Course Description

Today’s class is titled "The Origin of Latin Music," presented by singer and songwriter: Elena La Fulana.   

After telling us a little about herself, Elena will explore the rhythmic foundations of select Central American, Mexican, and Caribbean genres.

Elena La Fulana

Elena La Fulana is a singer-songwriter and leader of the DC-based bilingual Latin-folk band Elena & Los Fulanos. Originally from Managua, Nicaragua, Elena identifies as both American and Nicaraguan and her music, which ranges from twangy, heartbreak-themed folk Americana, to soothing, introspective, violin-infused Latin cumbia reflects this dual identity. Her band Elena & Los Fulanos has twice been nominated for a Wammie-award, and their most recent album, Volcán, was hailed as "a bilingual folk album for the resistance" by the Washington City Paper, a publication that also selected Elena for their People Issue 2017 highlighting notable Washingtonians. Most recently, Elena has begun touring with the Latin-Grammy winning and Grammy nominated band, Flor de Toloache. Elena La Fulana es cantautora y líder del grupo latino bilingüe, Elena & Los Fulanos. Originaria de Managua, Nicaragua, Elena se identifica como Nicaraguense y Americana y su música refleja su identidad bicultural, entrelazando elementos musicales de Latino America y los Estados Unidos. Su primer disco Miel Venenosa, fue nominado por un premio "Wammie" en 2014 y su segundo disco Volcán (2017) fue nombrado “el disco bilingüe de la resistencia” por el Washington City Paper, publicación que también la reconoció como una de sus personas del año 2017.

Course curriculum

  • 1

    Welcome

    • Introduction to The Origin of Latin Music

  • 2

    Opening Performance

    • A Song From Our Expert

  • 3

    Expert Introduction

    • Meet Elena La Fulana!

  • 4

    Frame the Lesson

    • An Overview of Popular Latin American Rhythms

  • 5

    Lesson: Part #1

    • Polyrhythms, Marimba de Arco and Guitarrón

  • 6

    Lesson: Part #2

    • Son Nica, Wa Bango, Ranchera, Bossa Nova and Bolero

  • 7

    Lesson: Part #3

    • Performance of “Morir Bailando,” “Venir" and “Que Lindo Es Mi Tierra”

  • 8

    Close Out

    • Final Remarks From Our Expert

  • 9

    Quiz

    • Test Your Knowledge!

  • 10

    Resources

    • Websites to Continue Your Learning