Drum circles are a traditional way to celebrate, mourn, heal, and meditate, and they have been around for thousands of years. Over the past few years, we’ve been seeing people gathering in drum circles at festivals and for other celebrations. People of all ages can participate in drum circle workshops where they learn to connect with the rhythm using a variety of drums and percussion.
Evidence from anthropology says its highly likely that early indigenous groups got together to make music so that they could tell stories and celebrate. Drumming was also a way that community members communicated with each other. Native cultures across the globe still embrace drumming.
Drum circles are a tranquil activity in which to take part, and players commonly enter a state of deep contemplation. The way the base tones vibrate can feel like a heartbeat and invite you to relax and release stress. Drumming might be thought of as exuding a lot of energy, but that all depends on the energy of the group that is doing the playing. Drum circles are created with all types of people in mind, with many groups catering specifically to senior citizens and even children. These circles allow them to not only make music, but also enjoy the therapeutic side of the activity and the enjoyment of community. Sometime a drum can be quite difficult to play, so for those that are having difficulty playing one, other instruments, such a shakers, claves, and even guiro can be used.
Drum circles can also be used to promote healing. Drumming is useful as a form of physical therapy or as a communication method for persons who cannot speak, for instance children who are autistic or have difficulty saying words. Everybody is an equal and can express themselves while they are drumming.
Another way to build community is to hold drum circles. Just by virtue of how they function, people are brought together to share dancing, singing, and playing. A drum can be played so that it says a lot of different things, much like having a conversation. This low toned recurring pulse conjures feelings of security and stability while accents of high tones add contrast.
Playing in a group can help you improve as a percussionist, as well. When playing with others, listening is a necessity, although it is often overlooked. Some players pound away without any concern for other players. Be sure to listen for changes in order to adjust your playing to keep with the evolving feel that occurs in a drum circle. With a little bit of practice, you might discover that you are capable of guiding the direction of a drum circle when you change the music’s tempo and beat.
Shopping for djembe drums can be daunting, if you don’t know what you need. A different size, tuning mechanism, head type or even shell composition can affect the personality of a drum. The drum is your voice; hence, it should be an extension of yourself. By studying the buying guide, you will learn a lot about the subject, ensuring that you pick the perfect drum to suit your needs.
Picking the Material for Your Shell
In making the djembe, a wide variety of shells can be used to create an instrument that is man-made or authentically natural. When deciding what to buy, take into account the environment in which you intend to play the drum. If you choose one made from natural material, such as a body composed of wood, you should make sure that it has undergone special treatment so that your drum does not get bugs nor rot. Use caution when purchasing a traditionally made drum, as this can sometimes be a problem in some parts of the world. The drum’s body is generally manufactured out of a type of fiberglass These synthetic drums perform well even under adverse conditions and are very durable. There will be a slight variance in the quality of tone, it being less “earthy”, however, the projection as you perform with still be satisfactory.
Picking the Head for Your Drum
Traditionally, a djembe drum head is made out of some type of skin, normally goat hide. These are fine, especially on more traditional drums but require additional upkeep. Natural skin heads have a very rich sound and in a drier environment work very well. However, if you live in a climate with higher humidity, you may want to opt for a drum that has a synthetic drum head instead. These heads are usually constructed from Mylar or another polyester film type. A synthetic head is designed to reproduce the tone and feel of its natural counterpart; additionally, it sounds great when used in the studio. The synthetic heads are also great in almost any climate and that versatility is really what sets them apart for the casual player.
Choosing your Tuning
Most drums that are manufactured use mechanical tuning, meaning that not rope, but bolts are used. This is a popular design since it is very easy to understand the way to tune and put on different drum heads — just unscrew the bolts then take off the head. In terms of a drum tuned with rope, additional practice is required. With this tuning type, you should consult a professional that will help you tune the skin and change it a couple times to help you become comfortable with it. It is important to tune your drum correctly so as not to damage it. A more common method is rope tuning and if the head is natural, this makes the sound more special and authentic.
Drum size will relate to your own size, level of ability and the musical purpose of the drum. Djembes can be played whilst sitting down and with the aid of a <a href=”http://www.djembedrumshop.com/Djembe-Straps-c17.html”>djembe strap</a> they can also be played whilst standing up.
Adults should, generally speaking, have larger drums where the heads are 12 inches or more. Children should go for a 7″ to 10″ djembe drum. To work out what size drum head you should go for you will need to place the heel of your hand on the rim of the drum – your fingers should just cross the centre of the drum. If you go for anything smaller your hands will be too large and you will not be able to achieve clean and distinct sounds.
The positioning of the drum between the legs is an important consideration when determining the best size djembe. With experience and practice it becoming possible to control and move the position of the drums with your legs whilst playing. By picking up the drum with your knees at the same time as playing, the tone and volume can be altered to add explosive bursts of sound.
