X8 Drums Blog

If we talk to djembefolas, or musicians who specialize in playing the djembe drum, we may find that the djembe has traditionally been played by men. In fact, that seems to be the case with most drumming across the world. Native American traditions, as well, call for drummers to be male, especially drumming used for spiritual and ritualistic purposes. It is only recently that we are seeing an increase in women drummers in ritual ceremonies and the topic is extremely controversial and agitating in …

Starting early, a community of drummers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has taken to the idea that the youth in the area can benefit from a wealth of percussive experience. Newsworks reports that Ryan Crump and the Philly Drum Project aim to instill the myriad of benefits of music education into the lives of local children. This project brings together several masters of drumming in order to educate and connect drummers and percussionists of all ages. Read more here: Philly Drum Project looks to …

Recently, over 275 people participated in the annual Mid-America Institute on Aging (MAIA). Held at the University of Southern Indiana, the MAIA is a two-day event focused upon relaying information that helps caretakers of older people. Drumming sessions were offered as a tool for helping the older generations age successfully. According to the article in the Evansville Courier & Press, the institute also addressed dementia and how to approach aging with humor in order to provide a positive …

Performers who made it to the Chicago Blue Man Group callbacks were not necessarily the best drummers. In fact, Patrick Poulin, one of several men who passed the initial auditions a while back, is not a drummer, at all. According to the interview with Blue Man Group’s music director, drumming skills are not a priority during auditions. An article in Newbury Port News says that the group is mainly looking for people who can take direction well and create a connection with the audience. They want …

In the United Kingdom, a specific domestic violence program has been set up to benefit children. The program uses music therapy as part of its approach for serving children who have witnessed domestic violence. The program has its own music studio, which provides a space for children to write and produce their original music. So far, a YouTube video has been released by some of the children involved in the program. The Guardian reports that they also provide a women’s choir, helping women for wh …

For some drummers, little is more exciting than drumming amongst a group of other musicians. For people interested in starting your own drum circle, it can be surprisingly easy. It can also be ridiculously challenging, depending upon your community. There are, however, some things you can do to get your drum circle going, inviting into your life opportunities and musicianship the likes of which you’ve only dreamed. 1. Reach Out. Tell everyone you know that you want to start a drum circle and yo …

image courtesy of alaskawellness.comThe Somerset County Gazette recently reported on a 2.2-meter wide drum that is touring the world. The drum is called the Grandmother Drum and was made by a medicine woman from Alaska called White Eagle Medicine Woman. According to the article, the Great Spirit inspired White Eagle to make the drum and then take it around the world. It has crystals inside and is a sacred drum on a spiritual journey. Hundreds of people visited the drum when it passed through Pen …

Teachers in Oklahoma are hoping to soon be able to incorporate a popular music curriculum. World Music Drumming clinicians recently held a workshop at Oklahoma State University with the hopes of expanding the curriculum’s reach. Many states already use the innovative curriculum, which was created in 1996 by Will Schmid. According to Hispanic Business, the program not only teaches music from various cultures, it also makes the music more accessible for students. They get to actually experience th …

A drum solo is a great time to really show off your skills and connect with your audience. Chances are, you will need to perform a solo at least once if you are a serious drummer, so it’s best to go in with the attitude of performing your drum solo like a boss. The confidence you create while preparing for your solo will radiate out to those watching, so here are some ways to make sure that confidence is genuine and rooted in solid musicianship. First of all, make sure you start simple. Play a …

The tablas are an important drum in the country of India. It is said to have been invented by a Sufi poet in the 13th century, however Hindu temple carvings place the drum origins closer to 500 BC. The tablas can be called an Indian version of the bongos. The smaller drum (the tabla or dayan) is played with the dominant hand, while the larger drum (the bayan) has a deeper tone and is usually constructed of a different material. The Tablas has four surfaces on the set of drums that produce diffe …