X8 Drums Blog

Some people are very interested to learn how to play percussion or to try and jam but are not sure which is the right style of drumming for them. Is it freestyle or traditional? Afro Cuban or West African? And which is the right instrument to play or study? A question I often hear is, "should I stay with one instrument or style or play many"? My opinion is when you are first beginning hand percussion you should try as many different instruments as possible. Don't get stuck thi …

Very few instruments can make the hair on your arms stand up in the way that a didgeridoo can.  Long and low tones escape the base as you blow into it, creating a musical sound that can't be replicated with any other pipe. Although not as popular in modern times, the didgeridoo is the world's oldest wind instrument.   A natural wooden trumpet that was traditionally fashioned from eucalyptus trees, the Didgeridoo is still widely used in traditional celebrations today.  Some …

Learn how to play the basic accompaniment parts, also called the passport parts 1 and 2 for 4/4 rhythm arrangements. Follow step by step instruction as well as easy to follow slow motion segments to make learning easy. In this free lesson Michael Pluznick will show you two very simple accompaniment parts for playing in traditional West African djembe and dundun arrangements. These are called 'passport parts' and they can be played in several different pieces. Passp …

Confidence is an important part of our lives, one of the more important aspects of a personality that affects all types of relationships and endeavors. However, finding ways to build confidence can be a challenge in itself, especially when the first step in confidence building requires a strong belief in the very self that needs that strength. There are ways, however, that a person can find an inner strength, especially with the help of others. Drumming, for instance …

There you are, sitting in the food court at the mall, sipping a latte when suddenly, out of the crowd, come a few dozen dancers and vocalists performing a song for the amusement of innocent bystanders. Shock, amusement and wonder flow through the crowd as these daring performance artists create magic and inspiration through choreography and timing that rivals any High School Musical movie scene. The audience cheers and the flash mob withdraws, waiting for the next opportunity …

Shopping for a djembe drum can seem a bit overwhelming especially if you're new to the market or not sure what questions to ask. As a hand drum store owner and percussion enthusiast I'm frequently asked questions from customers regarding the best djembe to purchase for beginner players. Let's face it; there are many djembe drums in the marketplace all vying for your attention. However, the unique differences in each djembe can make a big difference in playability, sound, and overall enjoym …

You did it as a kid; you did it with your friends. Maybe you had the one that rattled while it whirled around, one with battery-operated, flashy lights, glitter-filled or the kind that glowed in the dark. No matter what yours looked or sounded like, you had one and you weren’t cool unless you knew how to use it. Hula hooping is an art that dates back to ancient Greek and Egyptian civilizations, but we know it best from 1950’s America where girls in poodle skirts hula hooped ou …

Ever pondered on playing an instrument like the djembe or a guitar, but thought it was not worth your time? Think again! Music is beneficial to everybody. There are thousands of reasons to convince yourself that playing an instrument is worth every minute. Several studies show that playing music helps develop the cognitive skills of children and adolescents. It also instills self-discipline, builds confidence, increases productivity and socially connects kids and teens with their peers. Mus …

Drumming can be therapeutic, healing, invigorating or just fun for one person, or an entire group. Many drummers begin drumming and develop a relationship of sorts with their drum, giving it a name or defining its personality that comes out during play. Some drummers take this connection a step further by creating their own drum from basic materials, pouring their hearts, souls and talent into the construction of an instrument that becomes an instant treasure.If you have ev …

Learn your first (or a new) Djembe Rhythm! In this digital djembe video lesson, Michael Pluznick will teach you how to play a rhythm called Calypso with Caribbean roots from Trinidad. While this isn't a traditional djembe rhythm, it is very useful to learn as your first rhythm. Features: Learn how to keep the pulse of the djembe rhythm with your left hand using a light foot tap as a guide Right hand leads the tone Understand how to enter the rhythm …