Rhythm Is the Cure Classes:
Healing Frame Drumming of Southern Italy

You Can Now Dive Deeply into the Powerful Tarantella Rhythms of Ancient Music and Dance Therapy!

 Alessandra Belloni, World Renowned Percussionist & co-founder of I GIULLARI DI PIAZZA Italian Music & Theater Company, artist in residence at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, is now offering weekly virtual Ritual Frame Drumming classes!

 Following the method outlined in the Book/DVD RHYTHM IS THE CURE 
published by Mel Bay Publications

 

 

Class sessions will be 12 lessons divided in 4 parts.
and will be held on Zoom weekly, for 90 minutes, and will be recorded.
You must register in advance at the links below and group space is limited.

Class Description:

We will trace this style of percussion through the ages, from its ancient Greek roots, through the Italian Middle Ages and Renaissance, and its relevance today. We will study and practice basic “tarantella tamburello“ techniques: holding the drum with emphasis on arm movement, hand technique for triplets, and the 6/8 and 4/4 rhythms. We will also address the variations of hand technique from the different regions of Southern Italy as:

Tammorriata: A 4/4 rhythm played on the large drum called the Tammorra, originally from Naples with a strong African influence in the rhythm, played in honor of the Black Madonna, to accompany a beautiful ritual dance. Originated in ancient times for the Earth Mother Goddsses Cybele & Isis.

Rhythm & Dance of San Rocco: A Medieval healing 6/8 rhythm from Calabria done in honor of San Rocco to send away the plague and danced in circle spinning.

Pizzica Tarantata: A very fast 6/8 rhythm from Puglia, with different accents - which originated as music therapy to cure the mythical bite of the tarantula, played on medium size tambourines with a double row of jingles as people frantically danced for days during the Summer Solstice. This rhythm and dance date back to the ecstatitic rites of Dionysus, as Southern Italy was part of Greece known as Magna Grecia. 

Classes will follow the books:

Class Schedule:

  • Monday 6pm ET: Advanced Rhythm is the Cure Drumming Class
  • Wednesday 6:30pm ET: Beginner Rhythm is the Cure Drumming Class
  • Thursday 5:30pm ET: Intermediate/Advanced Rhythm is the Cure Drumming Class

Class Registration:

In order to register and receive the zoom link for classes: Email alessandrabelloni@gmail.com indicating the class day and level you would like to join (ie: "Wednesday Beginner's class"). Then please submit payment for your class through the methods listed below. You will then receive a zoom link to join class, as well as a private youtube link of the class recording. 

**It is highly recommended to sign up for a series of at least 4 classes to adequately learn the technique**

Payment Methods:

Payment must be received prior to the start of class. 

Group classes - $50 a piece - PAY HERE

Package of 4 Classes - $160 ($40 a piece) PAY HERE