Category: Advice & Tips
-
How to play djembe drums for west african dance class
One thing I have noticed in my many, many moons of drumming is that although someone may be trained in west african drumming music, djembe or dununs and technically be a great or at least a knowledgable djembe player or even drum teacher, it does not mean they know how or can play djembe solo… Read More »
-
Becoming a drummer, “where do I fit in” some tips on finding balance
Maybe you are a beginer or perhaps you have been drumming a while. A challenge or problem that we all face at one time or another in our drumming life is “where do I fit”? What is the type of music I really want to play and who are the people that I want to… Read More »
-
Playing to the click track and other studio tips for percussionists in the recording studio
ver the last 25 years or more I have had the great pleasure and good luck to be able to record percussion in recording studios all around the world. My first recording studio experience playing percussion instruments was with my friend and first drum teacher George Terzis. George invited me to a small recording session… Read More »
-
How to Re-Head a Djembe by Shorty Palmer
Have you ever broken your skin on your drum or had your head pop on your djembe drum? I remember way back when I had just bought a new drum at a Mamady Keita workshop from Drumskulls. After the drum class when I arrived back home I put it in my kitchen and walked in… Read More »
-
How to Play Hand Drums: Getting the Bounce technique
My first drum teacher used to chant repeatedly, “minimum input maximum out put” when it came to the topic of playing techniques and how to hit the drum. It was true over 30 years ago and it is still true now. What he was talking about is that it is not important how hard you… Read More »
-
Drumming and playing music in bali
This last month I had the good fortune to be able to go to Bali once again. My focus was on teaching west african drum classes in Ubud and also playing with every band I could sit in with or gig (work) with. I had no idea that the musicians and drummers I would meet… Read More »
-
some good advice
“The courage to meet and talk with people is absolutely crucial. Choosing dialogue is itself the triumph of peace and humanity.” (Daisaku Ikeda) Read More »
-
How to start (or to continue) to play drums when you are over 40 years old
Does age matter when playing or performing drumming and percussion music? Yes and no.Many of us who have been playing for a while would obviously like to keep playing for a while. I myself am over 50 years old. I am constantly playing with players half my age and sometimes more. Of course there are… Read More »
-
When and when not to play drums
Respect yourself, respect others. Sometimes if you are new to an area and trying to break into an unfamiliar world music scene or drumming situation a subtle approach is better then an aggressive approach. Read More »
-
Some tips about soloing on Djembe
Here are some tips on soloing on the djembe drum. Please do not be afraid to express yourself when the time is appropriate (your turn) to solo on djembe. Every chance you get is a good chance to play and improve your playing. I’ll be the first to admit I have thought about throwing my… Read More »
-
Having a hard time learning hand drums or djembe?
f you are like any of us that have been around the ethnic or world drumming and music scene for many years, then you may have experienced some hard times trying to learn the drumming, percussion or music from another culture. Please don’t get discouraged if you are trying to learn drumming and are having… Read More »
-
Dress casual
A few nights ago I was invited to play congas and percussion at a nice sushi and jazz club in Legion, Bali where I am teaching drums, performing and visiting right now. The jazz club is very similar to Yoshi’s in the bay area of San Francisco and Oakland, California (in the USA). I had… Read More »