X8 Drums Blog

Music brings joy to people of all ages, but there is a special thrill watching children learn and grow as they are exposed to the magic of song. Children are natural musicians, from baby rattles to singing about the alphabet or dancing to School House Rock. In addition to the creative expression that music allows, the benefits of music in the classroom are life-long, from easing health issues as we age to increasing academic performance. Children exposed to music and rhythm …

No matter if you drum on stage, in a studio or a drum circle, being nervous is part of the life of a performer. Those butterflies, nagging doubts and fear of failure can plague even the most seasoned drummer or percussionist, turning drumming into a love-hate relationship when it comes time to perform in public. Drummers, musicians, artists and performers share pieces of themselves with the audience, and the fear of rejection or failure can be paralyzing. However, drumming …

Batá drums may be best known for their roots in the religious and ceremonial drumming of the Yoruba tribes of West Africa. From the construction to the rhythms played, Batá drums are a culturally rich instrument with distinct ties into spiritual practices. Beyond West Africa, Batá drums are also played by those who practice Santeria, and can be found in Cuba, Puerto Rico and the United States.The hourglass-shaped, three-piece set of Batá drums are used to invoke the presence of …

From the drum circle to the studio, the prevalence of hand drums like the Djembe, bongos or cajon continues to grow and bring a sense of personal connection to music, rhythm and cultures across the world. As more drummers seek different sounds, the inclusion of drums that once seemed exotic has been a strong factor in the music world, especially World Music.The Djembe may be the most well-known hand percussion instrument, but for musicians seeking a different, but complimenta …

Music can be one of the ultimate tools for health and wellness; from the emotional purging that comes with ballads, love songs, or screaming death metal lyrics to the use of drums or other instruments in a community drum circle or therapeutic setting. Music unites people together, through age, spirituality, location or culture. It can be one of the best methods to find or express the authentic Self, or simply be a way to escape into the mood, rhythm and feeling of the momen …

For many drummers, the "need" to drum sneaks up like a ninja in the night. Whether the drummer is a professional, hobbyist or just starting out, the need to express rhythm and music can be overwhelming, driving even the most demure drummer to desperate drumming measures. Finding the right place to drum can be difficult, especially without an organized drumming event. While many drummers may be satisfied with the opportunity to drum at a drum circle, on stage or in a studio, …

Drumming isn't just about music and rhythm, style, tempo and fun. Drumming is a way to connect with others on a level that is unmatched in most community-based music events. Drumming is a versatile art that speaks on many levels, to people from all across the world. It encourages the expression of other drummers and percussionists, different instrumental styles, movement of all types and, of course, dancing with fire.Fire and drumming are both cultural celebrations of life, …

It is no shock that getting older impacts mental, emotional and physical well-being. The shock of waking up to a body that pops, or a mind that remembers less vividly can directly affect motivation or even cause more stress and anxiety, further making this whole “aging” dilemma worse. There are thousands of cures for aging, from food and wine to exercise programs and surgery, but researchers have found one simple way to ease the process of aging: relax.Not only are we getting …

To the uninitiated, drumming may seem like the artless act of a child. A part of music that many see as simple enough for anyone to do; just beat the skins with sticks, mallets or hands. Because of this misconception, drummers may have the worst reputation of all musicians. From the high school marching band drummer to "Animal" from the Muppet Show, drummers are often seen as unintelligent, lacking "real" talent or as just plain crazy. While the latter is still up for debat …

Most drummers learn to drum through countless hours of mimicry and imitation. Playing along on a Djembe to a favorite track can establish rhythm, style and tone and is a great way to learn the nuances of the hand drum. Like all other instruments, the Djembe and other hand percussion instruments have a specialized style of music notation that helps all levels of drummers learn and master new rhythms. Djembe rhythm notation takes the imitation out of learning how to drum and gi …