Percussion4u are specialists in providing un-forgettable experiential percussion events and workshops for businesses and other organisations, schools, youth and community groups. We also specialise in selling rhythm percussion instruments and can offer advice on purchasing for an individual, school, group or band. Playing a percussion instrument is a great way to keep fit, improve coordination, learn complex rhythm patterns, and work within a team. It encourages self-discipline as you master control of your hand movements. It can also reduce stress and be highly therapeutic and even meditative - once you get into the rhythm!

We specialise in African and Brazilian percussion with an emphasis on Samba and Latin American Rhythms but our musical background is diverse.We have extensive experience of working with many types of organisations and with groups who have different levels of experience and different needs. Instruments and tuition are provided for all our events and our approach can be adapted according to the size and requirements of each group. If you're a business manager or organisational leader, teacher, group or community leader, click here to find out why percussion can be so effective for team-building, motivation, stress relief, teaching social responsibility and more. To find out how a percussion programme can benefit your business, organisation, classroom or club contact us for more information.

Percussion4u's principal is Laszlo Palko. Laszlo has been playing percussion instruments for over a decade and has worked with a number of bands across the North West of England. Laszlo has performed at a number of high profile events over the past few years and has led team building workshops for companies such as Rolls Royce, Shell and Norwich Union.

Laszlo specialises in Brazilian and African percussion and in particular Samba Rhythms and Latin American percussion. From 1998 to 2004 he was Musical Director of Zambura, Bury's samba band, which had about 50 members of all ages. Laszlo has led a wide variety of workshops for schools, youth and community groups. He has also worked for the Manchester and Lancashire Music Services, teaching in both primary and secondary schools. Laszlo has a diverse musical background with extensive experience of working with groups who have different levels of experience and different needs. Laszlo also composes his own samba pieces, including a fusion of traditional samba percussion and other different instruments.

Over the last few years he has also been taught by some leading exponents in percussion such as Dudu Tucci Giba Goncalves, Sam Alexander and Bosco D' Oliveira. Laszlo has also completed a Roots of Brazil course and holds a certificate for Advanced Instruction in Afro Brazilian percussion.

Some past events he has performed at include: France, Spain (Merce' Festival) Portugal, Commonwealth Games, Manchester 2002, Charity event for Mike Mc Cartney (Paul Mc Cartney's brother) and cast, Bridgewater Hall, Manchester, City of Manchester Football Stadium.

What will you get out of it?
Playing samba creates a lot of fun and enjoyment. To spend a few hours learning to play unfamiliar rhythms on instruments you may never even have seen before, and then to produce a creditable performance is enormously rewarding. People find they can usually produce an acceptable sound on an instrument relatively quickly, without having to put in hours of practice. This makes workshops accessible to people of all ages and abilities.

These are some of the things you may experience:

Playing alongside other beginners helps to dispel nervousness

Confidence and fulfillment from playing together as a group

A sense of pride in the overall musical sound that is produced

Encouragement and enhancement of teamwork

Samba workshops are a very positive activity for a wide variety of groups, including schools, businesses and community groups of all kinds. They are a way of developing personal skills, away from the pressures of normal everyday activities. On an individual level, you can improve your co-ordination gain a better sense of rhythm, develop your listening skills - you will find that you can gradually learn to listen to other patterns whilst sustaining your own part. Although this sounds like hard work, samba can be very relaxing, because in concentrating on listening and playing, there is no room left for all other thoughts and stresses which normally fill your head. Playing samba is about working together as a team, rather than individual performance, readily demonstrating the notion of 'the whole being greater than the sum of its parts.

What will you be doing?
People learn samba by listening, so you do not need to have any previous experience of playing an instrument or the ability to read music. Workshops include:

An explanation of the basics

Learning patterns for each instrument

Playing both in sections and together as a whole group

Learning visual and whistle cues for starting and stopping

Learning 'breaks' - the introduction of a different pattern, or a section playing on its own

Learning two or three different rhythms

How long does a workshop last?
Workshops can be taken over a few hours, a weekend, one or two days, a course of shorter sessions. The more time there is available, the more you will be able to achieve, by becoming more comfortable and proficient in playing, learning a wider variety of rhythms and acquiring performance skills

If you are looking for a different and enjoyable way to enhance teamwork, reduce stress or enhance staff retention or maybe for a special social event to recognise a success within your business, department or organisation then an experiential group samba or african drumming percussion programme or event could be for you. Away from the pressures of normal everyday activities people will feel free to relax, express themselves and have fun. In addition it's a great way to build teamwork or improve motivation as everyone can be involved (there is no audience!) with little or no musical experience.

