Category: Music Study
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Gratitude
Its great to feel grateful! I feel incredibly fortunate and grateful to have discovered hand drumming in this lifetime. It has been a constant presence in my life, a source of sanity amidst the ebb and flow of people, relationships, and situations. It has kept me healthy and youthful. When I am feeling a bit… Read More »
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learning To Solo
Soloing Advice for Hand drummers. If you’re learning to solo on the djembe or congas, I have a piece of advice from my own experience that you might find useful. I’ve seen it work wonders for others as well. Consider this: when you’re about to play a solo or take the lead, think of yourself… Read More »
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Need a Break?
Today, a friend mentioned that he’s taking a break from drumming. Instead of probing for reasons or trying to convince him to play again, I took a moment to reflect on my own journey with drumming. I don’t often stop or miss playing sessions, maybe only during very rare bouts of illness or when I… Read More »
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Traditional Drumming is happening again in South Florida!
Exciting news! Traditional-style drum jams featuring djembe sessions and conga sessions, led by Michael Pluznick, are returning to Loxahatchee at Serenity Gardens and various scenic locations in South Florida from mid-November to early January while I’m in the USA. If you’re interested in joining, please send me a private message. We play outdoors at retreats… 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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There is knowledge and Then there is knowing
There is knowledge and then there is knowing. When it comes to drumming, I’ve noticed there’s a big difference between just having knowledge and truly knowing what it’s all about—those are two entirely different things. Over the years, I’ve met a ton of people in the drumming community, some of whom have only a little… Read More »
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Les Ballets Africains
Les Ballets Africains has a fascinating history that traces back to the incredible vision of Fodéba Keïta, a Guinean poetry student who immersed himself in the rich cultural tapestry of West African performance. In 1948, while in France, he founded a poetry troupe aimed at showcasing African art and culture. This endeavor soon evolved into… Read More »
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Rhythms of Expression: Finding Your Voice in Djembe Soloing
We’ve spent some time chatting about the various styles and types of hand drumming across different countries—traditional, folkloric, village, and city styles—and also about drum circles and open jam sessions. If you’re interested in learning more about each of these styles, I invite you to check out the articles already here on my website, where… Read More »
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Embracing Traditional Folkloric Drumming: A Guide for Hand Drummers
Embracing Traditional Folkloric Drumming: A Guide for Hand Drummers As a new hand drummer diving into the world of traditional and folkloric music, you may be seeking guidance on how to play in an ensemble, jam with others, or even take a djembe solo. If that resonates with you, I’d like to share some valuable… Read More »
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Where am I?
Where are you? Understanding and feeling the basic pulse or heartbeat of a rhythm is crucial for both drummers and dancers because it provides the structure and foundation for all rhythmic patterns that are played. You need to know where you are in any rhythm or musical situation you are in. Where does the rhythm… Read More »
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Its all about simplicity
I once had the chance to catch a remarkable performance in Providence, Rhode Island, where a solo percussionist played an entire outdoor gig for a jazz trio using nothing but a triangle. This experience shifted my perspective on percussion in ways I hadn’t anticipated. It served as a powerful reminder that it’s not the quantity… 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 »