X8 Drums Blog

Written by Solomon Masala We've made a powerful declaration: there are specific and legitimate learning outcomes from specifically designed and facilitated rhythm and drumming programs. We've seen rhythm flip the switch for disinterested learners of all ages – they always rock out and jam with each other when invited to join in on a rhythm program or drum circle! If you have ever experienced this, you have your own stories; if you've not watched, ask …

Djembe Buying Guide: Part 5, Choosing the Right Size Djembe One of the most common questions we hear from our customers is "Which Size Djembe is Right for Me?" In this video, you'll learn why selecting the correct size djembe is so important. You'll also view all of the various size drums for a clear understanding of the differences between the sizes. Instruction by Kenya Masala. Starting with the smallest size; the 7" Djembe. This drum has a 7" diameter drum …

How a Djembe is Made: Shell Carving & Painting by X8 Drums from X8 Drums on Vimeo. Producing hand-carved, hand-decorated djembe drums is not only a tradition, it's an art form that is over a thousand years old! Yet maybe you have wondered precisely how a djembe drum is made? How it goes from a individual piece of plantation grown mahogany hardwood to the beautiful hand drum shown here? The job can demand the collective skills of 4 to 6 different artisans, each one providing their very …

Drumming and communication go hand in hand. From the roots of Djembe drumming as a way for tribes in Africa to communicate across long distances to the celebration within these tribes and communities through the magic of drums, a drum has been used as a way for like-minded people to establish a method to grow together and forge important interpersonal bonds. In today’s corporate-run world, the ability for people to connect on a personal level is often made m …

In this lesson Michael Pluznick will teach you how to play basic djembe parts known as passport parts (basic djembe parts common to several different rhythms) in 6/8 time from Guinea and Mali. You'll also learn the two most popular "breaks" used to start and end the rhythms. Once you have the parts down, play along with the ensemble section and see rare footage of Michael's teacher in Mali play the parts. Once you learn all the parts that are on in this lesson you will be well o …

The CDC recently released new numbers that show one in 88 people is affected by an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the U.S. With autism rates still climbing, many parents, teachers and therapists are searching for ways to help children and adults learn skills that can help minimize some difficulties experienced by those “on the spectrum.” Drumming, in particular, has shown several benefits for autistic children and adults, and the results of integrating drumming in …

The long-lasting personal development goals and benefits of drumming can turn a group into an entity of change, ambition and wellness. With research pointing out the benefits of drumming for those with neurological disorders, and the overall benefit of drumming and music on a child’s comprehension in school, special needs educators and therapists are beginning to incorporate drumming into therapy time. These sessions, either on a one-on-one basis or in a group can be effective e …

This post is part of the Michael Pluznick author residency at X8Drums.com. Enjoy! When I first started drumming in the early-70's the djembe was a relatively unknown instrument. I had learned conga drumming in Boston but started djembe and West African studies in California in 1979 with the late Craig 'Simbo' Anderson. An accomplished drummer in several styles, including West African and Afro-Cuban, he was instrumental in encouraging me to learn and play in both styl …

It can be said that drumming is an exercise in creativity and self-expression. From the various beats of the drum to the entire learning process of mastering an instrument, drumming is music, yet, it is more than music. Drumming brings about an awareness of the physical and mental, as well as connections to others, all of which can be beneficial to the mind, body and emotional state of a person. Through drumming, however, another aspect of personal development can be …

Written by Kenya Masala As we continue to answer the question of proven scientific benefits to youth drumming programs, we explore yet another study. Educators and program directors interested in scheduling a rhythm or drumming based program for schools, may not have time to read though entire studies to – yet, you need to know this unequivocally to spend your program dollars wisely. Because we know that interactive drumming and rhythm programs deliver a spectr …