HOW TO PLAY DJEMBE, VOLUME 1 (Instructional DVD)
by Michael Pluznick
100 minutes (1 hour, 40 minutes) - 99 chapters

Content:
- basic techniques
- ensemble playing for 1-4 people
- drum patterns
- solo phrasing and techniques
- slow motion sequences
- how to put a strap on the drum and wear it
- how to tune and make knots
- and much more!

In this DVD long time djembe player and percussion instructor Michael Pluznick shows the fundamentals of how to play traditional and original variations of the most popular West African rhythms and rhythm arrangements-old school and contemporary, including in depth versions and variations for Kuku and Djagbe Sankaran. The focus is on arrangements for small groups of 1 to 4 players of any level of playing ability. You don't even need to have a full set of djembes and dununs to play along!

Michael offers comprehensive instruction for each and every part of a rhythm, including djembe and dunun parts with traditional dununs (horizontal) and ballet style (vertical) dununs as well as extensive djembe solo technique and hand patterns, playing techniques (how to hit the drum) and practice exercises for beginning to advanced players. You will also find group ensemble demonstrations and slow-motion sequences for hard to learn parts. Anyone who would like to extend their djembe vocabulary would benefit highly from this DVD.

Michael Pluznick is a life long devotee of world music and percussion. While living in Mali and Guinea West Africa in 2005 and 2007 he studied with many of the great African drum masters to add authentic first hand experience to his long studies in the USA. With over 35 years of performing, studying, teaching and recording, Michael shares his insight, passion and enthusiasm with these tried and true teaching methods.

Watch a lesson from the DVD

This extensive resource (with a running time of 1 hour and 40 minutes) introduces the hand drummer to traditional and original variations of the most popular West African rhythms and rhythm arrangements.

Slow motion and over the shoulder camera angles make it easy to learn!

This How to Play Djembe Instructional DVD is a top pick by the Staff at X8 Drums. Michael shares his knowledge in a fun and friendly format.