The Complete Idiot's Guide to Playing Drums, 2nd Edition (The Complete Idiot's Guide)

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Playing Drums, 2nd Edition (The Complete Idiot's Guide)
Average customer rating:

More is not always better.

a very good book

You'd be an idiot NOT to buy this book.

Excellent

An excellent guide for beginners and experts alike

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Playing Drums, 2nd Edition (The Complete Idiot's Guide)
Michael Miller
Manufacturer: Alpha
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Ultimate Beginner Series - Drum Basics

Drum Basics, Steps One and Two Combined (The Ultimate Beginner Series)

ASIN: 159257162X
Release Date: 2004-01-06

Book Description

You can't beat this one for learning the basics!

This book covers everything the aspiring drummer needs to know-from an overview of drums and percussion history and theory; to information on purchasing, tuning, and maintaining drums; to basic music notation, rhythm, and time signatures; to snare drum fundamentals; playing a complete drum set; and basic beats for every style of music. In addition, this newly revised edition contains an audio CD featuring all exercises and solos from the book, tuning examples, and play along tracks.

€ Audio CD included
€ According to a Gallup survey, there are over 62 million amateur musicians in the U.S.
€ Drums are the third most popular instrument among amateur musicians

Customer Reviews:

More is not always better........2006-12-26

I bought a set of drums and this book. I would read this book everyday as I would play the drums. This book is so complete in information that I read and read and read and never did get to the part to where I would start to learn how to play the drums. I finally just sold the book and the drums. I learned must of the history about drums from cave man on up but never made it to the part of learning how to play. If you are wanting to study the history of the drum for a book report this is a good book. If you want to learn to play the drums I would suggest buy a book that will get to the point.

a very good book.......2005-12-15

I got this book becuase I was going to start giving drum lessons to my friend. I wanted to find out if I knew what I should teach him. This book taught me pretty much everything that I needed to teach him. I think every aspect of drumming is covered in it. It's a very good tool for any aspiring drummer.

You'd be an idiot NOT to buy this book........2005-01-08

Of course, there's no arguing that the best way to learn how to play a musical instrument of any kind is through direct instruction from a teacher (even the author of this book admits so right from the start!) But that may not be possible (or affordable) for everyone, and besides, it never hurts to have instruction and reading material from many unique sources to be exposed to different styles and points of view.

This book is an excellent source for a beginning drummer, or someone who hasn't even yet purchased a set of sticks but is contemplating learning more about the drums. Miller takes the reader through selecting and setting up equipment, different kinds of percussion instruments, and points out drummers to listen to before starting in on the basics. He even recommends against diving into buying a full kit at first and instead starting solely with a good snare drum, in order to learn basics of stick control, rhythms and rudiments. Then he slowly adds in cymbal and bass patterns to develop independence and basic kinds of rhythms. Later chapters illustrate beats for rock, jazz, r&b, country, and odd time signatures, then begin to cover more advanced topics such as fills and solos.

I learned a lot about the basics of playing through this book (having a background in playing musical instruments but never the drums). I do agree with other reviewers to take his promoting of certain brands of drums with a grain of salt. You should take the time to explore different kits on your own and read other reviews before sinking your cash into any one brand. Also, one area I wish was covered here which I find the most difficult in playing is how to develop not just a drum *pattern* but an entire song. Even just some more hints on using fills or other "effects" to transition from one phrase of a song to the next would be good, instead of mostly sticking to repetitive 2-bar patterns. Also, a cd of the included drum patterns and beats would be useful--I know I had some trouble figuring out how some of the rudiments should sound just from reading this book, and had to search around elsewhere for sound samples to clear up my confusion.

Still, there is plenty of ground covered in this book already, and more than enough to recommend it for anyone looking to solidify their basics.

Excellent.......2004-12-25

I got the Dummies title first, which is usually the case. However, it was very disappointing. I then checked out the Idiot's Guide title. It was just what I was looking for.

