Conga

Explore Cuban Music and Develop Your Skills

Conga lessons are available for all skill levels, from beginners to professionals, in both individual and group sessions. We’ll journey through the diverse genres of Cuban music, including Rumba (Guaguanco, Yambú, Columbia), Palo, Abakua, Bolero, Danzon, Cha Cha Cha, Pilon, Mozambique, Mambo, Charanga, and Son.

You’ll learn proper instrument positioning, various playing techniques, tone shaping, rhythm, and essential playing vocabulary. Lessons also include an exploration of music history and key figures associated with the conga and its genres. The content can be customized to emphasize either Afro rhythms or popular rhythms like Cha Cha Cha, Son, Bolero, Pilon, and Mambo, depending on your interests. With an emphasis on enjoyment, we’ll gradually build your repertoire and support the development of your own musical ideas and expression.

Photo of Conga

Teacher

  • Profile foto of Alexander Scull Castillo, percussion teacher at the Global Music Academy, Berlin

    Alexander Scull Castillo

    Percussionist and Music teacher from Havana, Cuba

    Born in Havana, Cuba, Alexander’s musical journey began at a young age. He started with music lessons at the “Casa de Cultura,” where he quickly discovered a passion for rhythmic instruments. Excelling in percussion, he performed in children’s music groups and further developed his skills at the prestigious “Escuela de Instructores de Arte Eduardo García Delgado (EIA).” At EIA, Alexander mastered various percussion instruments and received comprehensive training in piano, guitar, double bass, music theory, and harmony.

    Mentorship and Professional Development

    Under the guidance of renowned musicians such as Federico Arístides Soto Alejo “Tata Güines,” Juan Carlos Rojas Castro “El Peje,” and Tomás Ramos “El Panga,” Alexander honed his expertise. After graduating, he dedicated over eight years to teaching music, focusing on percussion at his alma mater.

    Advanced Studies and Performance Experience

    Alexander’s dedication to his craft led him to the University of Pedagogical Sciences “Enrique José Varona,” where he earned a degree in pedagogy and art with a specialization in music. His repertoire expanded as he learned to play the batá for religious ceremonies, further enriching his musical versatility.

    At the Global Music Academy, Alexander offers ensemble lessons in Afro-Cuban percussion as well as individual lessons in bongo, cajón, conga, Latin drums, and timbales.

    Courses

    • Afro-Cuban Percussion Ensemble

    • Bongo

    • Cajón

    • Conga

    • Timbales

    Languages

    German, Spanish