This workshop will introduce Samulnori, a dynamic Korean percussion genre, as a way to diversify percussion ensemble repertoire and expand students’ rhythmic vocabulary, composition skills, and rote learning. Participants will explore four Korean instruments as well as foundational rhythmic patterns that can be adapted for Western percussion ensembles. The session will provide historical and cultural context, instructional strategies for integrating Korean percussion into school programs, and practical approaches to teaching traditional rhythms using accessible instruments. Attendees will leave with repertoire ideas, teaching techniques, free lesson presentation resources, and performance applications to help bring global perspectives into their percussion curriculum. Whether for concert percussion, marching ensembles, or world drumming units, Samulnori offers an exciting and engaging way to broaden students’ musical experiences.

Introduction
Listen to short Samulnori audio excerpts to identify instruments, groove, and rhythm. Guide attentive and engaged listening through questions and movement. Introduce Samulnori as Korean folk percussion, including its origins, instruments, and cultural context.

Sound of the Drum & Basic Rhythms
Teach the basic sounds of the janggu using body percussion and vocalization (teong, gung, crossover gung, ttak). Practice the Byeoldagari rhythm.

Byeoldagari & Improvisation
Transfer Byeoldagari to instruments, introduce the chant, and have groups create and share rhythmic variations.

Yeongnam Nongak & Insagut
Teach Gilgunak using body percussion and instruments. Introduce Insagut, its significance, and its role as the closing rhythm. Perform all rhythms together.

Samchae & Movement
Teach Samchae with marching-style movement from pungmulnori.

Conclusion
Explain classroom applications, differentiation (upper elementary to collegiate), performance options, and free resources available at https://www.theheartrhythmsofkorea.com/.