It has all the necessary information and is not too sparse or too thick on any areas. Definitely recommended for people wanting to get started in drumming.

An excellent guide for beginners and experts alike.......2002-08-25

The decision to actually pick up the sticks and sit behind your very own drum kit is a big step to say the least. What seems like an easy instrument to learn becomes one of the most complex and physically demanding instruments ever. But don't let this introduction mislead you, drums have become my life, and if you dedicate the time and get going you'll soon realize the same. Now when I first started there were a few things I was never without, my sticks, my snare drum and "The Complete Idiots Guide To: Playing Drums", yes this book was (and still is) that important to me.

Like I mentioned, the life of a drummer is a tough and often confusing one, but this book seems to sort everything out for you. Michael Miller's writing is not only extremely helpful but an entertaining read as well because he's always throwing in little jokes here and there. The guide itself is broken down very simple, with every chapter you learn more more such as what drums to buy, what sticks to look at, how to maintain and tune your kit, and all the key terms necessary for a successful drummer. In the later chapters you're slowly introduced to drum sheet music, all of the 26 percussion rudiments, and page after of drum tabs and sheet music. Also covered are the different drumming styles such as rock, jazz, blues and more. Miller always stresses (as do I) the importance of having a teacher, and how they can expand your understanding more than anything.

I only actually had one small problem with the book, well to tell you the truth it's more with the author himself. Miller refers to Drum Works drums as the "top of the line" and "the best you can get". Yes, Drum Works do make incredibly impressive drums, but to call them the best would be unfair, so for all those new drummers out there don't Mr. Miller's love afair with Drum Works confuse you, there are many companies out there who make drums just as good or even better than Drum Works. Overall however, this isn't a complaint about the book, but more of an observation so take it for what it's worth.

So, if you're seriously considering becoming a drummer make sure to have "The Complete Idiots Guide To: Playing Drums" by your side, it will help you like no other book can.

Teaching Percussion (with 2-DVD Set)
Average customer rating:

Excellent Resource

Woodwinds Book

Great text, disappointing DVD

An Excellent Resource

Wasted space

Teaching Percussion (with 2-DVD Set)
Gary D. Cook
Manufacturer: Schirmer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Spiral-bound

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ASIN: 0534509908

Book Description

Become a better music teacher with TEACHING PERCUSSION with accompanying 2-DVD set! Providing a comprehensive introduction to every aspect of percussion education, technique, and performance, this music text guides you towards a greater musical awareness and improved technique. Illustrations, examples, and exercises acquaint you with the special needs of all percussion instruments. You will gain a greater insight into music learning and performance through the inclusion of up-to-date techniques and numerous exercises.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Resource.......2007-09-08

this is an excellent book for learning percussion. The DVD's that are included really help with form and any questions you would have with the reading.

Woodwinds Book.......2007-08-27

A little slow on sending it but it's in good condition and the seller is very courteous.

Great text, disappointing DVD.......2007-03-12

The text is great, but the DVD is not very helpful. The DVD is a great idea, but it's all shot at one angle, and the clips are very short with little explanation. It demonstrates all the techniques, but not slowly so that you could see what's going on. The text on the otherhand is a must have for instrumental music educators, and a great reference.

An Excellent Resource.......2007-03-10

The book is extremely well-organized, there is info on just about any percussion-related topic you could think of. The DVDs are also very helpful in providing more visual examples, etc. Will definitely become a valuable resource as I go into teaching. Worth every penny!

Wasted space.......2007-01-10

The author repeats information, and not necessarily useful information. He repeats reference information in different areas. This book has too much information. It is not designed to teach a musician how to grasp percussion techniques. It is too detailed. An educator that is not a percussionist needs a quick reference.