What will you get out of it?
You may have people in your company, business or organisation who are under stress and may not be performing at their best. There may be an absence of teamwork and mutual support. Participating in group percussion sessions can be a cost-effective way to improve motivation and teamwork as well as being personally rewarding and great fun.It may even help people defend themselves from the stress and burnout that can cause them to leave their jobs.As an employer a percussion workshop or series of regular workshops could improve employee motivation, job retention, teamwork and reduce stress. It is simple to set up and requires no musical experience on behalf of the participants. Experiential group percussion is also great for a range of other events such as Icebreakers, motivational and social events.

What will they get out of it?
Playing percussion creates a lot of fun and enjoyment. To spend a few hours learning to play unfamiliar rhythms on instruments you may never even have seen before, and then to produce a creditable performance is enormously rewarding. People find they can usually produce an acceptable sound on an instrument relatively quickly, without having to put in hours of practice. This makes workshops accessible to people of all ages and abilities. Percussion in a group or team is about working together as a team, rather than individual performance, readily demonstrating the notion of 'the whole being greater than the sum of its parts'.

What will they be doing?
People learn by listening, so the attendees do not need to have any previous experience of playing an instrument or the ability to read music. Workshops are led by a professional facilitator and includes:

An explanation of the basics.

Learning patterns for each instrument.

Playing both in sections and together as a whole group.

Learning visual and whistle cues for starting and stopping.

Learning 'breaks' - the introduction of a different pattern, or a section playing on its own.

Learning two or three different rhythms.

How long does a programme last?
A programme could comprise a one-off workshop experience or a series of events. Sessions can be over a few hours, one or two days, lunchtime or regular lunchtime event, over a weekend, can comprise of a programme of short sessions, at the beginning or conclusion of a training event , can be taken as a workshop or conference or as an icebreaker. The more time there is available, the more the attendees sense of teamwork will be enhanced.

Tailored Programmes
Percussion 4u understands that client companies will have their own individual requirements and particular focus such as improving team working, reducing stress, leadership development or simply as a "fun" event. With this in mind we are able to provide a tailored package to suit your needs. We can design a workshop to suit the objectives of the event, the size of the group and time available as well as providing all the instruments. If required we can organise the venue and catering as part of the package. Each workshop is tailored to suit the interests and abilities of the participants’ abilities, backgrounds and age

Young people can transcend the barriers of age, economics, race, language and physical challenge when they play percussion together. A programme of group percussion can enhance listening skills as well as achieving a feeling of teamwork, community, and the experience of success. Drumming is also good for relaxation, fosters a sense of unity and encourages self-expression, resulting in a more positive self-esteem. and its fun!

Recent studies also indicate that drumming for brief periods can actually change a person’s brainwave patterns, dramatically reducing stress. The research has found that the effect of drumming produces far greater results than any other form of stress management. To participate in a workshop or event the children need no prior musical experience and all the percussion instruments are provided.

Percussion4u can provide the following services for schools:

Percussion Workshops (one-off or regular sessions).

Samba Workshops.

Brazilian Dance Workshops.

Conducting School Percussion Bands.

Percussion4u professional performances or concerts.

Teacher training.

Drumming courses for teachers.

Rhythm Percussion Instrument Sales and advice.

Drumming Courses for Teachers
We can provide individual drumming courses covering different drumming styles and rhythms which teachers can then use in the class room. We can also offer top up courses throughout the year .

Performances and Concerts
Percussion4u can also provide professional performances or concerts to augment a special event or occasion.

School Percussion Bands
Percussion4u can also help with workshops for new and established school percussion bands.

Bands run by Percussion4u include:
Stick Control (Poynton High School)
Baguley Hall School Samba Band
Cavendish Creation (Cavendish Primary School)
Chorlton High School

What will they get out of it?
Pupils can discover a sense of community, because they have to work together to accomplish a common goal. It helps with concentration and patience. Playing percussion creates a lot of fun and enjoyment. To spend a few hours learning to play unfamiliar rhythms on instruments you may never even have seen before, and then to produce a creditable performance is enormously rewarding. Pupils will find they can usually produce an acceptable sound on an instrument relatively quickly, without having to put in hours of practice. This makes workshops accessible to pupils of all abilities.

