Introduction to Hand Percussion

This hand percussion course with Latin Grammy winner Samuel Torres gives you a clear path to rhythm fluency across Latin and Afro Cuban styles. Start by building clean tone and control, then translate technique into expressive grooves that sit comfortably in salsa, songo, and 6/8 feels. The focus is practical and musical so you can apply everything in jams, rehearsals, and sessions.

You will move from core hand sounds and combinations to the signature patterns that make Latin percussion feel authentic. Along the way Samuel helps you develop coordination, timing, and touch so your parts support the ensemble and elevate the music. Expect plenty of real musical examples across congas, bongos, timbales, and handheld percussion.

What You’ll Learn

• Foundational techniques for slaps, tones, fingertips, and heel to hand combinations
• Conga tumbao fundamentals plus variations for one, two, and three or more congas
• The clave concept and how to lock bongo martillo, timbales cascara, and cowbell with it
• Handheld textures for güiro and maracas that complete a salsa groove
• Style studies in Guaguancó, Songo, and 6/8 time plus how they shape Latin feel
• Modern skills including improvisation concepts, multi conga exercises, and building a smart percussion setup

Is This Course for You?

If you are new to hand percussion, you will get a step by step foundation that prevents bad habits and speeds up your progress. If you already play drum set or another instrument, this course strengthens your sense of time, dynamics, and subdivision so your ensemble playing feels deeper and more connected. Creators and producers will appreciate the concise breakdowns that translate directly to studio parts and layered overdubs.

Meet Your Instructor

Samuel Torres is a Bogotá born, Brooklyn based percussionist and composer known for virtuosic technique and a deep command of Afro Latin and contemporary styles. He has collaborated with artists across jazz, pop, and classical, and his work earned a Latin Grammy for Best Classical Album for Regreso. As an educator he has taught at leading institutions worldwide and brings that clarity to every lesson in this course.

What’s Included

• Essential hand techniques for clean tone and control
• Progressive conga tumbao studies across one, two, and three or more drums
• Groove building blocks for clave, martillo, cascara, cowbell, güiro, and maracas
• Style modules covering Guaguancó, Songo, and 6/8 feels
• Improvisation tips, multi conga workouts, and practical setup guidance

Ready to strengthen your time, feel, and musicality across Latin and Afro Cuban grooves? Join the course and start building rhythms that support any band or session.