Core Foundations in Latin Music Styles
This course introduces students to ensemble playing within Latin and Afro-Latin musical traditions, including Afro-Cuban, Brazilian, and contemporary Latin pop styles. Students will develop rhythmic, harmonic, and stylistic awareness through the study and performance of representative repertoire. Emphasis is placed on clave-based rhythmic structures, section interplay, articulation, and authentic groove. Through guided listening, analysis, and ensemble performance, students will learn to recognize key rhythmic patterns (e.g., son, rumba, and samba), interpret lead sheets in various time feels, and respond musically within group contexts. The course culminates in a collaborative in-class performance demonstrating ensemble awareness and stylistic fluency across Latin genres.