Build rhythm skills to improve time, feel and groove
There are so many ways we can grow our drumming skills, especially in a way that makes it fun, rewarding and a sense of achievement.
Sometimes when we step outside the box, (so to say) and think creatively, we can approach learning to drum in a new light. As a drum teacher for over 30 years, I have learnt a lot about how, what and when to teach drums. Guiding students to explore their natural creativity through self-expression is just one of the keys to developing self-esteem and musical confidence.
The first skill is developing time, feel or groove and listening. There are many ways to do this, one is playing along to music to develop these skills. By listening to music we begin to re-discover the secrets of music, not only rhythm, but melody and harmony.
Music is the language of the heart
When we truly listen and experience music from the heart and not so much intellectually, we can begin to experience music as a powerful healing tool for self-expression. Whether expressing that feeling as pure joy, releasing sorrow and grief or a way of connecting to a higher source.
Learning drumming rhythms that have been around for centuries gives us a firm foundation of where we can start to really develop our unique style and musical personality. In this short video clip I showcase the drum solo duet from percussion ensemble song I recently composed for the classroom called Dancing Wildflowers.
Notice in the drum solo, the conga and African djembe drum have two bars each, just like a call and response kind of feel. A rhythmical conversion, a dialog between the two. Did you notice the other percussion instruments supporting the soloists? Could you hear the 6/8 rhythm on the cowbell? All the rhythms of the conga and African djembe are based on the 6/8 clave rhythm.
By having the percussion ensemble music supporting the soloist, there can be a lovely open groove for the hand drummers to express what is in their heart. The shaker laying down a pulse, the beautiful Kpanlogo drum from Ghana adding that extra colour and solid rhythmical foundation, plus the low pitch Bahai drum playing the downbeat.
Jamming with others for inspiration
Just like the drum solo duet from Dancing Wildflowers, when we drum and jam with others we can make it an opportunity to learn, feel inspired and rhythmically experiment – I wouldn’t recommend doing this in a performance.
Is there a friend you could get with and jam once a week, maybe once a fortnight for you to explore more rhythmical ideas? Not only is drumming a great way for self-expression, it’s also a great way to connect with others and making long life friends, which is wonderful for our mental health.
More learning…
Would you like to learn the percussion rhythms to Dancing Wildflowers? I’ll be putting together a video teaching series on the drum and percussion parts. Please contact me and I will let you know when the series is up and running.
Let’s recap
- Listening to music to broaden musical knowledge
- Playing along to music to grow time, feel and groove
- Expressing what is in your heart and develop your own style
- Learn simple rhythms (that have been around for centuries) to build a solid rhythmical foundation
- And most of all have FUN!
A little gift for you as you continue to build your djembe drumming skills
I want to help you out as much as I can so I’ve added some great hand drum beats for beginners and ensemble drums that accompany the djembe, called 7 Easy Steps to Develop Rhythm, Technique, Timing and Feel PDF. It’s filled with lots of tips on technique and how to improve your timing and feel, to really take your playing to the next level.
This is my gift to you and something that can accompany you on your drumming journey.
Get your instant copy for absolutely free!! Price $15 - FREE today!!
Download your FREE Djembe Drumming PDF Now
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