Guidelines

Safa members will begin workshops by establishing a clear conception of the content of the workshop. This will facilitate the delivery fo the teaching as well as focus the energy of the group towards the goal at hand. The line of progression in the workshop presentation should be a combination of the the expectations of the participants and taht of the instructors.

The principal means by which students learn to integrate the various techniques they are exposed to is by trial and repetition. Regular repetition and the adding of the most recently learned pattern of patterns reinforces the cumulative nature of the information being presented.
When dealing with such concepts as complex multi-metric music or unfamiliar melodic modes, learning is enhanced by group dynamics. Full participant group exercises promote rhythmic precision and sharpen listening skills. Some degree of creativity is always encouraged in keeping in line with the basic belief that learned techniques are only tools of eventual personal expression.

Participants may not be familiar with some of the terminology used to explain our music. In order to facilitate the absorption of the material, be it small or large, questions will be encouraged throughout the process rather than at the conclusion. Analogous examples and practical solutions are solicited from the participants to make concepts as tangible as possible. At times it is useful to use overhead projections, blackboard or easels to refer back to important concepts or terminology. These teaching aids can be arranged according to the needs of the specific workshop or the available facilities.

Students are always urged to launch their melodic and ryhthmic adventures from a strong base of knowledge. While our workshops offer practical and specific technical advice, we maintain that all learning involves various levels of information gathering. Therefore, we offer further advice as to possible paths a participant may take if they are inspired to pursue the kinds of topics we offer in our workshops.
Safa's workshops are held in an informal and inclusive environment that is consistent with oru own working ethic. The emphasis is always to make beautiful music among friends.