Once you have purchased your drum it will take a few sessions of playing to feel comfortable with it. You should practice playing the drum both sitting down and standing up.Doing this would help one fathom out if they have selected the right size drum. This follows the thinking behind the “Suzuki” means of learning music which was once popular. Small children mastered how to play the violin and become accustomed to the musical instrument by walking around with it while playing. It takes time to be totally at one with your instrument. Size is an important factor to get right. The djembe is truly a spiritual instrument and one does not want to start off with it in an awkward relationship.
Once the size of djembe which you need has been determined the next consideration is style. Also whether you prefer a traditional wooden djembe or the more modern synthetic type.
When deciding how to keep your children occupied during the summer holidays, you should look into a local drumming workshop. Children of all ages can have a lot of fun with this activity that is gaining popularity in UK schools.
What are Drumming Workshops?
Drumming workshops teach kids how to drum based on a certain style, usually native drums like djembe drums and courses are taken in a classroom. For instance, an instructor may teach children the art of indigenous Djembe drumming from Africa. Drumming workshops are a popular activity for children in the UK, with specialized music organizations offering them to youth groups and schools. Drumming workshops are a great activity for your kids during the summer, having the following advantages.
Fun and Creative
Drumming provides an activity for children that is both creative and fun. It is something they always seem to enjoy. It can make your child’s summer more fun. Most kids are attracted to drumming and have a natural rhythm. Nothing gets a child’s creative juices flowing like making music, and they will have a lot of fun banging a djembe drum along with other children. They might, for example, start creating drum beats on their own and composing songs by themselves to accompany their drumming.
Excellent for Exercise and Coordination Skills
Drumming can help develop coordination in your youngster and be good exercise in general. It takes hand eye coordination as well as muscular control and movement. Parents know only too well the benefits of fun activities for their children that take place outside of the house in the summer months. The last thing you want is them hanging around the house all day long playing their video games or staring at the television. Drumming is a healthy activity that your child will enjoy taking part in. A majority of the workshops even take place outside!
Culturally Educational
Indigenous drumming can teach a child much about the various cultures that developed the instrument and style of drumming. Therefore, this creates an experience which is both diversification based and educational which enhances the child’s cultural and educational development. It shows children that other cultures exist and that they have many interesting customs and practices. Music is a common thread that binds people of many different backgrounds together, so a drumming workshop is a great way to demonstrate both cultural diversity and an underlying continuity.
Place to Grow Socially
Drumming workshops are a great way for kids to interact, socialize, and make new friends. Usually these drumming groups consist of sitting around a circle and drumming. By drumming they may be able to meet both other children and adults that they have not known before. They get a chance to meet new people outside of their family and regular social circle.
You Can Also Do This at Home.
If you buy a drum similar to the one that your child plays in the workshop, you will find that they continue playing it at home, having fun and learning at the same time. Perhaps enrolling in a subsequent workshop to demonstrate what they have learned, they can practice drumming on their own and improve on it. During the school year, the drumming can be a great extracurricular activity.
Hand-crafted African djembe drums are stunning instruments with an appealing sound. Not only that, these drums are useful for therapy and recovery. Rhythm is an important part of the human experience, beginning with the sound of the mum’s heart beat whilst still in the womb. Drum therapy develops that experience to further stimulate healing.
Music therapy with djembe drums can be utilized in various institutional surroundings. In particular, school kids spanning various ages enjoy a session of playing rhythm musical instruments. However the gain goes over and above simple enjoyment. Producing music has been found to be beneficial to a child’s mental development as well as reducing anxiety levels, both facts which make drumming valuable as a therapy for children with problems like ADHD, mental retardation, or actual physical difficulties.
The djembe drum dates back about seven hundred years, where it was first created in the African country of Mali. The craftsman carves the drum from a single length of tree trunk and tops it with an animal skin drum head. The drum is designed to fit between the legs of the player and be drummed using bare hands. Musicians may learn traditional rhythms or play depending on the way they feel.
Drum circles can be used various kinds of therapy. When applied to a group, the feeling of community helps the music in generating well being. Drum circles have been seen to be helpful for stroke sufferers, cancer sufferers, individuals trying to break addictions, and other men and women old and young who are dealing with difficulties. Drums are utilized with Alzheimer’s patients and it’s thought that drumming can also help the immune system.
In a drum circle, the head djembe drummer will usually put together the rhythm for the circle, with other instruments following his lead. Other instruments used include rattles, shakers, bongo drums, rhythm sticks, and tambourines. Schools often purchase the instruments in classroom kits in order that there will be something for everyone to play.
