Information About Hammadi - Haringey teacher

Personal Description:

Hammadi
”Cuban-born percussion virtuoso… it is Valdes's sporadic explosions into chattering cross-rhythms that give the music its unpredictable edge of excitement”
Chris Parker, Time Out.

Hammadi discovered his passion for percussion in his early teens. His approach to the drums is that of a complete musician, exploring the varied colours and timbres of his selection of percussion instruments. Born in Havana, Cuba, Hammadi studied classical music and piano for 15 years. He graduated from Superior Institute of Art (Havana) in Percussion for which he was awarded a first-class honours degree.

A dynamic percussionist and music teacher, during the course of his career Hammadi has been involved in the production of albums such as “Irakere 30 años" (Irakere), and Chucho Valdés’ “New Conceptions”, which received the “Latin Grammy” Award.

His talents are recognized in theatre productions like the Carlos Acosta show “Tocororo, a Cuban Tale” which broke all box office records at Sadler’s Wells Theatre in 2003, was nominated for an Olivier award and has since appeared in major venues and festivals around the world.
In the UK he has also performed at The London Coliseum, the Barbican, Royal Festival Hall, The Lowry Centre in Manchester, Birmingham Hippodrome, King’s Place, Roundhouse, Ronnie Scott’s, London Jazz Festival and many others.
Over the years, Hammadi has had the privilege to work and collaborate with many outstanding artists including Chucho Valdes, Omara Portuondo, Carlos Acosta, Irakere, Yaroldi Abreu, Miguel Anga Diaz, Roberto Valera, BJ Cole, Robert Mitchell, Femi Temowo, Troy Miller to name a few. Current projects include Robert Mitchell’s Panacea, Jonathan Geyevu’s, Sojourner, Meridian, David Ogilvy band, Meta Meta tour, Mestizo Duo with Ahmed Dickinson and many others. As well as teaching at the “Upper Institute of Art” in Havana, Hammadi has been responsible for organising and delivering workshops in different venues such as the Roundhouse Theatre in London, the University Paris-8, the University of Versailles and the University of Cuenca (Ecuador). Hammadi has been presented with the UNEAC (Cuban Union of Writers and Artists) prize at the “VII Festival Internacional Percuba.” He is also a Yehudi Menuhin’s Live Music Now Artist

Tutoring Experience:

Jan 08 – Date Drum kit and Percussion Teacher – “Slough Grammar School”, Slough and “Ealing Junior Music School”.
Sept 04 – July 07 Symphonic Percussion Teacher – “Instituto Superior de Arte”, and “Conservatory Amadeo Roldán”.
Jan 08 – March 08 Roundhouse Theatre, London
Took part in the ‘Spring-Jazz Cubanissmo’ project which explores the exciting blend of African and European rhythms.
May 2006 University of Cuenca, Ecuador
Responsible for organising and delivering a workshop on popular music interpretation, creativity and improvisation, for which I received a diploma of the Symphony Orchestra of Cuenca as recognition of the work done at the university.
Dec 00 - May 02 - Responsible for organising and delivering workshops and classes of Cuban percussion in the University Paris-8 and in the University of Versailles as well as in various conservatories in the south of France.

Tutoring Approach:

Tailored lesson and programme to suit your personal requirements, being for professional Career or just for bringing some rhythms in your life!