes, but technique is approached as part of listening, groove, and ensemble awareness rather than isolated virtuosity. Will sessions be recorded? Yes. Recordings and practice materials will be available afterward.