FIRST LESSONS

DJEMBE

Hand Drum Tutor Book with DVD and CD

First Lessons Djembe provides a fun and easy way to learn to play the Djembe. It was conceived for the beginning Djembe player, yet contains information and reference material that is valuable for players at all levels.

Playing the Djembe is a lifelong journey of self-expression, as well as self-discovery. While the material presented herein may at first glance seem elementary, the value and importance of it in terms of moving forward on the drumming path with the Djembe is truly invaluable. The fundamentals of playing dynamics and tonality are the benchmarks of mastering musicality on the Djembe and worthy of a lifetime of continued practice and refinement. I encourage you to enjoy this journey every step of the way.

About the Author

Paulo Mattioli: Bio and Contacts

Introduction:

What makes First Lessons Djembe Unique?

What’s Included?

DVD

Book

Audio CD

The Goals of First Lessons-Djembe

Chapter I: Getting Started

Using the Book and DVD

Practice Sessions

Suggested Lesson Plan

Proper Playing Positions

“The Secret”

Hand Positions: Bass, Tone Slap, Mute, Dead Slap, Flams

Chapter II: About The Djembe

Cultural Origins

The Djembe In Contemporary Music Making

Chapter III: Drum Tuning

Tensioning the Head

Online Guide to Tuning Your Drum (weblink)

Humidity Factor

Chapter IV: Key to Notation

Djembe and Dunun Music Notation Key

Phonetic Notation Key

Note Values Common or 4/4 Time

Use of Dotted Notes and Ties to Alter Note Values

Repeat Signs

Chapter V: Djembe Playing Exercises:

Bass, Tone, Slap: DVD Menu selection: Bass/Tone/Slap

Exercise 1: Single Bass/Tone/Slap

Exercise 2: Double Bass/Double Tone

Exercise 3: Quadruple Tone/Slap/Tone/Bass

Chapter VI: Traditional Rhythm: Djole

Historical and Cultural Information

Djole Rhythm Parts and Arrangement:

DVD Menu Selection: Rhythms > “Djole”

Djembe Part 1

Djembe Part 2

Dunun and Dunun Bell Rhythms

Sangban and Sangban Bell Rhythms

Kenkeni/Bell Rhythms

Chapter VII: Contemporary Djembe Rhythm Parts for the Song “One Rhythm” DVD Menu Selection: Rhythms > “One Rhythm”

Djembe Groove Pattern 1

Djembe Groove Pattern 2

Ensemble Play Along: Introduction and Main Groove Pattern Examples

“One Rhythm”: Lyrics

Continuing on the Drumming Path

Resources for Further Learning