If you’re interested in learning how to play the djembe, an African hand drum, and have some experience under your belt, you may be ready for intermediate-level lessons. In these lessons, you’ll build on the foundation you’ve established and continue to develop your skills. Here are some key topics that may be covered in intermediate djembe lessons.
- More Complex Rhythms
In beginner djembe lessons, you likely learned some basic rhythms, such as the bass, tone, and slap. In intermediate lessons, you’ll start to work on more complex rhythms that incorporate these basic techniques, as well as new techniques like the open tone and the ghost note. These rhythms may be longer and more intricate, requiring more focus and precision.
The open tone is a technique where you strike the drumhead with your dominant hand while keeping your other hand held near the drumhead. This creates a ringing, open sound that contrasts with the more muted tone of the bass and slap. The ghost note is a softer, quieter note played with the non-dominant hand while the dominant hand plays a louder note. These techniques add depth and complexity to your playing and allow you to create more nuanced rhythms.
- Soloing
As you become more comfortable with different rhythms and techniques, you’ll start to explore the art of soloing. This involves improvising on the drum and creating your own rhythms and patterns. In intermediate lessons, you’ll learn how to incorporate soloing into group performances and how to build up to a solo.
Soloing can be a challenging skill to master, but it’s an important aspect of djembe playing. It allows you to showcase your individual style and creativity, and can add excitement and energy to a performance. Your instructor may teach you different approaches to soloing, such as playing in call and response with other drummers or building up to a solo gradually over the course of a performance.
- Improving Your Technique
As you progress, it’s important to continue refining your technique. This may include working on your hand positioning, your timing, and your dynamics (how loud or soft you play). Your instructor may also introduce new techniques, such as playing with your non-dominant hand or playing with different parts of your hand.
Hand positioning is an important aspect of djembe playing, as it can affect the tone and volume of your notes. Your instructor may work with you to ensure that you’re holding the drum in the correct position and using your fingers and palms to produce the desired sounds. Timing is also crucial, as the djembe is often played in a group setting and requires precise coordination with other drummers.
Dynamics are another important aspect of djembe playing. Your instructor may work with you to develop your ability to play at different volumes, as well as to vary the dynamics within a single rhythm. This can help you create a more nuanced and expressive performance.
- Playing with Others
Playing the djembe is often a group activity, so it’s important to learn how to play with others effectively. In intermediate lessons, you’ll work on playing with different types of drummers, learning how to listen to each other and create a cohesive sound. You may also work on playing with other instruments, such as the dunun (a bass drum) or the balafon (a type of xylophone).
Learning to play with others can be challenging, as it requires coordination and communication. Your instructor may work with you on techniques such as listening for cues from other drummers, matching your volume and timing to the group, and playing with a steady tempo.
Playing with other instruments can also be a fun and rewarding experience. It allows you to explore different genres of music and incorporate new sounds into your playing.
