Category: Advice & Tips
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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 »
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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 »
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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 »
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How to get work as a drummer, percussionist or musician
Are you a percussionist, drummer or musician and are ready to go out there into the “real world” and make a go at it as a pro? If so I have some solid suggestions I have learned along the way I can share with you here. If you follow these tips you will be well… Read More »
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The working drummer: get contracts/make solid agreements
If you are a gigging drummer or musician and just starting out playing here is some important advice and information. I am going to share some information with you that will help you to never have to suffer the way I have with unreliable people or people that do not understand or respect drumming or… Read More »
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What to look for when buying a djembe
When you are buying a djembe there are numerous things to look for to assure you are buying the right drum for your self. Here is a guideline of features to be aware of and look for. When buying a djmebe the first thing you want to look at is the wood shell. Put a… Read More »
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How to practice quietly at home
Many people have written to me saying, “OK, I agree I need to practice, but where can I practice”? Maybe […] Read More »
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Avoiding injuries playing hand drums
Injuries while playing drums can happen to anyone from the most beginning player to the most advanced. One of my […] Read More »
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Learning with the help of tools: camcorders, cameras and recording devices
Learning music and dance from the African diaspora can be fun but also challenging at times. If you did not […] Read More »
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Dealing with complainers at drum jams
Before coming to a drum circle, drum lesson or class please leave your personal baggage at home. The music scene […] Read More »
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Top 10 do’s and dont’s at a drum circle, drum jam or party
If you are walking into an unkonwn situation be it a drum circle, drum jam, party or a dance class […] Read More »
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Surviving drum circles and dance classes, intensity and dynamics.
One of the many problems of playing in drum jams, especially on outside or without microphones, is hurting your hands […] Read More »