When picking a djembe drum, you will have to consider the size of the person who’ll be playing it. Heights of the drums range from 12 to 28 inches with the diameter of the head increasing proportionately. The drum should rest on the floor or chair when the player is sitting down. The head of the drum should be located 3 or 4 inches above the lap. Thus, the smallest children ought to be equipped with the smallest size of djembe drums.
It has long been acknowledged that music is a form of self expression and creativity. Whether you enjoy just listening, or take an active part and play; music is universally enjoyable. The many benefits associated with playing a musical instrument show why it is important to get involved at an early age. Encouraging children to learn an instrument such as the djembe drum will be a sure way to get them interested in music and having fun. Continue reading to uncover a few of the many benefits to young people of learning to play a musical instrument:
Confidence and Discipline
It can be challenging for both parents and teachers to teach youngsters discipline and increase concentration levels. Because of the dedication and skill required to master playing a musical instrument, this can be a great way to overcome both of these aspects. Many children benefit from learning to play a instrument because in order to progress they will naturally acquire both these qualities. With dedication comes reward.
Once your child has worked hard to master the technique, they will feel pride in all of their achievements. As their confidence grows it will encourage them to continue practicing and progressing. With this new found skill and confidence, your child may want to join a school band or drumming circle.
Improving Coordination and Creativity
Drums, and Djembes, in particular make a great children’s musical instrument. Enjoyment can be gained instantly from creating different rhythms and tones. It is a good idea to get lessons in order to pick up the basics.
Coordination can be dramatically improved through playing the djembe drum or any other instrument. They will learn what playing patterns produce what music and improved coordination will increase their options. Coordination plays a crucial part in a child’s overall development and can help them in other practical aspects of life.
Broadening Your Child’s Horizons
The djembe drum, like many other musical instruments, has evolved from being an integral part its culture. As well as all the other benefits associated with playing the drums, your child can increase their cultural awareness. Having cultural awareness is an invaluable quality for a youngster to have in today’s increasingly diverse societies.
Responsibility
Children have a tendency to being rather fickle; they often discard toys very quickly. Introducing your child to a musical instrument will teach them to value their belongings. Small djembe drums are not expensive so it is an ideal instrument to start with. Having to maintain the drum and look after it will teach them a vital lesson.
A lot of percussion instruments and drums have their roots in Africa. It has been the tradition that African instruments, including percussion instruments and drums are part of the communication system along with celebrations. Many kinds of percussion instruments, including drums, are widely used in Africa, some styles being more common among the people than others. In addition to the array of styles, a variety of decorations are available for instrument personalization.
Djembe Drums
Djembe drums are traditionally carved from a single hollowed piece of wood. The basic shape of the drum is similar to an hourglass, and it has a head that is often made of goat skin. Traditional djembe drums are tuned using a rope braided around the drum shell, while more contemporary styles are made from synthetic materials. This drum has a lot of versatility, with many sounds coming from a drum with one single head.
Dundun Drums Explained
The shape of the dundun drums is that of a hollowed out cylinder. They are rope tuned and use two heads. The drum’s tonal qualities are governed by the thickness, length, and diameter of the walls of the drum. The material and thickness of the heads also have an impact on the voice of this drum. Dunduns are played with either a stick or bare hands. Quite often, a bell is attached to the side of the drum. This drum is traditionally played sideways with one hand playing the head and the other playing the bell.
The Kpanlogo Drum
Tracing back to Ghana in Africa, kpanlogo drums are distinguished in appearance from the rest of the drums originating on the continent. The body of the drum is like that of contemporary conga drums, but it also has pegs to secure the ropes. The look of the drum is unique thanks to its ropes that line the drum from the head to the pegs. The drum size can vary, as does the tone; the larger the drum, the lower the tone it produces. In groups, a single player can play as many as three or four kpanlogo drums at a single time.
Hand Drums
Small hand percussion instruments have a great deal of variability. Agogo bells, wood blocks, shakers of various styles, cabassas and even maracas all originated from Africa. The unique flavors of these instruments add colorful voices and allow ensembles to reach new, unexpected horizons. Hand percussion is also very useful for including others in playing music. Children, seniors and those with disabilities can all use this auxiliary percussion to join in with drum circles, performances and celebrations.
Countries around the globe vary in their culture, dress, language and customs. The countries of the world also differ in the instruments we play. Each is highly unique and played all over the world. This article features some of the most well known instruments and the country of their origin:
United States
America is well known for its Country and Western music making the banjo its most famous instrument. The banjo has become symbolic of South America’s heritage. It’s popularity around the world has continued to grow. With its unique sound, the banjo has played a huge part in popular American music for over 200 years.
African Instruments
Africa is known the world over for its amazing array of musical instruments, and none are more traditional and famous than the hand-held djembe drum. The djembe has since become popular worldwide and is played in drumming circles and schools.
