Djembe

[Ayo]

I'm looking for a drum instructor to teach me how to play the Djembe...especially to House. In DC, VA, MD.

[ August 18, 2003, 02:01 PM: Message edited by: Ayo ]

[Drrtynewyork]

side note:

i play djembe , love it yo. the best thing to do if you cant find an instructor is pop on a record , put on the headphones and place a mic next to the drum and go off. thats the best way to learn.

[TAD]

check out his link:
http://www.alternativeculture.com/music/basic.htm

[MsTiye78]

If your near the Oak Park area in IL the drummer atiba y jali has drumming classes on saturdays at the Afri ware store in oak park, IL.

[Shalewa]

Call KanKouran (their conference and concert are Labor Day weekend at Howard and Lisner Auditorium- Djembe classes are offered) or Melvin Deele's dance companies in DC or Umoja (Uhuru???) in Baltimore. They should all be listed and they offer community classes in Djembe dance and music. Also look out for Djimo Kouyate and Mahiri Keita, both outstanding Djembe drummers and experienced patient teachers. I do caution you however that all the organizations and individuals I have suggested are serious about preserving and promoting traditional culture and will not be about teaching you to "play to House" but to play your instrument.

[MsTiye78]

disregard my statement, I didnt see the specified states that you were looking for drummers in,

[Ayo]

Originally posted by Shalewa:
Call KanKouran (their conference and concert are Labor Day weekend at Howard and Lisner Auditorium- Djembe classes are offered) or Melvin Deele's dance companies in DC or Umoja (Uhuru???) in Baltimore. They should all be listed and they offer community classes in Djembe dance and music. Also look out for Djimo Kouyate and Mahiri Keita, both outstanding Djembe drummers and experienced patient teachers. I do caution you however that all the organizations and individuals I have suggested are serious about preserving and promoting traditional culture and will not be about teaching you to "play to House" but to play your instrument. Thank you Shalewa, you have been most helpful. I know of a few resources in DC, MD, and VA, but I'm waiting for that one that I know is the right instructor. I hear your caution as well, I have been a daughter of the African spiritualty and culture for a while now (hence the name), but I also must state that to me however, House is a Spiritual thing, a body thing, a soul thing...and so I will play it that way...it's very serious to me. My main goal is not to necessarily play House with the Djembe, I dance for my Egungun (Ancestors) actually, but to be able to accompany House with my drums is a added plus...I guess you could say I'm inspired by Osunlade (among others who incorporate Ifa with House). I will look into your suggestions...Thanks again.