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6/8 to 4/4 Transitions

by Todd London

One of the most interesting and challenging aspects of much Latin music is the connection between 6/8 and 4/4 time feels. Cuban music, in particular, explores this connection deeply and relies on it to create rhythmic interest and complexity. As a percussionist, you must be able to negotiate the transitions from 6/8 to 4/4 and 4/4 to 6/8 with a high degree of skill and confidence. If your desire is to develop a more authentic sound in your Latin playing, it is necessary that you develop your ability to move smoothly between the rhythmic worlds of 6/8 and 4/4. I have created a series of three exercises designed to help develop this type of transitional skill. These exercises are designed to provide a foundation for further study in the realm of time shifting.

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Since 1994, Todd London has served on the percussion faculty of Belmont University's School of Music as an adjunct instructor of percussion. From 1997 until 2001, Mr. London also served as the percussion area coordinator and was instrumental in the creation of the Belmont Percussion Ensemble. Currently, Mr. London is teaching private applied commercial percussion.

Mr. London received his Master of Music in Percussion Performance from the University of Georgia and a Bachelor of Music in Commercial Music from Belmont University. A versatile musician, Mr. London is an active performer in the Nashville area. His performance skills run the gamut of musical styles, and Mr. London is equally at ease in both commercial and classical musical settings. His performance credits include such diverse names as CCM artist Jeni Varnadeau, country artist Charly McClain, jazz artists The Barber Brothers, and the classically-oriented Nashville Chamber Ensemble. In addition to his performing activities, Mr. London is also an active composer. He has recently composed the music for two children's ballets performed by the Nashville Ballet and is currently at work on new music for percussion ensemble. Since 1996, Mr. London has been part of an Emmy award-winning production team whose compositions appear regularly on programs such as Guiding Light and As The World Turns.