X8 Drums Blog

As any lover of Latin music knows, Latin percussion instruments are the backbone of this lively musical style. When most people think of Latin percussion instruments they think of the cajon, bongos, or congas. These instruments are important to the history of Latin music, but there are more Latin percussion instruments that are sometimes left out of the rhythm. Timbales are an instrument commonly used in Cuban music. They are a type of kettle drum that is similar to the French timpani. The timb …

Playing a drum is one of those irresistible joys that everyone has tried at some point in life. There is a natural love for rhythm that we all share, whether it’s simply the act of tapping our feet to the beat, playing drum god on our desk, or rockin’ out with our crew, drumming and rhythm is as much a part of us as the air we breathe.This love of rhythm begins early, as seen in the smiles of a baby clapping or banging on pots and pans. We all like to make noise; we like to connect to our heart …

While we may all hate to admit it, sometimes summer can seem like a chore, especially when planning activities to keep children entertained. Whether as a parent with children at home, a camp counselor looking to keep kids engaged, or a kid yourself, the summer months bring plenty of opportunities to combine seasonal fun with a little bit of drumming. While we never recommend using a hand drum or percussion instrument near water, there are always alternatives to the beat of a djembe that can deli …

Drumming is a passion that can ignite a person and encourage the motivation for creativity and artistry like no other. It is this need to share the wonders of rhythm and drum with the world that can turn a person into a drum circle fanatic, a rock star drummer or even a force of inspiration through teaching drums. Truly, when it comes to sharing the love for drums and rhythm, perhaps there is no better way to value this passion than to become a drumming teacher. There are several ways to becom …

The fun and magic of a drum circle can be seen in the joy on the faces of everyone who attends. These community based drum jams allow each person to feel as a part of the whole experience, while still allowing for self-expression through both rhythm and the instrument chosen to play.Drum circles combine the best of all worlds: music, drums, hand percussion instruments and even chanting and dancing. For many, however, including the best instruments for drum circles is part of the process of self- …

People love to feel accepted by others and the allure of a drum circle or community drum jam filled with djembes, bongos, dancers and rhythm is pretty irresistible. But, for a person who is new to hand drumming, surmounting the hesitation of joining in the fun of community drumming might be a bit difficult. Not only is the environment new, but, perhaps even drumming itself is new. Yet, there are few classes that teach how to participate in a drum circle and how to drum with others, which is why …

Perhaps one of the most traumatic moments in a drummer’s life is when a drum is broken. These percussion instruments are more than tools of rhythm; they are family members. A broken drum not only reduces the potential to master a drum solo or show off a new fill in front of friends, it can change a person’s perspective on life entirely, and not for the better. Since broken drums are no laughing matter, knowing what to do when you break your drum can be the difference between a very bad day, and …

Drumming may be one of the greatest ways to relieve stress and anxiety, just in the ability to be “in the moment” while playing along with a favorite song or expressing a personal rhythm. The countless benefits to drumming and rhythm continue to be proven by research within music therapy circles, as well as studies on the brain and body, but, any drummer can tell you that there isn’t a need for studies and test subjects. Drummers already know the benefits experienced, whether on a drum set or on …

Ashiko drums may be one of the lesser known hand percussion instruments today, as it appears to sit in a shadow behind the djembe, but, its paucity does not take away from its contribution to music and rhythm today. These drums are generally thought of as the compliment to the djembe drum and have a similar history, cultural evolution and purpose within drum circles, drum jams and in performances today. But, the ashiko drum also has a dedicated following by those who have experienced the differe …

There is a rhythm in education. It can be found in classrooms across the country, no matter the subject, reaching students in wonderful ways that promote the core objectives of today’s curriculum. This rhythm can be seen as teachers call on students for answers, or as they rotate through activities that allow hands-on learning. This rhythm, however, requires a guide or facilitator, an energized and motivated teacher who knows just how to pull a proud smile out of a shy kid, or temper …