Performing Polyrhythms: A Short Intro

Workshop in 2025-26 Workshop Series

A brief introduction on how to perform advanced polyrhythms with just a little practice.

Rhythm is fast becoming a new avenue for the development of musical exploration. The degree to which harmony has been explored and developed over the past 12-ish centuries has permitted just about any note combination to work together with the right structuring. Tension and release finds its new dimensions in the ability to play with time and feel itself. This workshop will explore practical and actionable theories and strategies for internalizing, self-organizing and performing polyrhythms and complex tuplets in a live music and compositional context, forging new paths of creative exploration.

All prices inclusive of HST

PWYCA $10 to $20, or get a membership to attend all workshops for free.


FACILITATOR INFO

Alex Fournier began his studies at the University of Toronto under Dave Young, Andrew Downing and Jim Vivian, also studying composition under Downing and Phil Nimmons, graduating with a BMus with honours. Alex later attended the Johns Hopkins University’s Peabody Conservatory’s Jazz Performance program, studying both performance and composition under Michael Formanek, as well as Paul Johnson for classical performance, graduating with a GPD in Jazz Performance.

Alex presents multiple groups, series and initiatives, including the projects Triio, Money House, Picastro, Fortunato Durutti Marinetti, The Dan Pitt Trio/Quintet, The Tak Arikushi Trio/Quintet and the Furniture Music Composition Workshop.

TICKETING & ACCESSIBILITY INFO


REFUND, NO-SHOW, & RUSH LIST POLICY

Sometimes our shows sell out, and that can be a bummer for folks who didn’t get a ticket. We’ve developed a new ticketing policy that applies to advance ticket holders and those wanting tickets to ensure a fair, transparent process for releasing additional tickets to a sold-out show. Please read our full policy here.

TICKETING
Our new ticket type invites you to Pay What You Can Afford (PWYCA) which means that you can choose an appropriate level and where possible, help to offset community members attending at a discounted rate. Levels are decided by you based upon your income and financial flexibility and are not verified at the door.

ACCESSIBILITY INFO

Ramp access to building entrance, elevator access to basement.
Accessible washroom located in basement near workshop space.

Masking and social distancing is strongly recommended for attendees who are able to and audience members are encouraged to arrive scent-free to the performance.

For additional questions or accessibility needs, please contact: matthew@musicgallery.org.

COVID POLICY
We strongly encourage masking at all times. For our full policy, click here

SAFER SPACE
We expect all attendees and community members to respect one another, and to respect the work that was created for you to explore. We will not tolerate harm or harmful behaviour of any kind. View our policy here.

Share

Related events

All Events
A violinist performs in front of projected images
A vocalist wearing colourful clothing performs in front of a fabric backdrop

Become a member

Help creative music and performance thrive in Toronto. Your contribution supports our vibrant community of innovative artists.

  • Respectfulchild. Photo by Claire Harvie

  • Lido Pimienta. Photo by Kevin Jones

  • Jairus Sharif. Photo Credit: Kevin Jones

  • Six Turntables. Photo Credit: Kevin Jones

A person plays electric guitar while sitting on a stool in the background. Another person in the foreground is kneeling while playing saxophone.
Six people are sitting on the ground manipulating direct-drive turntables

Support our work

Your donation is used to create opportunities for artists to push the boundaries of their creative practice.