Tag: percussion
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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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why do people call percussion instruments toys?
The perception of percussion instruments as “toys” is a perplexing topic deserving thorough examination. There are several angles to consider. To begin with, while it is true that you can produce sound immediately by striking a drum or shaking a tambourine, that should not overshadow the fact that mastering percussion requires just as much knowledge… Read More »
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Exploring the World of Percussion Instruments Beyond the Djembe
**Exploring the World of Percussion Instruments Beyond the Djembe** I love djembe, congas, dunun, bongo, and shekere as much as the next person, but did you know there is an entire world of percussion instruments out there? There is absolutely no reason every person needs to play a djembe, especially as a super cranked-up solo… 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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It’s All About The Groove! Groove Consciousness In Hand Drumming
Groove consciousness. I believe we all need more groove consciousness. Goove is good. Groove is groovy. What is a groove and why does it make us happy, why does it make us want to dance? To me, a groove is an energetic wave of music that picks me up and takes me with it. Its… Read More »
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The learning Process and Drumming
The learning process and drumming, transcending the illusion of ” I can’t”. I am constantly hearing people say, “I can’t do that, I can’t do this” when I am trying to teach them or share something new, “odd” or very different. I always get a lot of excuses. And they are often very convincing, because… Read More »
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How To Learn Difficult Rhythm Compositions
People often ask me, “how do I learn a new djembe rhythm composition”? and say “I can never remember how the parts go in west african drumming”!. Memorization is indeed challenging for most of us. I would like to tell you how I do it and offer some suggestions that may be helpful and fun.… Read More »
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Need skin? Heads up to a good deal on the best skins!
Ryan ‘Manito’ Wendel has been in deep research mode and now has in stock some amazing skins including cow, steer mule and even camel for your congas and bongos in a variety of thickness and sizes that are just as nice. For a limited time he is offering them at a discount for all my readers… Read More »
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Wearing A Djembe Drum, Important Tips On Posture and Playing To Help You Play Easier With Out Pain
Playing the djembe drum standing up is very different then playing seated. You now have more volume but you also have a weight on your shoulders and therefore, lower back as well. Playing standing up takes time and patience to get used to and to learn and special training can help for this as well.… Read More »
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Holistic Drumming, Simplifying The Learning Process
Learning west african djembe and dunun compositions. Instead of watching every different Youtube video, lessons, buying every DVD and gathering and storing mass amounts of information with the intention of learning evertyhing, try and focus on one rhythm at a time. Just one. Come up with a plan of attack. All the information in the… Read More »
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Sol Percussion by Akbar Is Back And Better Than Ever!
Sol Percussion by legendary drum artisan Akbar is finally back. He is now up and running with new and improved products including hand made bongos and cajons from a variety of local and exotic hardwoods. Congas will be following shortly. Akbar Moghaddam not only manufactured Sol in the past he also owned Valje and redesigned the… Read More »
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How To Make A Slap Sound On Your Djembe
In this free video I would like to show you how to make what I call a Guinea style slap on your Djembe. I say Guinea style as there are several different ways to make a slap. One famous teacher named Dr. Djobi from the Ivory Coast of West Africa has 8 different slaps. I… Read More »