Tag: congas
-
Conga Drums I Have Known And Loved-the Best Conga Drums ever!
I recently came across a post with a photo of some vintage and very rare conga drums I had sold to a local guy in California, only to discover later that they had found a new home in a museum. Quite frequently I see my drums, or what used to be my drums on posts… Read More »
-
Its all about simplicity
I once had the chance to catch a remarkable performance in Providence, Rhode Island, where a solo percussionist played an entire outdoor gig for a jazz trio using nothing but a triangle. This experience shifted my perspective on percussion in ways I hadn’t anticipated. It served as a powerful reminder that it’s not the quantity… Read More »
-
Why we study
Surrounded by the strength and inspiration of the majestic local mountains, cascading waterfalls, and the hundreds of temples that dot this incredible landscape, I find myself on a transformative journey with my personal training program. Progressing gradually yet purposefully, I am weaving together a tapestry of everything I’ve learned along my path into a cohesive… Read More »
-
Why Play And Practice Traditional Hand Drumming Styles?
Why Practice Repetitive Parts, Patterns, and Traditional Drumming Styles? Have you ever wondered why it’s essential to dive into repetitive parts, patterns, and traditional drumming styles? Many people overlook the profound benefits of embracing these foundational elements. Learning traditional drumming forms is not just about sticking to rigid structures; it’s about digging deeper into our… Read More »
-
Learning how to stay in time, practice tips for beginners Part 1
A lot of people ask me how to improve their rhythm when they are drumming or learning to drum. Everyone has to start somewhere and there are definitely things to do that can help us improve. A fun way to play, improve, learn to “lock in” and sit in a groove is to play along… Read More »
-
Dispelling The Myth Of Talent
Dispelling the myth of talent. More often then not, something we see someone doing looks easier than it is or someone makes something look very easy. In this case let’s talk about hand drumming. When you see most of our drum masters play they are very relaxed and maybe they are smiling. Maybe we don’t… Read More »
-
Florida and Maine private, group and drumming classes, workshops and intensives!
I am going back to New England and will be teaching there and Florida in 2019. If you are coming to town or would like to set up a drumming vacation with me please contact me and let’s get together. It’s a great time to be there! Feeling spontaneous? Let’s drum! I highly recommend a… Read More »
-
An Interview With Michael Pluznick by Les Moncada
Les Moncada Chats With Conguero And Djembefola Drummer Michael Pluznick Francisco Aguabella once told me, “I do not play the drum, I have lived the drum”. Remembering that phrase, it’s great when one’s daily line of work is drumming for a living, teaching drum lessons and or even selling drums and miscellaneous supplies to drummers,… Read More »
-
Learning to Play Drums is More Then Patterns
If you want to learn more then just rhythms and patterns and really want to know how to drum on the deepest levels and if you really want to grow, you have to challenge your brain and you have to do different stuff then you are used to or comfortable with. I see many people… Read More »
-
Taming The Inner Critic And Learning How To Drum
Say good bye to the self critic. The first thing I suggest we do when we are going to learn how to drum is to let go of the inner critic. The voice that say’s, “you are not good enough” or “you can’t do this”. Maybe you have this or maybe you don’t. But I find… Read More »
-
What is a hand drum worth?
I am curious why a finely made hand crafted musical instrument like a hand carved djembe drum or artisan made conga drum or bongo should be looked at any differently then a Martin guitar in terms of value or price? I understand anything sold is market driven but I do believe it goes beyond this. No… Read More »
-
Now And Then, All Styles Relate To The One!
Then And Now~ Let’s Get It Together! When I first started drumming in the 70’s (for those of us not born into or of the drum culture), there was one general drummers informational grid or network, that is to say one large drumming platform or base of information that was available to the general public.… Read More »