Average customer rating:

Great tool for use in an Elementary Music Class
Students taking "ownership" of rhythm

The Body Rondo Book
Jim Solomon
Manufacturer: Memphis Musicraft Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 093401728X

Book Description

Twelve easy to challenging body percussion (snaps, claps, stomps, thigh slaps) rondos to delight students and teachers. Even the easy pieces are musican and fun because of Jim's skillful rhythmic combinations. The multi-meter and syncopated pieces are a hoot; truly unique collection

Customer Reviews:

Great tool for use in an Elementary Music Class.......2007-01-10

I am an Elementary School Music Teacher, and use The Body Rondo Book with all of my classes. It is very useful in the general music classroom. The students always have a lot of fun with the pieces. They work very well as written. But, are also adaptable to using different drum rhythms from programs such as Garage Band as accompaniment.

Students taking "ownership" of rhythm.......2006-11-05

Developing coordination and understanding form are important musical concepts. The Body Rondo Book provides several body percussion pieces that help teacher's accomplish this with students. As an elementary school music teacher in New York City, I have taught some of these pieces to my students. Depending on the ages you teach, the pieces will range from moderately easy-to-learn to difficult. Each piece has a clear, concise, suggested teaching process at the bottom of the score.

I taught the first piece in the book to my elementary school students in one period. A few of them -- mainly the ones who practiced it at home -- almost mastered the entire thing with that one experience. Many of them required more work on it and were then able to master it with more work together. (These pieces are meant to be learned over several periods).

Some important observations: the students loved learning and performing the pieces, I noticed a high level of concentration as they tried to master each section and each difficult part, and, if students can "own" rhythm in their bodies -- as they learn to do in these pieces -- they can more authentically transfer that "ownership" to musical instruments. Also, the pieces just sound great and look great at a performance.

Average customer rating:

Sound Shapes Playbook
Lynn Kleiner
Manufacturer: Warner Bros. Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0757917550

Book Description

Book & CD. Learn drum techniques and the many sounds you can make on REMO Sound Shapes! Enjoy activities and rhythm games for other hand drums too! Discover 22 incredible activities and games to infuse your groups with color, rhythm, and fun! Includes play-along CD featuring groove-starter tracks and activity songs! Co-written by leading early childhood and Orff specialist Lynn Kleiner and music therapist and drum circle facilitator, Christine Stevens. For all ages, from preschoolers through adults playing or leading drum circles.

The Healing Drum: African Wisdom Teachings

Average customer rating:

Endless Font of Wisdom
inspiring
The Healing Drum Helped Me
Inspirational
Inspiring look at a traditional healing modality

The Healing Drum: African Wisdom Teachings
Yaya Diallo , and Mitch Hall
Manufacturer: Destiny Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0892812567
Release Date: 1989-12-01

Book Description

The Healing Drum traces the extraordinary cultural legacy of the Minianka tribe of West Africa, for whom music serves a sacred, healing function for the individual and society. The authors explore the Minianka view of humanity, music, and the cosmos relative to work, celebration, herbal medicine, dance, trance, initiation, and death.

The first book of its kind, delivering a message of untapped wisdom and power from a little-known culture through the universal medium of music.

Customer Reviews:

Endless Font of Wisdom.......2005-02-18

Over the years of owning this book I have returned to "The Healing Drum: African Wisdom Teachings" again and again. As a person of African descent I find it incredibly enriching to read the stories of Yaya Diallo as retold by Mitch Hall regarding his upbringing in the musical culture of the Miniaka (Bamana) people. We are all lucky that Diallo's words are preserved by Hall in "The Healing Drum" because a great deal of healing wisdom of Africa is oral, passed through families, thus it remains secretative. I welcome this open-hearted effort and openminded collaborative work seeking to contribute to international healing through authentic sound, as such I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking knowledge of alternate ways of healing inspired by West African spirituality.

inspiring.......2004-03-22

This book is about music, healing, indigenous view of life and above all, it is about harmony, which is achieved when life is lived with respect and with generosity.

