Every good boy deserves fun

10 Nov Every good boy deserves fun

I remember the time I decided to cancel my trip back home in order to study at the Global Music Institute during summer.

I stumbled upon this fantastic place on Facebook and was sold within minutes. International faculty teaching the official Berklee College of Music curriculum meant that I’d have the opportunity to learn with some of the best and get a taste of what it is like to be at a large music school. The next thing I knew, I was registering to be a full time student for the summer semester.

Being a drummer with no ‘real’ formal training prior to GMI, I found myself being on uncommon ground when it came to Music Theory, Ear Training and Basic Keyboard. Thankfully, I was placed in the right classes and with students who had a similar background. Jamie Munn, the voice and piano teacher handling those classes was really patient with the beginners, taking great pains to make sure our fundamentals were right. Regular tests ensured that whatever was taught really sank in. Reading sheet music was an integral part of the whole process; I remember counting up EGBDF or Every Good Boy Deserves Fun until the mid-semester post which, things started to get a bit easier.

The World Music elective was a really interesting class. Listening to the traditional music of other countries, learning about uncommon musical instruments and the systems upon which music was based was a first for everyone in the class. It was fun learning and studying with Derek Beckvold, who had a great knowledge of cultures, geography and world music, of course. Learning how the Slave Trade shaped a lot of music that is listened to today and the fact that the Iraqi music is based on twenty four notes instead of the usual twelve was definitely an eye opener.

The classes that I enjoyed the most were the ensemble and private lessons with Tarun Balani. I am inspired by Tarun and studying with him was truly, a great experience. I worked upon World grooves, Jazz casino online drumming and technique to ensure all-round development on the drum set. Being in a playing environment with other musicians under the supervision of Derek and Tarun during the ensemble lessons helped me not only understand more of music theory, but how to be a better performer, listener and more importantly, a better musician. This was augmented when I had the opportunity to study with the Sharik Hasan Quartet during their residency at GMI. I am still absorbing concepts that were taught by the Quartet.

The final term recital which showcased what the students learned over the semester was a great night. Jazz standards such as Mercy Mercy Mercy, Nutville and Afro Blue were performed by some of the students. The band and I performed a hip sounding Blue Train with a Bembe groove complementing it.

The time I spent at GMI during the summer was fantastic; I had the opportunity to receive formal training, learn from a great teachers, study from the Berklee curriculum, meet musicians and have a great time while doing all of it!