Percussion workshops are a very positive activity for schools which will enhance pupils':

Listening skills.

Ability to work together as a team.

Communication skills.

Concentration.

Character building.

Social skills.

What will they be doing?
People learn by listening, so the pupils do not need to have any previous experience of playing an instrument or the ability to read music. Workshops are led by a professional facilitator and includes:

An explanation of the basics.

Learning patterns for each instrument.

Playing both in sections and together as a whole group.

Learning visual and whistle cues for starting and stopping.

Learning 'breaks' - the introduction of a different pattern, or a section playing on its own.

Learning two or three different rhythms.


How long does a programme last?
A programme can be a single workshop experience or can be a series of workshops or events. Taken over a few hours, one or two days or a course of shorter sessions.

Group percussion experiences can help to fill the social void of many young people today. Percussion and drumming in particular has been woven into the social context of many societies throughout history. Playing in a group percussion experience can offer a physically challenging, cognitively stimulating, group experience which speaks to the social needs that youth in our society are calling out for. Participants can discover a sense of community, because they have to work together to accomplish a common goal. Group percussion is an activity that can cut through the tough shell of many kids.

One student commented: “Drumming is a challenge. It has helped me with my patience. I learned how to be determined and stick things out".

What will they get out of it?
Participants can discover a sense of community, because they have to work together to accomplish a common goal. It helps with concentration and patience and can improve self-esteem. Playing percussion creates a lot of fun and enjoyment. To spend a few hours learning to play unfamiliar rhythms on instruments they may never even have seen before, and then to produce a creditable performance is enormously rewarding. People find they can usually produce an acceptable sound on an instrument relatively quickly, without having to put in hours of practice. This makes workshops accessible to kids of all abilities.

Group percussion is therefore a very positive activity for developing:

Personal skills.

Self-esteem

Sense of community

Concentration

Social skills

What will they be doing?
Most people can learn by listening, so the participants do not need to have any previous experience of playing an instrument or the ability to read music. Workshops include:

An explanation of the basics

Learning patterns for each instrument

Playing both in sections and together as a whole group

Learning visual and whistle cues for starting and stopping

Learning 'breaks' - the introduction of a different pattern, or a section playing on its own

Learning two or three different rhythms

How long does a programme last?
A programme can be a single workshop experience or can be a series of workshops or events. Which can be taken over a few hours, over one or two days, over a weekend or over a programme of short sessions.

"Laszlo is the sort of person you can rely on, because he is always professional. He turns up on time, does what he says he’ll do, and does it with passion and flair. He has shown a strong commitment to his own professional development both as a musician and a workshop/ensemble leader. Amplifier youth music project has hired him to direct a new Samba and African drumming group for teenagers in Macclesfield and he’s done a great job''.

''For project managers it’s always good to find people who exceed your expectations, who willingly get involved in planning and evaluation as well as delivering consistently good workshops. Laszlo has been all this and more – he has helped coach our trainees as assistant music leaders and even found additional performance opportunities for the group through his extensive contacts. I’m happy to recommend Laszlo and Percussion4U to anyone needing a good facilitator ..."

Martin Milner, Programme Manager
Amplifier Youth Music Programme for Cheshire.
www.amplifier.org.uk

Dear Laszlo
''Thank you so much for your contribution to our Super Learning Day. The pupils certainly enjoyed their sessions and the staff were extremely impressed and we are all keen for you to return so, hopefully, next term we will be able to arrange a return visit. ...Thanks again for contributing to a very successful and memorable Super Learning Day''.

Best Wishes
Cathy Fitzwilliam-Pipe
St Peters High School, Manchester

Dear Laszlo
''A brief but sincere "Thank you" for a great day in school today. Our students have not had a lot of opportunity to work with visiting musicians ...I enjoyed the day and a number of students came back to say a further 'thank you'. I hope you found the day to be enjoyable too....Thanks, once again and very best wishes''.

Russell Spink
Head of Music
Congleton High School