Diallo is a member of the mainly agricultural Minianka/Senufo tribe living in what today is Mali. The Minianka have been able to resist the depredations which occur when Islam or X-ianity enters African societies; they are animist, that is, they still observe and follow ancient laws that emphsize the interdependence between humans, nature and the transcendent realms. Music to the Minianka music is much more than entertainment. It is used for work, celebration, ritual, inititations, funerals and healing; each activity (as well as each profession and each person) has its own special rhythms and harmonies. The MInianka understand music as a bridge between the visible and invisible. As such, it is used to establish harmonious relationships between an individual, his community, his ancestors and the Creator. Every night there is dancing at the village square - and EVERYBODY dances. Minianka musicians learn to transpose the essence of their fellow men's characters into music, so that when a villager gets to dance, he is greated by rhythms which match his/her character and emotional configuration. By observing closely, the musicians can adapt the music to the needs of the listener and thereby lead them to health. In Minianka villages, says Diallo, "musicians are healers, the healers musicians.... Music...amplifies to our sense the unheard tones and unseen waves that weave together the matter of existence. The beat, the rhythm, the timing, the orchestration, the flow, the balance between action and rest must all be within well-defined limits...and the music becomes a healing art that helps restore emotionally and psychologically disturbed people to harmonious human functioning. "

THe book is well written and brings us a close -up of Fienso, the village of Diallo's childhood. I found the descriptions of initiation ceremonies, daily work, secret societies very interesting. It made me see the Minianka society as an extremely sophisticated - where there is place for everyone and where everybody is interconnected in a web of mutual obligations between people, spirits and God. Unfortunately, the interdependence on mutual obligations makes the African society also fragile; when reciprocity inherent in such webs is interrupted, as during incursions of oil and diamond money, radical X-ianity or Islam, the African society collapses and we get what we see today in Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Liberia or Sudan - lack of harmony and lack of peace.

Still, we would be fools to pass the opportunity to learn what Africans have to teach us. Music is one of the keys that can open the door of the gilded cage in which the giant of industrial nihilism has imprisoned us and Yaya Diallo shows us in this wonderful book, that it is possible to open one's body, spirit and destiny to the amazing world of harmony and beauty where true healing occurs.

The Healing Drum Helped Me.......2003-04-23

"The Healing Drum: African Wisdom teachings" by YaYa Diallo and Mitchell Hall offers an introspective view into the Minianka culture of Mali. As an African-American student, this book helped me to understand a lot about myself. For example, YaYa explains that in his culture, musicians have a responsibility for the affect that the music has on it's listeners. "In my culture, art is allied with morality." (94)We in the West have debated the issue of the artist's responsibility for some time now. As an aspiring actress and writer, my belief has always been that we have are responsible for the messages we send through our art. YaYa explains that music can not only heal, but also can hurt. This is evident in the complacent attitude of many of today's rap artists and it's consumers. YaYa also expounds on some of the differences between the value of time and structure in Minanka culture vs. the same concept in the West. Understanding this element of an African culture allowed me to realize that I am not as crazy as many of my peers and professsors would have me to believe. YaYa's description of the late-night festivals helped me to understand why I can stay up all night and sleep all day sometimes.
I was offended by one review which stated that YaYa's book describes Minankas as drug addicts. His description of the Minianka's use of herbs and medicines to heal is no different or worse than the Western philosophy of popping pills to make troubles disappear, i.e, prozac, ridalin, sleeping pills, etc. YaYa also emphasizes the importance of music in the healing process, and his descriptions of instances in which music was used to heal in his culture are both moving and sincere.
In light of American's recent "liberation" of Iraq, it was also interesting to read YaYa's description of the French colonization of Mali. "The French glorified their colonization of large parts of Africa as a 'mission civilsatirce', a civilizing mission...The textbooks spoke of Africa rarely enough and then only referred pejoratively to the 'natives', not the human beings who belonged to our continent." (120)
It has been long understood in the elevated members of my own culture, that Africa and America are inextricably connected. I believe a closer look at the statement above could easily be related to the reluctance of many Black youth in America to take an interest in formal education. The teachings in this book are, in many cases, universal and, in most cases, interesting and inspirational. YaYa Diallo tells his story with simplicistic eloquence,humor, and wisdom. The book offers much in the way of history and parables, without beating you over the head. Mitchell Hall has done an excellent job of translation.
I was required to read this book for an African Dance class I was taking at the University of Louisville. For any person who is interested in learning more about music, Minianka culture, or the world, I would highly recommend YaYa Diallo and Mitchell Hall's "The Healing Drumm", and for anyone in Louisville, I encourage you to take Harlina Churn Diallo's African Dance class. Bring out the Drums!

