Part of my life's work involves delivering lectures and speaking on topics I'm passionate about. I have had the privilege of sharing my research with a wide range of audiences, from academic institutions to private clubs. On this page, you'll find a list of lectures available for the 2025 season. If any of these topics interest you, please contact my office for more information.

CLASS SUMMARY BELOW

De Africa al Caribe logo featuring an orange map of Africa with a red heart and a stitched heart overlay
Drums stacked with the title Drumming Justice
De Africa al Caribe logo featuring an orange map of Africa with a red heart and a stitched heart overlay
Yamil Conga raising his right hand with a stick standing behind his drums with the work drum clinic on it
Drums stacked with the title Drumming Justice
yamil conga playing the one conga surrounded by three additional congas with the title Percussion Clinic
A Rhythms of the Caribbean logo with a conga and a traditional mask with ribbon flags
Yamil conga Posing with a red fedora wearing a red jacket with a blue shirt

Part One :This 75-minute presentation explores the 5,000-mile journey of the conga drum, from its African origins to its role in Latino and American music. It covers its passage across the Atlantic during the trans-Atlantic slave trade and how it became a musical staple in various cultures. The session includes interactive PowerPoint slides, hands-on drum examples, and music to engage participants.

A Rhythms of the Caribbean logo with a conga and a traditional mask with ribbon flags

Please inquire about combining both classes for a weekend workshop

Part Two: Africa to the Caribbean - Rhythms and Dance

In this 120-minute class, the focus shifts to the profound influence of the transatlantic slave trade on the rhythms and dances that originated in the Caribbean. Part Two of the "Africa to the Caribbean" series takes students on a deep dive into the three most iconic Caribbean music styles: Salsa, Bachata, and Merengue.

The lesson is structured as follows:

  1. Introduction to Rhythms & Dance: A brief recap of the African roots of Caribbean music, emphasizing how the forced migration of African people via the transatlantic slave trade shaped the musical landscape of the Caribbean.

  2. Salsa:

    • History: Originating from Afro-Cuban rhythms and merging elements of jazz, salsa developed in New York during the 1960s and 1970s.

    • Dance: A look at the sensual, energetic movements associated with salsa dancing, including the connection to Afro-Cuban religious practices.

    • Evolution: From Cuban son and mambo to the New York "Salsa boom" and its spread worldwide.

  3. Bachata:

    • History: Rooted in the Dominican Republic, bachata emerged from rural, Afro-Dominican communities and was initially seen as a form of protest music.

    • Dance: Exploring the intimate, close-contact style of bachata dance, which mirrors the genre's emotional depth and sensuality.

    • Evolution: Bachata’s transition from a marginalized genre to a global phenomenon, blending traditional rhythms with modern influences.

  4. Merengue:

    • History: The national music and dance of the Dominican Republic, merengue has African, Taino, and European influences.

    • Dance: A high-energy, fast-paced style with distinctive hip and leg movements, reflecting the rhythms of the Afro-Dominican experience.

    • Evolution: From its folkloric roots to its mainstream popularity, merengue has evolved into a celebrated genre, both in Latin America and around the world.

Throughout the lesson, live instrumentation and dance samples will be showcased to provide a hands-on experience of each style. Interactive PowerPoint presentations will further detail the historical and cultural significance of each genre, allowing students to visualize and understand their evolution.

Two-Day Workshop Option: This class can be split into two days, with each day dedicated to a specific genre, allowing more in-depth exploration and practice of both the musical and dance elements of Salsa, Bachata, and Merengue.

By the end of the lesson, students will have gained a comprehensive understanding of the intertwined histories, cultural significance, and evolution of these iconic Caribbean music genres.

This 75-minute interactive lecture focuses on the Stono Rebellion of 1739 and uses drumming as a way to explore its historical significance. Students will learn how to express themselves through drumming and discover their own drumming voice. The session includes group practicum exercises, with each student provided a drum for hands-on participation. The lesson delves into sensitive aspects of early American history, including themes of slavery and rebellion, and may not be suitable for all audiences.

Yamil Conga raising his right hand with a stick standing behind his drums with the work drum clinic on it
Yamil conga playing the one conga surrounded by three additional congas with the title Percussion Clinic
Yamil conga in a classroom setting giving a lecture to students as he stands in front of drums, congas and percussion

I have over 25 years of professional drumming experience, which includes teaching and sharing my knowledge with others. My interactive drum clinics cover a variety of topics, including the history of drumming, power points, and my Latin drumming style. I emphasize the importance of playing "in the pocket," being punctual for gigs, using professional gear, and being a team player. The clinic also includes a Q&A session. This 90-minute session is suitable for elementary, middle, and high school settings.

Yamil Conga standing in the middle of a crowd of excited children while raising a drum over his head
An image of Yamil Conga featured on the working drummer podcast
Yamil Conga posing with Singer, Songwriter Maya
Yamil Conga on stage during an episode of shark tank with Kevin Mac and Mark Cuban

My percussion clinics are dynamic 90-minute sessions that explore every aspect of being a percussionist. I cover the role of the percussion player, techniques for playing alongside drummers, and improvisation across various music styles including hip hop, funk, R&B, jazz, Latin, country, and CCM. This clinic is perfect for educational settings, giving students a strong understanding of what it means to be a percussionist in a live performance environment.

Yamil Conga on the Grand Ole Opry stage
Yamil Conga on stage with Frank Ray
Yamil Conga and Anthony Hamilton posing together
Yamil Conga standing at the entrance of the Grand Ole Opry
Yamil Conga Posing with two artist
Yamil Conga playing the congas looking into the sky

With 25 years of professional touring experience, I have worked across radio, television, and podcasts, performing a wide range of music from CCM to chart-topping hip hop and country acts. I've appeared on national TV networks like ABC and NBC and been part of renowned podcasts, along with countless TV and radio interviews. Notably, I am one of the few Latino percussionists to have performed on the Grand Ole Opry stage. This 90-minute class is designed for aspiring young professionals, offering valuable insights in a Q&A format, suitable for beginners, novices, and seasoned professionals. Music appreciation programs in schools also benefit greatly from this session.