X8 Drums Blog

The benefits of drumming on our youth are unsurpassed; whether academic, creative, or for larger issues with self-esteem. Girls have long since been a minority in the drumming community, and many organizations are trying to change the thought that rhythm is only for boys. The Young Women’s Drumming Empowerment Project is hosting a summer enrichment program for girls in the Washington, D.C. area that will help build a world of skills through drumming. From self-expression and self-worth to the ar …

For the last six years, DrumsForCures has hosted an annual drumming event that brings together people in the spirit and intention of health, wellness and healing. DrumStrong is a global event that helps raise awareness of resources available to those who have survived cancer, as well as those supporting the cancer survivor. DrumStrong has announced its 2013 event will be held on May 17, 18 and 19, 2013 in Weddington, NC, and will feature an abundance of live music, drumming opportunities, vendor …

It has been well-documented that students who participate in the arts experience benefits in every aspect of their academic lives. This is due to how music, dance, drawing, and other expressive and creative processes affect and balance brain development. Science has also supported theories of how the arts benefit societies, at large. Studies have shown that high levels of arts enrichment lead people to greater participation in their communities and more interest in what is happening in the world …

We are always warned against extreme temperatures, so when it comes to drums and cold weather, we might worry about how our equipment will hold up. We don’t want to experience shattered drum heads or separating pieces. So, what is the best way to care for our drums in the cold?First of all, don’t worry. It is likely that cold weather will have little effect on higher quality drums. If you are worried about keeping your drums warm while storing them in below zero weather, you can always wrap them …

The African talking drum is a drum that got its name for a reason. This hourglass shaped drum has the ability to mimic the rhythm and inflections of human speech. It was originally used by African tribes to communicate. Unlike smoke signals, the talking drum could be used to send complex messages that were approximate to the spoken language. Like a djembe or ashiko drum, these drums could be used to communicate with other drummers up to twenty miles away. The talking drum has leather cords that …

Typically speaking, it is more common to see images of men drumming than those of women, and many people are shocked to know that a beloved drummer in a band is, in fact, female. While there is certainly enough evidence in the world to point to the influence of women as drummers, continuing to inspire women and girls in rhythm is just as important as continuing the promote music itself. Not that men are any less talented with a drum set, djembe or a set of maracas, but, in the spirit of e …

Something I'd like to point out about studying djembe and other folkloric traditions as someone who is outside of the culture is that there are many different ways to interpret every single little piece of music. Every one of these rhythms started out with a specific ethnic group, in a specific cultural context whether it be for rights of passage or celebration or harvesting/agricultural purposes, whatever the case may be, each one of these rhythms started out in one place and then sp …

It's important to determine the type of sound you're looking for before making a selection. After reading the information below, you will be able to make a clear and confident decision.Bongo drums or bongos refer to the drum set made of two different sized drums that are attached to one another; the larger drum is known as an "hembra," which in Spanish translates to female, and the smaller drum is known as a "macho," which translates as male. The person who plays the bongo drums is known as the …

Congas are a drum with a longstanding history in African music and rituals. These drums were originally made from barrels covered in a skin. More modern congas have a more tapered body, narrowing at the bottom. Today there are many different types of conga drums. The six main types of these drums are categorized based on their sizes and respective sounds. These drums are versatile and are used in a variety of music, like the Rumba, and are played in a variety of ways. The six most common …

Learning to play a hand drum, like the djembe, bongos or congas, certainly takes a spirit of dedication and love of rhythm. These instruments are not only steeped in cultural celebrations, but, are a modern fixture in drum circles and music performances each day. While hand drums allow for a measure of individuality of expression and playing technique, there are some basics to playing these drums that will help even the most experienced drummer get the perfect sound from his or her drum. …