Tag: Drumming
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I’m Back! classes in florida
Florida Hand Drumming: November Through January! I’m excited to share that I’ll be in South Florida from mid-November to mid-January, giving me a wonderful two-month opportunity to connect with all of you through the universal language of rhythm! During my time here, I would absolutely love to get together to drum, jam, and share some… Read More »
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About the bongo
Over the years, many people have reached out to me seeking to learn how to play bongo drums. However, most of them lack a solid grasp of the basics of playing congas and often don’t realize they need to learn conga drums and clave first. Although bongos are traditional solo instruments in Latin band forms,… Read More »
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There is knowledge and Then there is knowing
There is knowledge and then there is knowing. When it comes to drumming, I’ve noticed there’s a big difference between just having knowledge and truly knowing what it’s all about—those are two entirely different things. Over the years, I’ve met a ton of people in the drumming community, some of whom have only a little… Read More »
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Les Ballets Africains
Les Ballets Africains has a fascinating history that traces back to the incredible vision of Fodéba Keïta, a Guinean poetry student who immersed himself in the rich cultural tapestry of West African performance. In 1948, while in France, he founded a poetry troupe aimed at showcasing African art and culture. This endeavor soon evolved into… Read More »
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Is it the drum or drummer?
Is it the drum or the drummer, the carpenter or the hammer? You know the old debate. It’s like asking whether it’s the ballplayer or the bat. There are two sides to this discussion, with no definitive right or wrong in my opinion. From my experiences, I’ve seen incredible drummers produce amazing sounds on what… Read More »
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Your Djembe Solo and Accompaniment parts
Djembe drumming from West Africa, particularly through the teachings of masters like M’Bemba Bangoura, reveals a depth and richness that transcends mere performance. The act of playing a djembe solo serves multifaceted roles that enhance the communal experience of music, dance, and celebration. The Role of a Djembe Solo At its core, a djembe solo… Read More »
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The Journey of a Drummer: Embracing the Process
The Journey of a Drummer: Embracing the Process As a drummer, I’ve come to realize that the journey of learning is just as important as the destination. Each time I tackle a new rhythm or technique, it feels like a fresh challenge—a blank canvas inviting me to create. While mastering something new can be daunting,… Read More »
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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 »
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Learning to play drums is like making new friends with someone you dont know
Have you ever found yourself butting heads with someone you just didn’t click with, only to realize later that they became one of your closest friends or even a romantic partner? Not to delve too much into the personal, but learning rhythms and studying drumming can mirror this experience in incredible ways. Think about it:… Read More »
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Unity of the drum-Empowering ourselves and others through music and drumming
Where Words Fail, Drumming Speaks Let me share something with you that resonates deeply in my heart: where words fall short, drumming has the power to elevate and connect us in ways that mere conversation cannot. I’m not here to dive into the complexities of politics or the myriad issues plaguing governments around the world.… Read More »
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Respecting Those That Came Before Us
It’s important to acknowledge and respect those that came before us in any form of musical endeavor we are part of. Be it traditional drumming from Africa, Cuba, Haiti or your local drum circle. If you did not start it, someone or several people put in hard work to lay down the foundation for you… Read More »
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Let’s Drop Discouragement!
Lets drop discouragement When I was at the last Wula Drum And Dance Retreat several people mentioned to me that they felt discouraged after seeing great players blazing at lightening speed. A friend said to me, “I’ll never play that fast”. I said, why do you need to play that fast? For me it’s not… Read More »