X8 Drums Blog

As with any instrument, learning to play the drums can be a time-intensive and enjoyable experience. In order to become a decent drummer, a person needs to put in hours of practice and learn the basics of drumming. In today’s world, many people find that they have less time to pursue hobbies and enjoyable activities due to time constraints. The hours of the day are full of work, school, chores, and other responsibilities, making learning an instrument something that is difficult to squ …

Drumming makes a great hobby. It has plenty of health benefits, in addition to simply being a fun way to pass the time. Regardless of what type of drums you prefer to bang on, the playful side of the craft can be maneuvered into an alternative career in drumming with some effort and persistence. There are many ways to step onto this path, though, if you are good at managing your time and feel you have the passion to excel. Luck may play a part in any career choice, but, as Oprah Winfrey once sai …

We all know that it’s important for children to learn to play an instrument. Learning to play a musical instrument helps increase cognitive abilities like memory and learning and reduces anxiety and stress. Childhood can definitely be a stressful time of life, which is why music programs in schools are so important. Of course, school is not the only place children can or should let loose with a musical instrument. In fact, the earlier children begin a regular musical practice, the more it …

One of the most enchanting aspects of world music is the ability to incorporate the sounds of nature into the song. For any person who loves the melody heard while walking through the woods, or that of a quiet sunset on the beach, animals, weather and even the ever-present hum of the earth create an auditory memory that not only recharges, but, can be wholly inspirational.The inspirational sounds of nature are readily available in many percussion instruments today. These instruments may have onc …

Perhaps you were just bitten by the djembe bug, and want to dive right into your new passion… hands first. Maybe you walked by a drum circle and saw the fun that could be had, if only you had your own djembe or hand drum. For anyone starting out with a djembe, the first question that usually comes to mind is, “what is the best beginner djembe?”The best beginner djembe comes in many forms, to be truthful. For some, the drum needs to have a visual impact, as well as great sound. For others, the me …

It’s that time of year, again. School has started and people of all ages are feeling the crunch. Mornings may get hectic around this time of year, especially for households with young children and teens. However, drums can save the day! Throughout history, drums have been used to motivate people, especially soldiers. This long, traditional use of drums is still seen today, as many military personnel play the drums for their countries. We also see this reflected in marching bands, which were not …

We all have favorite songs that put us in a better mood when we hear them. Research shows that this positive effect of music on mood can have healing results. It has even been suggested that music can have positive neurological effects on people who suffer from Parkinson’s, Alzheimer, and Autism. As music therapy is studied further it seems that different instruments may have different benefits associated with them. This allows people to hone in on instruments that may be the most beneficial to …

Everyone gets angry, whether because of a harsh word or a “Murphy’s Law” moment, we are all bound to experience moments in life that are quite less than sunny. Moreover, we have all heard about the healthy and unhealthy ways to manage anger, from exercise or writing a letter to meditation and forgiveness. Anger, unfortunately, is a part of our lives, but, there is one activity that almost begs to help process those negative feelings: drumming.Pounding on a drum has a tremendous benefit for anyon …

Drumming is a craft that draws from every part of life. As such, there are many drumming sounds that people create and gravitate toward. Drums have that ability, maybe more than any other instrument; the ability to draw people in and make them listen. Drummers may also find themselves drawn to figuring out how to get the greatest variety from their beloved instrument. One way to vary up sound is by using different types of drum sticks, but usually the sticks a drummer chooses depends upon the ge …

In the 16th century African slaves were brought to Peru, which was under Spanish control at the time. African traditions were discouraged, as Peruvians did not want uprisings amongst the slaves. Over the years, as these two groups began to blend together, Africans adopted some Peruvian styles of music and dance, and Afro-Peruvian music and dance were born.In order to maintain dominance, the Peruvians did not allow the Africans to play tribal instruments, as their instruments have long been used …