Indian Instruments
The Sitar is north India’s most famous musical instrument. The sitar is a type of guitar which has seven strings. This musical instrument is well travelled – now being taught in the United Kingdom and United States.
Spanish Instruments
The perfect accompaniment to the native Flamenco dancing, Castanets are one of Spain’s most famous instruments. Through a series of rhythmic clicks these instruments are used to accompany the Flamenco dancing. Traditionally these instruments are made of wood but more modern versions tend to be made of fibreglass.
Instruments from Scotland
Scotland is, of course, the home of the bagpipes. This instrument is recognised the world over, for its unique sound and appearance. The bagpipes originated as an accompaniment to dances. The fact that the bagpipes are known for being difficult to play makes them even more appealing.
Australia
Australia is famous for many things including its wildlife and musical instruments. The didgeridoo is probably the most famous musical instrument. Rolf Harris helped raise the profile of the didgeridoo by featuring it on his TV show.
It becomes apparent how diverse the musical instruments of the world are. Musical instruments say a lot about different countries and their cultures, which is why it is good for children to learn about these instruments at school.
The djembe drum is one of West Africa’s most popular instruments and is growing in popularity all over the world. This instrument is used in school music lessons and has become an effective way of getting children interested in music. This short article reveals more about the history of the djembe, read on to discover more:
Where Does the Djembe Drum Come From?
Pronounced ‘jem-bay’, the drum originates from the Mali Empire of West Africa and is steeped in cultural history. The djembe wasn’t just used in religious ceremonies but also for motivating warriors into battle.
This drum has played an important part in uniting communities for centuries. This drum has also been taken up as a popular form of entertainment. The popularity of the djembe has spread across the world so is no longer limited to Africa.
What are the Reasons Behind the Djembes Popularity?
There are a number of reasons why the djembe has become popular, the first being that they are easy to learn to play. Unlike standard drum kits, the hand-held drum is played by tapping out a rhythm with the hands. This means that everyone from adults to children can learn the drum quickly and easily.
The djembe drum has a unique appeal which has come about through a combination of factors including its heritage and history, the nature of the drum itself and the ease of learning to play it. The benefits of playing the djembe drum include: hand to eye coordination, responsibility, musicality and confidence.
Because of the numerous benefits associated with learning the djembe it has become a popular children’s musical instrument for school music lessons and groups. This percussion instrument can be used to add rhythm to a school orchestra of performance.
The Types of Djembes Available
It is possible to get djembe drums in different designs and sizes. Traditional wooden djembes produce an authentic African sound, while the Fibreglass alternatives have a thinner sound. The fibreglass djembes are a lighter weight and more portable drum.
Djembe drums also come in a range of sizes. Small, hand-held djembes are great for children and carnival performances. The larger models of djembe drum are best suited to playing in drumming circles and large orchestras although djembe straps are available to make them portable.
The djembe has a great story behind it, in terms of its construction and the role it has played in different cultures over the years. By playing the instrument, you can discover for yourself just why this djembe has now become one of the most popular drums worldwide.
You put thought and effort into finding the right djembe for your needs. Now you have your djembe drum you’ll need to know how to care for it. There are certain ways to care for your djembe including getting a djembe bag to transport your drum in and also regular maintenance of the skin.
Your drum will need to be stored somewhere when it’s not in use so it does not get unnecessarily damaged. The skin is the most important part of the drum to care for, if the drum is not to be used for a while it is beneficial to loosen it. By detuning the drum it gives the skin a break and will extend its life. It may also extend the life of the drum head itself as much as fifty percent.
The drum skin will also benefit from to the odd rubdown. As the skin dries, rubbing it with a light coating of oil or lotion on the skin will help to rehydrate it. Hydrated skin is happy skin, and this occasional spa treatment will keep your djembe sounding – and looking – youthful. It is a good idea to do a test patch of the oil or lotion in an inconspicuous area before applying to the total drum skin. This type of treatment will not benefit drums with synthetic skins, only those with natural skins.
It is helpful to store your drum in a cool, dry place. Always make sure your djembe is kept our of direct sunlight as this can make the skin go brittle and crack. If your djembe drum is exposed to any moisture it may go mouldy or rot. You will not make many friends at the drum circle if you show up with a foul-smelling, mouldy drum.
Getting a djembe bag is a wise investment and well worth the cost. A properly fitted, padded bag will protect your drum during storage and transport. Your djembe will most likely get damaged during transit. A padded bag will offer the most protection for your drum, however cloth bags are available for the musician on the budget. To provide the most protection the drum should fit snuggly in the djembe bag. An ill fitting bag will not provide as much protection to your djembe.
Caring for your djembe should be a regular habit. If you look after your djembe it will be with you for many years to come.
All Things Drums 