Cultivate a sense of expression and individuality on your drumming journey
Playing the djembe drum can inspire us to play from the heart, increasing a deeper connection to the self to unlock our creativity and musicality.
Embarking on a journey into the world of drumming can both be exhilarating and challenging for beginners right through to the professional drummer.
While the African djembe drum stands out as a captivating and culturally rich instrument, playing the djembe can significantly enhance our musicality for all drum students, providing a holistic and immersive musical experience.
Feel inspired to step out of your comfort zone
Many drum teachers and drum students get stuck in teaching and playing the same thing over and over again. We turn on the auto pilot. It becomes mundane after a while.
So are we really in the moment, valuing and taking in this rich experience of playing a musical instrument? Do you feel inspired musically, creatively and feel connected to your uniqueness every time you start to play your djembe?
It is time to embark on a journey! It is time to for a rhythm adventure, play with freedom and see things in a different light! My question to you is, do you want to experience total freedom playing the djembe drum?
Start with djembe basics
There are steppingstones to take that will bring us to the place of playing with freedom.
Each time we set out a goal for ourself, we are planting little seeds. It is up to us to nurture these seeds.
Develop a solid rhythmic foundation is essential. Master the basic djembe techniques of producing the distinctive tones – the deep bass, smooth tone, and crisp slap.
These fundamental skills will not only elevate our djembe playing but also lay the groundwork for mastering to play from the heart - the less we think the better.
Develop timing
Developing timing is a crucial aspect for building confidence when playing the djembe drum, as it serves as the rhythmic heartbeat of self-expression.
Timing not only ensures the synchronization of djembe rhythms within the music but also allows us drummers to effectively express emotions and convey the essence of the music.
Developing timing in djembe playing is an essential skill that elevates our musicality and impact of the drumming experience.
Increase listening skills
Actively listening to music is a fundamental and transformative practice that significantly enhances our musicality skills.
By immersing ourself in diverse genres exposes us drummers to a myriad of rhythms, patterns, and styles, providing a rich reservoir of inspiration.
By attentive listening, we develop a keen ear for nuanced dynamics, subtle accents, and the intricate interplay between various instruments. It cultivates a deep understanding of timing, groove, and the overall structure of a piece, fostering the ability to anticipate changes and transitions.
Additionally, exposure to different cultural and musical contexts expands a drummer's rhythmic vocabulary, allowing for creative and innovative drumming expressions.
Develop your unique voice
Ultimately, regular and intentional listening becomes a cornerstone for drummers aspiring to refine our musicality and developing our own unique style, it enriches our playing and contributes to a more versatile and expressive musical journey.
Here in this video I share with you a basic rhythm with a short break. Play along with the video to develop you timing.
Deepen your rhythm journey. Get clear on what you want.
Setup a successful djembe drumming practice routine for you to play with freedom.
Take time to write your answers to the following questions, this will help you keep your eye on your goal even define it.
- What inspired you to start learning music?
- What are your musical goals and aspirations?
- Are there specific areas where you'd like to improve technically?
- Are there specific learning methods that resonate with you?
What’s holding you back from reaching your potential?
I’ve got the spark you need!
I have helped countless students like yourself discover a path in wellbeing and creativity through music. Don’t let your skills go to waste. This is your opportunity to make a difference while doing what you love.
Please contact me if you are interested in elevating your musical creativity.
If you found this post helpful, please help support my blog and music-making by purchasing from the store, sheet music, or music and please leave a comment in the comment box below, so others can find this post helpful. Every bit helps.
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 drumbeats 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
Please leave a comment in the comment box below, so others can find this post helpful. Every bit helps. Thanks so much for your love and support, it means a lot and inspires me to continue helping people like you.