Mike Almond
Percussionist (Harbord, NSW)

When Mike first began percussion he spent many hours with African teachers learning rhythms by rote. Coming from a classical musical background, Mike was interested in breaking down the beat and seeing how rhythms are put together. This opened a whole new world of rhythm and self-expression through percussion, and it is Mike's aim to help empower people to build their own rhythm.

Mike teaches the joy of music through rhythm to people of ages. For the "grown ups" he runs weekly Afro-Latin drumming and percussion workshops at the Literary Institute in Harbord (Sydney). Established over 2 years, the workshops show people the bond between West-African and Latin rhythm. Mike loves to perform locally, and encourages his regular students to join in the experience. With his music associate, harpist Cliona Molins, Mike also runs weekly music sessions for the very young. Mike and Cliona run "Kids Music" for ages 2-5 at "Waves", the Harbord Diggers Youth Club.

In addition to teaching and performing within the community, Mike runs team-building programs for business sector, with a drum-circle experience designed for corproate groups. Using rhythm as an experiential medium, drumming, hand percussion and movement are blended to provide a powerful experience of unity, expression, synergy and teamwork. Also, with leading conference team-building company Team Focus, Mike is the facilitator for the "Rhythm Works" program.

Mike takes his primary musical influences from Ghana, the Ivory Coast and Cuba, and has also worked with the world-reknown Ray Pereira, arguably Australia's leading percussionist. Mike teaches his regular adult groups at the Harbord Literary Institute every Thursday evening.

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