X8 Drums Blog

The didgeridoo is an instrument that dates back over 40,000 years and was developed by indigenous Australians of northern Australia. It was typically played only by aboriginal men during ceremonial gatherings and celebrations and is an important part of the indigenous Australian culture. The instrument is known for its beautiful and richly harmonic sound and the mastery of “circular breathing” that is needed to play the instrument properly. While the didgeridoo’s sound may seem …

First let me say this. To me, drum circles are about creating community and sharing. It is not about being the star or about ego. It is about a group shared experience. Although there are no clearly defined rules of how to act or behave at a drum circle, there is a proper etiquette or working order that I have discovered in my travels and journeys all around the world over the past 35 years. I am going to suggest and explain some guidelines. If these guidelines are maint …

So you've been turned, converted into a fan, and now a connoisseur of the warm sounds of the cajon - the delightfully storied instrument that became the most widely utilized percussive tool in Peru. Its origins lie in the dark days of the 18th century, when the slave trade was responsible for the forced expatriation of labor from Africa to plantations in the New World of the North and South American continents.Newer incarnations of the humble cajon have added a range of distinctive …

Some people are very interested to learn how to play percussion or to try and jam but are not sure which is the right style of drumming for them. Is it freestyle or traditional? Afro Cuban or West African? And which is the right instrument to play or study? A question I often hear is, "should I stay with one instrument or style or play many"? My opinion is when you are first beginning hand percussion you should try as many different instruments as possible. Don't get stuck thi …

Very few instruments can make the hair on your arms stand up in the way that a didgeridoo can.  Long and low tones escape the base as you blow into it, creating a musical sound that can't be replicated with any other pipe. Although not as popular in modern times, the didgeridoo is the world's oldest wind instrument.   A natural wooden trumpet that was traditionally fashioned from eucalyptus trees, the Didgeridoo is still widely used in traditional celebrations today.  Some …

Learn how to play the basic accompaniment parts, also called the passport parts 1 and 2 for 4/4 rhythm arrangements. Follow step by step instruction as well as easy to follow slow motion segments to make learning easy. In this free lesson Michael Pluznick will show you two very simple accompaniment parts for playing in traditional West African djembe and dundun arrangements. These are called 'passport parts' and they can be played in several different pieces. Passp …

Confidence is an important part of our lives, one of the more important aspects of a personality that affects all types of relationships and endeavors. However, finding ways to build confidence can be a challenge in itself, especially when the first step in confidence building requires a strong belief in the very self that needs that strength. There are ways, however, that a person can find an inner strength, especially with the help of others. Drumming, for instance …

There you are, sitting in the food court at the mall, sipping a latte when suddenly, out of the crowd, come a few dozen dancers and vocalists performing a song for the amusement of innocent bystanders. Shock, amusement and wonder flow through the crowd as these daring performance artists create magic and inspiration through choreography and timing that rivals any High School Musical movie scene. The audience cheers and the flash mob withdraws, waiting for the next opportunity …

Shopping for a djembe drum can seem a bit overwhelming especially if you're new to the market or not sure what questions to ask. As a hand drum store owner and percussion enthusiast I'm frequently asked questions from customers regarding the best djembe to purchase for beginner players. Let's face it; there are many djembe drums in the marketplace all vying for your attention. However, the unique differences in each djembe can make a big difference in playability, sound, and overall enjoym …

You did it as a kid; you did it with your friends. Maybe you had the one that rattled while it whirled around, one with battery-operated, flashy lights, glitter-filled or the kind that glowed in the dark. No matter what yours looked or sounded like, you had one and you weren’t cool unless you knew how to use it. Hula hooping is an art that dates back to ancient Greek and Egyptian civilizations, but we know it best from 1950’s America where girls in poodle skirts hula hooped ou …