Let's face it: playing Djembe as it's traditionally played can be really hard on your hands. This is the only DVD for beginning hand drummers-especially adult beginners-who want to experience the joys of playing Djembe while going easy on their hands. It was created by Alan Dworsky, the best-selling author of "How to Play Djembe" and two-time winner of DRUM Magazine's readers' poll for "Best Percussion Method Book." Each of the seven step-by-step lessons on the video starts like a private lesson and ends with Alan's entire class playing the rhythm, so you also get a sense of what it's like to play in a group. Proper playing technique is covered in depth and African rhythms are adapted to a Gentle Djembe style, so that you can play safely and comfortably no matter what your age. And each lesson has a matching play-along track, making the DVD a complete learning tool. Shot in gorgeous wide-screen format and endorsed by Arthur Hull as "the most non-intimidating way for beginning beginners to get started." NTSC all region. 60 minutes.
K**E
quite useful and INEXPENSIVE
For those who are older, those with arthritis, playing the drum with one fewer position may make playing the drum possible. This product is marketed for those who need a gentle approach, and it works well, omitting the slap. Play-along sections are wonderful. INEXPENSIVE- I would have to drive 15 miles one way to pay $60 per hourly private lesson with an advertised djembe teacher in my area. I paid $40 plus shipping for the first 2 volumes, and I have had hours of practice on as many patterns as my brain can absorb as a novice. All 3 volumes cost less than one single hour private lesson with no car & no gas involved. INEXPENSIVE. 6 and a half min of sales you can skip vs 51 and a half min of lessons and playalongs.
E**T
Did not disappoint.
Easy to follow. Fun to learn.
R**M
Nice Ultra Beginner DVD
I bought this, along with a mid-priced rope tuned djembe, for my husband for our anniversary. He has no musical background, but wanted to be able to drum along while I play acoustic guitar.This DVD is broken down into chapters that each focus on one pattern. The patterns start very, very basic, and progress into more fun and faster rhythms. You learn the pattern and then play along with the group at his hippie djembe retreat and you can almost smell the patchouli. :)The instructor is likeable, and he demonstrates proper hand positioning, drum positioning, and technique in a very positive way.
R**S
This is one-third of an excellent dvd for beginning djembe players
This is one-third of an excellent dvd for beginning djembe players. The combination of instruction with a top-down camera angle showing the instructor's hands followed by an opportunity to play along with a drum circle works well. However, if you strip away the intros and (not that interesting) interviews with beginner drum circle members, there's a very small amount of material. All three volumes would make one dvd of reasonable length.
D**A
He makes it very easy to understand and follow
I bought it to learn how to play the Djembe I needed a place to start. He doesn't give you so much instruction that you are overwhelmed. I would highly recommend this instruction DVD
A**.
Fun, Fun...
I really enjoy the way he teaches. It is very simple and easy to follow. I am older and the gentleness is appreciated so I can continue to enjoy this journey. I highly recommend.
D**H
Basic stuff
As the title implies it is a beginners book. I felt it could have covered a little bit more but again there was no false advertising when it states beginner level. (Which is definately where I was when I bought it).
S**N
Whoa is this basic
I'm a beginner, but learned more than this in a couple of free youtube videos before this dvd arrived. Seems like a nice guy but this material is super, super, super basic. I would only order this if you find the beginner lessons on youtube daunting. The only thing that makes it "gentle" is that he doesn't use the slap tone. Otherwise, the advice on playing technique is the same as you can get for free on youtube.
Trustpilot
1 day ago
2 weeks ago