Inspirational.......2003-04-21

I wanted to read this book because I have recently started learning African drumming and I wished to find out more about West African culture and how traditional music is used to heal. This was the perfect book for both aspects.

The author helps us to appreciate the culture of his village through his own experiences. We read about his struggles to follow the customs and teachings of his village as he is educated in French culture and taught to embrace the Western way of life.

We also gain an insight into the secret societies and social aspects of life in his village. Suspend disbelief at some of the awesome sights that he relates, I only wish that I could see them for myself! The sociological, psychological and religious knowledge that he reveals about his community is fascinating.

Yaya shows us that a musician in this culture does not just "play" music, music is a vital aspect of life which sustains the society and heals lost souls. The musician is a healer and a protector of the people. Each piece of music has implications, positive or negative, and the musician has a responsibility to the community to play well and appropriately.

This book has helped me to gain an insight into African culture and music; from now on my djembe playing will have more significance for me and I feel inspired by the healing potential that I now hold in my hands.

Inspiring look at a traditional healing modality.......2002-12-25

Having experienced the power and wisdom of traditional African healers, I was glad to see that Yaya took great efforts to convey the potency derived from following ancient traditions. His life story, like many other traditionalists living in the west, is one that is inspiring given all the efforts he and his tribal elders make to keep their old ways alive in the face of pressures to modernize.

As a student of cross-cultural and shamanic traditions I found this book provides clarity into the use of music and sound for enhancing and stimulating healing, as well as the need to gain sufficient mastery before using this healing modality.

The Everything Drums Book: From Tuning and Timing to Fills and Solos-All You Need to Keep the Beat (Everything Series)
Average customer rating:

Nothing in-depth

Pretty good so far

Honest companion

Wonderful!

Good and comprehensive

The Everything Drums Book: From Tuning and Timing to Fills and Solos-All You Need to Keep the Beat (Everything Series)
Eric Starr
Manufacturer: Adams Media Corporation
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Percussion | Instruments & Performers | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1580628869

Book Description

As any musician will tell you, the drummer is the backbone of a group. Today's drummers are no longer hidden away behind the frontman or lead guitarist. They have come to the forefront and are now being recognized for their individual talent.

You can continue in the tradition of the drumming greats with The Everything® Drums Book with CD, a straightforward, step-by-step introduction to playing drums with inspiration and style. You'll be given lessons in tuning, timing, and hand technique, while developing a unique style all your own. In addition to the fundamentals of drumming, you'll learn how to play in various styles, including rock, blues, jazz, R&B, Latin, and Caribbean. Numerous practice exercises help you put your knowledge to work, while the audio examples help train your ear.

The Everything® Drums Book with CD also includes:
·An equipment buyer's guide
·A music reading tutorial
·Instruction for playing with brushes and mallets
·Tips for maintaining equipment
·Guidance on fills and solos

Whether you're a fan of Keith Moon, Steve Gadd, Stewart Copeland, Buddy Rich, Neil Peart, or Tito Puente, The Everything® Drums Book with CD gives you all the tools you need to keep the beat.

Customer Reviews:

Nothing in-depth.......2007-01-11

It's a nice book, but things there are really for beginners. If you need detailed description of arm motions, proper grip, variaty of exersizes, thank you should look for another book. Nevertheless, this book serves pretty well for those who just took the sticks into their shaking hands. The language is very vivid and bright!

