Are you moved by the fascinating rhythm of salsa? Ready to try your hand at the timbales? At Eagle Rock Music Studio, we have you covered, regardless of whether you are just starting out, or if you are a more advanced player seeking expert help in taking your musicianship to the next level.
History
The history of timbales is murky, though it is estimated they developed around 1900 and were originally used in Cuba. The historical evidence suggests that the same word was used to describe two different drums, the first a timpani (military kettledrum) that resembles what we think of the timbales now, the second the pailas criollas, a somewhat different membranophone that eventually replaced the timpani. Thus every historical account is unclear as to which of the two drums the word refers to.
Appeal
The timbales as we know them now — with two shallow metal-encased drums and often accompanied by a cowbell — eventually took shape, and we can hear them everywhere, once we know where to listen. Timbales are quite common, and can be found across Latin music in such genres as danzón, mambo, cha-cha-cha, descarga, salsa, songo, timba, latin jazz, and latin rock.
Lessons
At Eagle Rock Music Studio, our approach is help our students dream it and then do it. We tailor the lessons to the needs of each individual student; we have the patience to guide a student through the necessary steps it takes gain the necessary expertise. Our mission is to help students discover what genres and styles they are most passionate about learning to play on the timbales, and to provide a supportive and encouraging learning environment for students while they are in such a critical state of growth.
We offer two course paths for those interested in studying the timbale: one for professionals and another for recreation. Because of this, all timbales lessons are private/one-on-one — you’ll make progress much faster in this setting than when working alone or in a group.
It takes hours of practice to develop a high level of proficiency on the timbales, but actually mastering these skills requires an action plan developed by an experienced teacher. Whether playing just for fun or playing professionally, the same principles of identifying goals and working towards them with specific solutions in mind apply, while learning this wonderful instrument.
Eagle Rock Music Studios is located just north of downtown Los Angeles between Glendale and Pasadena. For more information or to set up a lesson, please call us at 323-309-8467.