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Catalog > Books > Percussion updated May 31, 2008
Titles listed in alphabetical order
Absolute Beginners Bodhran Tutor -- by Conor Long $11.95
32 pages. A simple, easy-to-use introduction to the bodhran. Learn to play this wonderful, ancient percussion instrument and liven up your traditional Irish sessions! This book aims to teach the beginner the basics of good bodhran playing with full participation in a traditional session as its principal goal. Standard notation. The companion CD is highly recommended for understanding the dynamic function of the bodhran in session playing.
Absolute Beginners Bodhran Tutor (DVD) -- by Conor Long $32.95
This excellent instructional DVD is for anyone taking up the bodhran for the first time and who wants to start playing immediately. Learn to play your first basic strokes and accompany tunes. The DVD also features live stage performances featuring Irish performers Conor Long (bodhran), Gavin Ralston (guitar), and Paul McNevin (fiddle).
Anyone Can Play Djembe (DVD) -- by Paolo Mattioli $14.95
72 minutes. Play Djembe Now! Have FUN learning contemporary and traditional Djembe rhythms. World-renowned drummer educator Paulo Mattioli shares his special gift for empowering others on the drumming path. Paulo makes playing Djembe easy for anyone in this comprehensive DVD.
Arabic Percussion (DVD) -- by Yinon Muallem $24.95
74 minutes. On this unique and personal instructional DVD, Instructor Yinon Muallem teaches 5 different Arab percussion instruments: Darbuka (also known as Doumbek), Riqq, Mazhar, Duff and Zils, with a greater focus on the Darbuka and the Riqq. The video starts with the basics, and continues with the teaching of popular rhythms, so that even people with no previous experience whatsoever in music can become proficient on these drums. The video is easy to follow, and the instructions are very clear. As the lessons progress, you will learn nine different rhythms. The concluding segment of the video includes a review of all the rhythms, in the order in which they were taught. It will allow you to practice, and even improvise, on your own. Mr. Muallem teaches with a sincere desire to make learning enjoyable. An instructional booklet is included as a PDF file on the DVD.
Art of Arabic Drumming (DVD) -- by Trevor Salloum $19.95
43 minutes. Doumbek, dumbek, Arabic tabla, darbuka and derbeki are all names to describe the Middle Eastern drum that has intrigued generations for thousands of years. The Art of Arabic Drumming DVD is an opportunity to learn the fundamentals of this exotic instrument and explore the mystique of its music. Well known author and percussionist Trevor Salloum takes you on a journey into his Middle Eastern roots and provides a clear presentation of tuning, positioning, strokes, exercises, notation, timing, ear training, soloing and common rhythms. Includes a rare, special feature performance of world-renowned Middle Eastern percussionist Michel Merhej Baklouk.
Art of Bongo Drumming (DVD) -- by Trevor Salloum $24.95
54 minutes. This DVD is packed with informative chapters on history, selection, positioning, strokes, practice tips/exercises, clave, martillo, repiques/fills, bongo bell, soloing, and much more. The diverse rhythms explored on this DVD include martillo, bolero, jazz, rock, odd-time signatures, samba, and bossa nova. A rare and special feature is highlighted footage and commentary of a bongo performance by the great Armando Peraza (Santana, George Shearing, Cal Tjader). Suitable for all levels, this DVD is sure to be a valuable addition to your percussion library.
The Bodhran -- 25 pages, by Michael O'Suilleabhain $15.95
An easy-to-understand beginner's method illustrating how to play the bodhran. Shows the different regional styles and techniques. Describes the construction of the bodhran and its uses. Using several diagrams and musical notation, the book explains the different styles of bodhran playing and rhythm patterns.
Bodhran Basics (with CD) -- 32 pages, by Steafan Hannigan $16.95
This easy-to-read and portable book is an introductory course in the art of playing the bodhran and covers all the basic techniques needed to accompany tradition and other music. Contains illustrations, diagrams and traditional tunes to play along with on the companion CD.
The Bodhran Book -- 94 pages, by Steafan Hannigan $14.95
Highly used and recommended, Steafan's second bodhran instruction book will teach varied techniques through detailed instruction. Demo CD is available.
Bodhran, Bones and Spoons -- 105-minute DVD, by Tommy Hayes $32.95
Ireland's greatest Bodhran player, Tommy Hayes, who is featured on many Irish recordings, T.V. shows and films, including In The Name of the Father, shares his lifetime skills with you. In this DVD he shows various techniques, handstyles, rolls, strokes and many other skills used in playing the bodhran, bones, and spoons.
The Bongo Book -- (with CD) by Trevor Salloum $17.95
64 pages. Here's an entire book devoted to the all too often overlooked Latin instrument, the bongo drums. Trevor Salloum guides you on an inspired informative, and educational musical journey; offering many valuable insights of playing this instrument as well as revealing its colorful history. This text features jazz, rock, Danzon, Mozambique, and bomba patterns with fills, exercises, and performance techniques to get you going in these styles. Maintenance, characteristic rhythmic patterns, and important artists in the evolution of bongo technique are also covered in depth. The companion CD features recordings of the rhythm patterns discussed in the book.
