Tag: drums
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Drumming As A Tool For Grounding Out Our Energy
A student recently asked me why drumming is considered a grounding activity. As someone who is already spiritually inclined and perhaps feels a strong connection to the metaphysical realm, they were looking to cultivate a deeper sense of grounding and connection to their physical body. In case you are not familiar with the term “grounding”… Read More »
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The Four Agreements And Drumming
Here’s something I rewrote based on the book entitled “The Four Agreements” and its philosophy, and applied then it to drumming just for the fun of it. I recently picked up “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz, and I was genuinely struck by its depth and insight. The ideas presented in the book resonated… 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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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 »
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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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The Drumbeat of Tradition: Bridging the Gap Between Individual Expression and Cultural Respect in Hand Drumming
In the evolving landscape of hand drumming, we find ourselves at an exciting crossroads filled with opportunities for growth and notable challenges. As more individuals become drawn to drumming—whether through vibrant drum circles, energetic music festivals, or informal gatherings—the importance of understanding and respecting the root traditions of hand drumming has become increasingly clear. Engaging… 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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The yin and yang of call and response
The yin and yang of call and response. What does call and response really mean? If we look a West African drumming and any drumming from the West African Diaspora originally, it is a system set up of plus and minus, positive and negative, yin and yang, tension- release and call and response. For me… Read More »
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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 »
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Keeping your learning process simple!
Learning by starting simply There is so much amazing and wonderful information being shared online, in apps, youtube, books, Facebook and the wonderful retreats and classes happening such as the recent 20th Annual Wula Drum And Dance Retreat that just happened. When I first started studying drumming there was NO info, so in the last… Read More »