Go beyond... into the world of percussion
What kind of music touches your heart? Is the rhythm? Maybe the combination of world percussion music or instruments? Or is it the melodies, harmonics?
Have you ever felt your universe open by listening to a percussion sound or music piece you’ve never heard before? For me a few years ago my life changed when I attended master bass player/composer Evri Evripidou and master percussionist David Jones 3rd Ear in concert. I was pretty much lost for words… literary, when the concert had ended and as I was making my way to the foyer someone asked me "what did you think?" Silence for nearly 60 seconds. (Please no drummer jokes).
I have found listening to music that is… well a little beyond me a wonder of discover and so beneficial in the way of learning new musical concepts, new rhythmical combinations, chord structures, new ways to play percussion for unique effects.
Is your mind open to the wonders of sound and improvisation?
Are we more comfortable with what we know, instead of the unknown? If we go little deeper, what stops us from reaching our full potential? What benefits if any can be had if we step outside our comfort zone? Please feel free to sit with these questions and take time to answer.
As the world is changing so am I. Learning new skills is vital for my occupation... for my creativity and sanity. I’m learning the magical world of percussion and understanding the unlimited scope of these amazing instruments - its waiting to be explored. I have just finished composing, recording and mixing my latest drum student resource called Sacred Earth. All Positive Music members receive these resources free. My aim is to help students and teachers build rhythm skills such as timing, groove, confidence and knowledge of the magical world of percussion.
As a drum circle facilitator and educational consultant my passion is to help others find their voice, express themselves in a fun and creative way through drumming, music and rhythm. The drum circle presents everyone with in the circle the opportunity for self-empowerment. The key factor is improvisation and collaboration with one another in the circle.
Once we learn how to drum and have some fun rhythms under our belt, we can learn to let go a little more, become more present instead of thinking about getting a particular rhythm “right”. I remember playing in my first drum circle way back in Hawaii when I first began studying drum circle facilitation with Arthur Hull and playing it safe by playing rhythms I knew. By the end of the 6 day training being in the moment and improvising was such a great lesson for me. Ahhh, the freedom of choice is paramount in community drum circles.
Let’s recap on what actions you can take to flourish and grow
- Listen to music that you wouldn’t normally listen to – be curious.
- Explore new percussion instruments such as shaker, bell and wood sounds. Be creative and explore the sounds.
- Let go of the outcome, step out of your comfort zone, be more in the moment and build improvisation skills (there are no wrong notes).
- Most of all have FUN! Music is about sharing what’s in your heart with the world, community, friends.
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Thank you so much for taking the time to be here. If you like this post please leave a comment below and share by clicking the button at the bottom of this page, many good wishes, Peta.