Pretty good so far.......2006-10-25

I recently took up drums and bought this book along with a few others. I decided I was working from too many books at one time so switched to this one exclusively since it seems to cover it all. One thing I do not like is the CD tracks start the exercises without a lead in..So it's kinda hard to get the exercises started out correctly until you play it a few times and count from the last word of eric's sentence to the beginning of the exercise, it's usually 4 but not always. Also I think I found a mistake on Etude#1 between the book and the CD. The 9th measure in the book starts with 3 quarter notes, but the CD plays it as 1 Quarter note and then an 8th note. Basically the CD seems to play the 10th measure instead of the 9th. Can somone verify this?? This is very frustrating if I am correct. This is as far as I have gotten so far, sure hope there are no more mistakes...especially in the more difficult sections or else I will pull what hair I have left out.. Otherwise it has been a very good book so far.

Honest companion.......2006-03-02

This book is ideal for beginners, because it starts with the very basics (how drums work) and goes on up to quite advanced rythms. That is, you do not need to know anything about drumming before reading this book, and you will know a lot when you finish it (if you follow the advices that it suggests).

For me, one key which differences this book is honesty: the author does not promise that you will be a pro in two weeks. Instead, it encourages you to keep practicing the basics for as long as you need, so you get a sound basis that allows you to improve yourself.

The book includes a CD with lots of tracks where you can feel the rythms covered (which is an invaluable help for learning how to read drum scores). The CD is well recorded and inspiring, specially the latin rythms section (how tasty!)

I only missed more pictures, specially at the beginning: while the descriptions of how to grip the sticks are precise and imaginative, it would have been much more explanatory to actually show the hand and the stick from different angles. The section only has four close pictures of hands, and no picture of general posture.

Wonderful!.......2005-05-25

This book is absolutely astonishing! I recently got the urge to learn drumming, but I live in a rather isolated location. I was lucky enough to find myself a teacher - unfortunately, he changed jobs and I was forced to fend for myself after only two "real" drum lessons. I spent half a paycheck on various teach-yourself books, and this book was by FAR the best investment of them all. Everything Drums is perfect for the complete beginner - it includes all the standard topics you'd expect (how to buy drums and what to do if you can't, how to hold a stick, how to put your kit together, how to hit the drum with the stick, ad infinitum) in a very clear, plain-english manner. The author doesn't assume the book is something you'll only use in between lessons - with a real life instructor to clarify - but rather treats it as a complete course for someone who's never even touched a drumstick before in his or her life. It even includes ways to evaluate your own progress - something that I personally feel is very, very hard to do without an instuctor. Very highly recommended!

Good and comprehensive.......2005-01-12

I really like this book. Eric started from the beginning (even the stick-holding is nicely described) and got step-by-step to more complicated grooves and rhythms. CD exemplares are pretty well played (sometimes the tempo is a bit too fast). The book contains very good exercises for rookies and for advanced players too. I recommend this as a comprehensive book on drumming.

The Drummer's Path: Moving the Spirit with Ritual and Traditional Drumming

Average customer rating:

Women CAN play whatever drum they choose!
let down
African and Diaspora Drumming and their Cultural Context
A GOOD BOOK TO LEARN THE BASIC PRINCIPLES OF DRUMMING.
Fascinating Guidebook

The Drummer's Path: Moving the Spirit with Ritual and Traditional Drumming
Sule Greg Wilson
Manufacturer: Destiny Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0892813598
Release Date: 1992-06-01

Book Description

Drummer, dancer, and folklorist Sule Greg Wilson introduces the principles behind African and Diaspora music, including breath, posture, and orchestration.

