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Admission requirements CaSA Drumset and Percussion (combined)

Practical part of the audition 


Drumset 


Technical Requirements

Candidates must demonstrate technical proficiency through: 

  • Coordination Exercises – Show coordination and fluency across all limbs. 

  • Sight-Reading Exercises – Accurately perform a given rhythmic excerpt. 

  • Snare Drum Performance – Perform a snare drum piece of your choice, demonstrating control, articulation, and dynamics. 
     

Rhythmic Proficiency 

Candidates must play and transition between the following styles with authenticity and groove: 

  • Cuban Rhythms: Son Montuno, Danzón, Cha-cha, Songo, Mozambique, and 12/8 grooves. 

  • Bell & Ride Patterns: Cáscara and fundamental bell rides combined with drum kit coordination. 

  • Brazilian Rhythms: Samba, Partido Alto, Bossa Nova, and Baião. 
     

Improvisation 

Candidates must showcase adaptability and creativity by: 

  • Smoothly transitioning between different rhythmic styles listed above. 

  • Improvising in a medium tempo over a piano montuno, maintaining groove and musicality. 

  • Creating variations while playing Samba, demonstrating fluency and rhythmic phrasing. 

 

Percussion 

Afro-Cuban Percussion 

Congas 

Candidates must demonstrate: 

  • Coordination Exercises – Mastery of fundamental sounds (e.g., Changuito's exercises). 

  • Rhythmic Styles – Son Montuno, Songo, Mozambique, 12/8, Guaguancó, and Guaracha, with variations on one, two, or three drums. 

  • Improvisation – Develop variations in a medium tempo over a montuno, using authentic and stylistically accurate phrasing. 

Bongos 

  • Martillo and Variations – Demonstrate groove, consistency, and articulation. 

  • Cowbell Ride – Play fundamental patterns with precision and dynamic control. 

Timbales 

  • Coordination Exercises – Master cáscara and clave integration. 

  • Rhythmic Styles – Son Montuno, Danzón, Songo, Mozambique, and 12/8. 

  • Cáscara & Bell Patterns – Perform fundamental bell rides combined with basic left-hand patterns. 

 

Brazilian Percussion 

Pandeiro 

  • Coordination Exercises – Mastery of basic sounds. 

  • Rhythmic Styles – Samba and Baião, ensuring clear articulation and swing. 

Tamborim 

  • Telecoteco Technique – Played with a wooden stick in Samba rhythms. 

Agogô 

  • Rhythmic Patterns – Partido Alto and Samba variations. 

Timba/Conga 

  • Groove & Coordination – Play Samba and related rhythmic structures. 

Caxixis and/or Ganzá 

  • Coordination Exercises – Execute various rhythmic patterns with consistency and dynamic control. 

Improvisation 

  • Play a solo and create variations while transitioning between different Samba and related rhythms, demonstrating stylistic understanding and rhythmic creativity. 

 

When preparing the above we recommend you do this with a backing track or own ensemble. Please prepare 3 pieces and the committee will choose two aspects of the above for your performance.  
 

What we grade

  • Musical Accuracy & Expression – Candidates must demonstrate accuracy in pitch, rhythm, and articulation while conveying artistic expression and stylistic awareness. 

  • Timing, Groove & Pulse – A solid sense of timing, groove, and rhythmic precision is essential. Candidates must be able to feel and maintain the direction of the groove, including the ability to play ‘in clave’ where applicable. 

  • Technical Control & Instrumental/Vocal Proficiency – Assessment of fluency, control, tone quality, and dynamic range appropriate to the instrument or voice. 

  • Aural Awareness & Musical Sensitivity – Ability to listen, respond, and interact musically, whether in solo or ensemble contexts, with an understanding of phrasing, articulation, and balance. Accurately interpret and perform a short, notated or aural excerpt with rhythmic and pitch accuracy. 

  • Stylistic Interpretation & Improvisation – Candidates should demonstrate an understanding of the stylistic nuances of their chosen repertoire and, where relevant, showcase improvisational skills rooted in the tradition. 

  • Communication & Artistic Presence – Beyond technical ability, we assess the candidate’s ability to engage with the music and convey emotion.  

 

CaSA Music Theory 
Part of your audition also consists of CaSA Music Theory 

 

Interview  
 
During the interview we will look at the following aspects:  

  • General motivation and level of English.  

  • Commitment to Studies & Professional Growth 

  • Ability to Articulate Goals & Perspectives  

  • Awareness of the Codarts Learning environment