Djembe and dundun rhythms for West African drumming and dance
African Drumming Classes and Lessons
Please contact me if you are interested in private lessons in Victoria, BC. I may also offer group classes if there is enough interest and a suitable space to meet.
Learn to play djembe (dununs optional) and understand basic hand drum rhythms from West Africa where these drums originated. You will find these skills and rhythms useful in general drum circles, or if you play other kinds of music, as well as for your own practice and enjoyment.
Contact: email or phone 1-250-516-6144
All skill levels are welcome in the drumming classes and lessons.
Instruction will cover:
- hand technique
- basic djembe parts
- dundun technique
- basic dundun parts
- simple rhythm notation to help remember parts
- listening, timing and playing in a group
...and as you are ready...
- traditional djembe solo variations
- traditional dundun variations
- rolls and other improvisation techniques
With my classes you have access to a Western perspective of African music which I can offer through my two decades of study and practice in a variety of musical and dance contexts.
I will provide written notation at no charge. In addition students can purchase my Roots Jam rhythm books at a substantial discount.
Private lessons are available at $30 per hour. I can supply a drum if you need one.
About the instructor:
Nowick Gray has been drumming since 1990, studying along the way with such masters as Babatunde Olatunji, Alpha Yaya Diallo, Mamady Keita, Famoudou Konate, and Moussa Traore. Nowick has organized drum events ranging from all-night jams and trance dances to a world drum fusion clinic. He has collected hundreds of African, Afro-Latin, and Middle Eastern rhythms in book form, setting new standards for notating and compiling such material. Previously playing and touring with the Nelson-based Moving Mosaic, Nowick now lives in Victoria, BC, where he has taught drumming, played and arranged for dance classes, and performed since 2002.
Roots Jam 3:
Arrangements for West African Drum & Dance
This all-new collection of rhythms helps you take the next step in playing West African drums for dancers, in a group, or just for fun. Learn basic accompaniment parts, selected bass drum (dunun) and bell patterns and variations, and traditional djembe solos. Roots Jam 3 adds to the previous Roots Jam books in offering complete and cohesive ensemble arrangements for 16 popular dance rhythms. Included are lessons and exercises to help you understand basic downbeat, upbeat and offbeat timing; choose from available bell and clave patterns; and learn both traditional and improvised lead djembe solos. Practice listening to and playing parts with the optional audio CD. Also featured is notation for 27 original compositions by Nowick Gray, with audio tracks on a second CD. Click here to view contents, sample pages, and index of rhythms.
Roots Jam 1:
Collected Rhythms for Hand Drum and Percussion
This unique resource contains hundreds of rhythms from the African, Latin and rock traditions, along with inspired improvisations. Easy notation, useful for all levels, from beginners to performers. Includes lesson guide, arrangements, popular styles, practice exercises, and a list of other resources. Fully indexed, 80 pages. Click here to view contents, sample pages, and index of rhythms.
Roots Jam 2:
West African and Afro-Latin Drum Rhythms
An updated (2002) and expanded collection of over 125 traditional West African, Afro-Latin, and Middle Eastern rhythms, arranged for ready reference for individual learning or ensemble play. Covers djembe and dunun/bell parts and variations, in box (grid) notation for clear display of timing. Includes unique exercises, generic patterns and in-depth study of polyrhythm. Optional full-length audio CD with 28 demo and practice tracks. Click here to view contents, sample pages, and index of rhythms.
Nowick Gray has been a teacher and writer for over three decades, and a drummer since 1990. He currently teaches and performs with a number of drum and percussion groups in Victoria, BC and Maui, Hawaii.
Click here for more info or to order.
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