X8 Drums Blog

When a child enters middle school, their whole world turns upside-down. No longer are they given the nurturing support of the elementary school environment, but they are tasked with the responsibilities of changing classrooms and being on time throughout the day, using lockers, navigating new social waters and completing complex homework assignments. Students in middle school are exposed to different subjects and given more responsibilities than they've known previously, and …

Learn proper technique for hitting the djembe! In this digital djembe lesson, Michael Pluznick will teach you how to play the 3 basic sounds of the djembe; open tone, slap and bass. Features: Start with Triangle - The triangle hand position will set your posture and prepare you for hitting the drum Learn to play tone, bass and slap in the proper position on the drum head. Understand how to make contact with the drum. Learn to play an Open Tone Bounce (Rebound) and foll …

Taking up drumming as a hobby can help a person learn patience, dedication, and promote health and wellness. It can also present opportunities to join a community of people with the love of rhythm, music and the sharing of a unique and creative passion. Some drummers are able to pick up a djembe or other percussion instrument and start playing rhythms with little or no training; others may need a little help. If time, money or location is an obstacle to learning how to …

With the excitement that surrounds drumming, it is no wonder that there are hundreds of drums to choose from. Hand drums are deeply rooted in the history of cultures across the world. Cuba has its Bongos, the Middle East and Europe each claim the Doumbek, and frame drums are a part of Native American, Celtic, South American and many other cultures. Many popular hand drums today are easily attributed to West Africa and its tribes, as well, tying all of these cultures toget …

I discovered drumming as a teenager. I have been drumming now for probably 30 plus years. I'm not a professional; I do it for fun and relaxation. I do it to manage nervous energy, as well as deal with stress! It helps me to relax and unwind, which seems an odd thing to say because it is also great exercise as well. There is not much more exhilarating than being in amongst 20 or more drummers all carrying their own beat, yet it becomes one. The energy and the feeling is indescribable. …

I started drumming around 5 or 6. My parents were in a classic rock band and held their practices/rehearsals at our home. Their drummer would leave his kit set up at our house in between practices & shows, and he did not mind that if I messed around on it. I joined the school band in 6th grade and played percussion. I had quit having anything to do with drumming after having to choose between being in band, and playing sports in school. It wasn't until about 3 years ago or about 15 ye …

Drumming is so much more of a healthy (and sometimes) spiritual experience than you would expect. Just the simple act of finding your rhythm and allowing yourself to participate in a steady groove for just a few moments is enough to calm your soul and open up a whole world of experimentation. Our bodies were designed to enjoy the world and drumming is a surefire way to do so. Jamming with others is an immediate way to open up a connection between multiple people and within a group, the …

I drum to release tensions and stress in my life, all I do is work and sometimes after work when I get a little time, I like to relax and lay down some rhythms. My favorite part of drumming is togetherness. I own a Remo djembe I got from X8 a few years back. Drumming is an excellent way to relax and make new friends. I started drumming back in the day at Rainbow gatherings and Dead shows. I was attracted to the beat as soon as I first heard the sounds I walked all over through …

Hip hop music may not be thought of as a spiritual movement, but one of the pioneers behind the success of hip hop music can attest to the power of this musical genre. Doctah B. Sirius, formerly known as Courtney Branch, is well known for his work with Living Color, AMD and Boss, all West Coast artists that helped bring hip hop to into the mainstream. It was the movement of hip hop into the spotlight, however, that had detrimental effects on Doctah B. Sirius. During his time wri …

Of all the choices to be made when choosing a drum, the type of drum head may be one of the most important factors to consider. Hand drums and percussion instruments are manufactured with various methods, but there are typically two choices available for a drum head: animal skin or synthetic. The choice is not only a question of the sound of the drum, but its overall durability and maintenance… as well as some ethical considerations. Animal skin drum heads ar …