African Drumming Classes and Lessons

Victoria, BC - Spring 2008

The purpose of these classes is to give you the skills and rhythms to play West African drums (djembes and dunduns) in the West African style of dance rhythms. You will also 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.

Time: Thursdays, May 8-June 26, 7 to 8 P.M.

Place: Victoria, BC: St. Nicholas Church Hall, Cook and Caledonia

Register or Contact: email or phone 1-250-516-6144

All skill levels are welcome in the drumming classes.

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.

Please bring your own drum if you can; I have a few extra if you don't have one.

I will provide written notation at no charge.  In addition students can purchase my Roots Jam rhythm books at a substantial discount. 

Cost for the drum classes is $15 per class.

Private lessons are also available for $25 (1 - 1.5 hours).

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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 where he drums and arranges rhythms for African dance classes, teaches drumming, and performs with the percussion group Masala. 

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.

Roots Jam:

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.

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.

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, B.C. 

Click here for more info or to order.

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