Customer Reviews:

Women CAN play whatever drum they choose!.......2000-10-16

As a woman drummer and drum maker of the past 10 years I was very disappointed by Mr. Wilson's ideas regarding women and drumming. The fact is, women throughout the history of humankind have endured countless hours of back breaking physical labor, many times with an infant strapped to their backs, from gathering firewood to working fields to walking miles just to find and carry home water. Sule, living in a place where most people are not subject to living so close to basic survival has forgotten what his female African ancestors had to endure upon their arrival in this country. His theory that women would "fry their eggs" if they played a conga or a djembe (I play both, as do many professional female percussionists) does not fly since most of us can imagine that the above mentioned forms of labor are much more demanding on anyone's body than playing drums. If his theory were in fact true, it is possible that none of us would be here. Women are not as fragile as most men think we are. Mr. Wilson does have some very good advice on spirit and the flow of energy while drumming. But I enjoyed "When the Drummers were Women" much more!

let down.......2000-07-23

As someone learning to play drums and interested in African rhythms, I must say that this book was quite a let down. It offers very little useful information on drumming itself, and the ideas it does offer (the 12 principles) are expressed in uninteresting ways, lacking in subtlety. If you're interested in a book that offers insight into the meaning of African drumming, avoid this book and look to John Chernoff's African Rhythm and African Sensibility.

African and Diaspora Drumming and their Cultural Context.......2000-06-06

This is an excellent book on many different levels. Firstly, Sule Wilson provides an informative and sometimes lyrical introduction to the many different styles of traditional African and Diaspora drumming genres currently popular in the United States. He also raises issues such as spirituality, drumming etiquette, the relation of drummming to dance and song and the thorny issue of gender.

Sule provides some really crucial insights on a number of different technical topics. One example: his discussion of the technique difference between djembe and conga drumming has always struck me as one of the best descriptions/analyses of these two instruments.

This is as much a personal statement by a committed and sincere African American student of percussion as it is a "how-to" kind of book and this is its other great strength. While there are many different strands of opinion and belief within the African-American community on EVERY issue, Sule points out how and why we should all pay attention to the issue of cultural respect when any of us (no matter what race, gender or culture we come from) gets involved with drumming.

There may be minor points of disagreement between Sule and other writers, but in the main, this book thoroughly deserves its status in the drumming community as the one essential introductory book for serious students of the Black percussion arts. (A more musicological approach - also highly recommended- is John Miller Chernoff's wonderful book "African Rhythms and African Sensibility").

A GOOD BOOK TO LEARN THE BASIC PRINCIPLES OF DRUMMING........1999-09-20

I had been playing the piano for many years and wanted to learn more about rhythms and I picked up this book in a local bookstore and within a year I had started to learn to play African rhythms on the Djembe and Djun Djun. This book really opened my eyes to the beauty and complexity of traditional African rhythms and how they influenced the rhythms of both North and Latin America.

The book does not teach any rhythms but teaches all the basic principles af playing the drum and the mental/spiritual aspect of it.

Highly inspirational and Higly recomended.

Two other good books about the philosophical aspect of drumming are Diallo's "The Healing Drum" and Reinhard Flatischler's "The Forgotten Power Of Rhythm;Taketina".

And a good book who teaches a lot of rhythms is "A Rhythmic vocabulary" by Alan Dworsky"

Fascinating Guidebook.......1999-04-15

This is an intriguing work that shows the relationship between drumming, spirit and health. An interesting complement to such world-music classics as "The Brazilian Sound" and "Catch a Fire" that delve heavily into rhythm and percussion.

FastTrack Mini Drum Method - Book 1 (Fast Track Music Instruction)

Average customer rating:

Good for learning, but not that fun.
Hooked on FastTrack!
Good for all most all levels
Learn to play drums
Great introductory drum instruction!

