Beats Diversity is an exciting and inventive workshop project aimed at young people of all ages, designed to express the significance of rhythm in all forms of music.

Beats Diversity is accredited through the Open College Network learners are able to choice one of two units to achieve an Entry Level qualification.

The two units:

  • Recognizing Rhythms
  • Introduction to Basic Audio Equipment

Beats Diversity takes two master percussionists, one from Africa and the other from Brazil , a Midi technician, a professional DJ and more. Fusing musical styles to presents them in this unique and stimulating workshop project.

The percussionists will present a dramatic display of the versatility of rhythm using percussion including traditional West African drums such as the djembe, talking drum, sabar and Brazilian percussion including timbales, conga and repinique.

By using digital music technology drum machines, sequencers etc and the traditional percussive instruments, beats and rhythm tracks can be created. Midi technology will be used along with turntable skills and sampling to add loops, effects and even whole vocal tracks to the productions.

The inclusion of DJs in these workshops will permit a wide variety of recorded music from around the world as well as well-known popular music to be blended with authentic rhythms. Familiar rhythms such as dance, hip-hop, soca, samba, jazz and reggae will be included blending street culture with traditional rhythm.


Do you want to learn all about Dj’ing from the Pro’s? Learn to Dj Dance, Garage, Hardcore, Hip Hop/R n B any style. Includes mixing & scratching using vinyl or CD’s Each course explores the "Art of mixing music", is free and offers weekly workshops over a 3 month or 3 week period. Ideal f or all, whether absolute beginners or DJs looking to develop their skills.

After successfully piloting in 2002 Just Addictive Music (JAM) is pleased to announce the official launch of Beats Diversity Workshops funded by The National Foundation for Youth Music and the Arts Council of England.
   

It is widely recognized that dance music, in all its forms, is an intrinsic part of youth culture. Using rhythm as a medium, Beats Diversity connects with young people from different communities and backgrounds.

It is also important that Young People should feel a sense of ownership of the project and that Beats Diversity has an exciting and creative energy to give Young People a buzz and captivate them. The vision is to facilitate the creation of an innovative piece of work and engage Young People in learning through creative activity.

The aims of Beats Diversity are to;

  • Develop confidence in the use of a diverse range of rhythmic styles.
  • Develop technical and interpretive skills for a range of percussive and rhythmic instruments.
  • Develop manipulative skills on specific Midi equipment.
  • Broaden young peoples musical experience through the exploration of a wide and varied repertoire.
  • Give participants ownership of the event.
  • Create a finished piece of work.
  • Instil and develop issues of confidence in individuals and an understanding and appreciation of good communication skills and co-operative working methods.
  • To provide young people with the skills needed to develop further their interest in creating music at home or through further education.

Each series of accredited workshops take place over 30 hours including time in the recording studio, rehearsal, discussions and games providing students with the opportunity to explore the drums, while building an awareness of rhythm and technique. At the end of the sessions participants record onto CD their own original piece of music using skills acquired during the workshops.

Non-accredited Beats Diversity Workshops can be held over either:

  • Two days

To present Beats Diversity in two days the aim will be changed to creating a live performance that will include Dj'ing, African and Latin percussion and performance using digital instruments and samples.

  • Four days

Participants will achieve either a performance or a recording.

All workshops will be full days (approximately 6 hours per day) for 20 – 25 young people, the day will be broken into six sessions and the participants will be divided into groups.