Category: Advice & Tips
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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 »
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Peeing blood (pee blood, bloody urination) when playing drums and soloing on djembe
Peeing blood is a problem that happens for some of us when we play drums too hard. Stanford did a […] Read More »
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Smile
Smile when you play A very important muscle exercise to practice and to use when drumming is your smile. I […] Read More »
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It’s not the drum it’s the drummer
It’s not the drum it’s the drummer! What makes a drum have that special sound? Is it the wood? The […] Read More »