FastTrack Mini Drum Method - Book 1 (Fast Track Music Instruction)
Rich Mattingly , and Blake Neely
Manufacturer: Hal Leonard Corporation
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Similar Items:

FastTrack Mini Drum Songbook 1 - Level 1 (Fast Track (Hal Leonard))
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Playing Drums, 2nd Edition (The Complete Idiot's Guide)
FastTrack Drum Songbook 1 - Level 1 (Fasttrack Series)
FastTrack Drum Songbook 2 - Level 1 (Fast Track (Hal Leonard))
FastTrack Drums Songbook 2 - Level 2 (Fast Track)

ASIN: 0634009419

Book Description

Designed for musicians on the move, this compact book helps you learn music notation, riffs and licks, syncopation, rock, blues and funk styles, and improvisation. Method Book 1 includes over 75 songs and examples. The CD includes full-band demonstrations of every song and exercise with the option of isolating the drum part.

Customer Reviews:

Good for learning, but not that fun........2006-03-09

This is the book used in my Beginning Drums course, and it is a very good tool to use in a teacher/student environment. It's not a lot of fun if you want to learn by yourself. If you want to learn by yourself, I suggest you start with "Complete Idiot's Guide to Playing Drums, 2nd Edition". Otherwise, a very fine deal.

Hooked on FastTrack!.......2006-02-17

This tiny little book/CD pack was my introduction to the FastTrack product line. I liked this title so much that I promptly ordered the same book in the larger format so that I could study it more easily on my music stand. Within about two weeks I had ordered the Level Two book and all of the song books, as well as the keyboard and vocal books. I even ordered the two bass books for my friend's birthday.
These books are VERY easy to use and the examples are fun to play.
Highly recommended by a connoisseur of instructional books and videos!
:) Sarah

Good for all most all levels.......2000-11-07

I really liked this book. Its written in a very interesting way. Very contemporary language. There are all kinds of exercises with many different types of beats. You are going to be able to play Reaggae, Funk, Bossa Nova, Country, Hip-hop, etc. Just sit down, get your sticks and don't stop practicing. You are gonna love the exercises. The CD is very helpfull too. If you never played drums before, maybe you wanna buy the first edition but if you have some knoledge, this is the book for you.

Learn to play drums.......2000-06-27

It's easy to learn playing well when you get this book and CD. Good stuff

Great introductory drum instruction!.......2000-06-19

This is a great beginning place for drum instruction. It hits on the basics of all need-to-know information, as well as in-depth looks at theory and method. The CD is a great bonus!

A Rhyme in Time: Rhythm, Speech Activities and Improvisation for the Classroom

Average customer rating:

A RHYME IN TIME PROVIDES A GREAT TIME!
A RHYME IN TIME PROVIDES A GREAT TIME!

A Rhyme in Time: Rhythm, Speech Activities and Improvisation for the Classroom
Doug Goodkin
Manufacturer: Alfred Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Similar Items:

Name Games Active for Rhythmic Development
Play, Sing and Dance: An Introduction to Orff Schulwerk
The Body Rondo Book
Sound Ideas: Activities for the Percussion Circle
Playtime - Instrumental Pieces for Orff Ensembles

ASIN: 0769215122

Customer Reviews:

A RHYME IN TIME PROVIDES A GREAT TIME!.......1999-03-28

As a teacher of primary aged children, I am constantly seeking out new and fun material to teach to my students. Many of the activities contained within Goodkin's manual instantly bring a smile to the face of my students. They are easy to implement and teach others, while promoting great creativity. Many of the activities are invaluable with respect to teaching syllabication as well. If you are in search of a great text to use for teaching in a classroom, or in an informal setting, This one can't be beat! I heartily give this manual and author a double thumbs up!

A RHYME IN TIME PROVIDES A GREAT TIME!.......1999-03-28

Meeting the National Standards with Handbells and Handchimes

Average customer rating:

Meeting the National Standards with Handbells and Handchimes
Baldwin Marva
Manufacturer: The Scarecrow Press, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Book Description

Targets music educators who are already familiar with basic ringing techniques, but who will benefit from detailed information on the benchmarks students should achieve in order to meet the National Standards.

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