Think You Can’t Play Music? This Coral Springs Class May Surprise You

by Guest Contributor July 6, 2026

by Guest Contributor July 6, 2026 2 minutes read

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Manny Aguiar with students {Sarah Ruggles}

By Sarah Ruggles

If you’ve been to a wedding or taken a cruise in the past few decades, chances are you’ve joined a conga line. But how many have actually learned to play the instrument behind the beat?

For seven years, percussionist Manny Aguiar has been teaching South Florida residents and tourists to do just that at Mach Music Studio in Coral Springs.

Located in the Whispering Woods office complex on Wiles Road, Aguiar’s conga class combines music, storytelling, history, and hands-on participation.

Aguiar credits his Cuban upbringing for both his passion for the conga and his desire to teach others about its Afro-Cuban roots.

“I’ve been playing percussion since I was a child in Cuba,” he said. “Sharing that passion and seeing people discover a rhythm they never knew they had is what inspires me every day.”

Aguiar said beginners can start playing in 15 minutes or less–even with no musical experience.

That claim is backed by students, including Coral Springs resident Luis Miret.

“He teaches you the most important basic rhythm, tumbao, and from there he has you start playing along to various songs,” Miret said. “You’ll be surprised at how quickly you can apply it to many different genres and to hundreds of songs.”

For students looking to build on the fundamentals, Aguiar recently introduced a Level 2 class in which participants learn to play using three congas instead of one.

Aguiar says there’s no typical student. The class attracts both locals and visitors. Some sessions bring together private groups celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, or other special occasions, while others bring together complete strangers who leave as friends.

No matter who walks through the door, Aguiar says his goal is the same:

“I hope they leave with a smile, a new appreciation for music, and the confidence to try something new. I also hope they leave with a memory they’ll cherish long after their time at the studio,” he said.

The class is offered daily from 8 to 10 p.m. for groups of 12 or fewer. The cost is $35 per person, and it is open to anyone ages 8 and up. Advanced registration is required.

Mach Music Studio is located at 7501 Wiles Road, Suite 102A. You can register for a class here.

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