Conga Drumming -- (with CD) by Alan Dworsky and Betsy Sansby $24.95
160 pages. This is the only complete, step by step course on conga drumming in print. After working through only a few chapters of this book, you'll be able to jam with others in playing the irresistible rhythms that form the roots of Salsa. The clear text, illustrations, and easy to read charts make learning to play authentic Afro-Cuban rhythms easy even without previous experience as a percussionist. The warm, friendly tone of the text creates the intimate feel of private lessons. All 175 rhythms in the book are included on the companion CD.
Conga Drumming: A Beginner's Video Guide -- (DVD) by Jorge Bermudez $19.95
60 minutes. The bestselling book Conga Drumming comes to life in this Beginner's Video Guide with Jorge Bermudez - a dynamic teacher with 20 years of professional playing and recording experience with groups like Pablo Cruise, Crowded House, and the Gipsy Kings. Conga Drumming's authors Alan Dworsky and Betsy Sansby help with the teaching and Scott Sansby plays shekere, maracas, and cymbals in the ensemble performances. Learn authentic conga parts for calypso, rumba, conga, bomba and bembe The secret of "mano secreta" - the technique used by master conga drummers to play with comfort, fluidity, and safety. Note: The first half of the book of the same title is contained in the video instruction.
Darbuka Method -- by Behnan Gocmez $19.95
56 pages. The darbuka is a goblet-shaped small hand drum that is widely played in classical and folk music, especially in North Africa and Turkey. It is commonly available in Egyptian and Turkish varieties. The instrument is also known by various other names including darabukka, darbuquah, dumbek, tof, or tombak. This method presents intermediate to advanced instruction including playing positions, techniques, and rhythm exercises. Numerous photographs and diagrams aid comprehension of the material, as does the companion CD, which demonstrates all of the exercises and examples in the book. Advanced techniques covered in this text include: the up position, the finger tick, clap stroke, 3-2-3 technique, hammer technique, the slap technique, and dampen technique. The text is presented in English, French, and German.
Doumbec Delight -- by Mary Ellen Donald $27.50
This book contains a 30 lesson course in Middle Eastern drumming with basic music theory. Very detailed instruction.
Drum Circle Spirit -- (with CD) by Arthur Hull $29.95
208 pages. Subtitled "Facilitating Human Potential Through Rhythm". Arthur Hull, recognized as the father of the drum circle movement, uses rhythm circles for spirit- and team-building among personal growth and religious groups, major corporations and to help build community in grass roots organizations around the world. This book includes discussion and education about 'rhythmaculture'; a play-along universal grooves CD with orchestration outlines; drum circle games; facilitation exercises; orchestration exercises; and the author's philosophies, terminologies, and stories. All of these tools are designed to act as a foundation from which facilitators can grow and develop their own styles.
Fun With The Doumbek (Instructions and 50 Rhythm Variations) -- by Steve Kundrat $7.50
Detailed beginning instruction followed by 50 rhythm variations for Middle Eastern drumming.
Hip Grooves for Hand Drums -- (with CD) by Alan Dworsky and Betsy Sansby $24.95
96 pages. Subtitled "How to Play Funk, Rock, and World Beat Patterns on Any Drum". All you need is one drum. It can be a Djembe, a conga, or anything else you can get both your hands on. Whether your goal is to play in a band, jam in the park, or just drum along with your favorite CD's, this book will show you how, step by step. This book is filled with great dance grooves. Many of them are adapted from drumset patterns used in rock, pop, and funk music. Others are based on traditional African or Afro-Cuban rhythms. You can play all these grooves in a wide variety of musical styles and settings, and you can hear how each one sounds on the CD that comes with the book.
How To Make Drums, Tomtoms & Rattles -- by Bernard S. Mason $6.95
A detailed instruction book on the craft of drum-making and primitive percussion instruments for modern use.
How To Play Djembe -- (with CD) by Alan Dworsky and Betsy Sansby $24.95
96 pages. This book is a complete, step-by-step, user friendly course on how to play djembe. Right from the start, in addition to learning how to make all the basic strokes, you'll be learning interlocking parts for some of the most popular West African rhythms; Kuku, Djole, Kassa, Madan, Suku, Sunguru Bani and Thiba. After working through only a few lessons, you'll be able to put the parts together and start playing these irresistible rhythms with your friends. The rhythms are written in simple charts, so no music reading is required. The CD that comes with the book gives you a chance to hear how each part sounds separately and how the parts for each rhythm fit together. It was recorded by John Camara, a master drummer from Bamako, Mali. Each rhythm lasts at least five minutes, so you'll have plenty of time to play along. And when John solos during the final three minutes of each track, you'll feel the thrill of playing your part along with an ensemble and lead drummer.
The Irish Drum (An Bodhran) -- by Peter Houlahan (optional CD) $14.45
32 pages. The Irish Drum presents Peter Houlahanˆ¢s ideas and techniques in an accessible and informative manner. Using this book along with the optional recording, there is no doubt that, armed with Peterˆ¢s years of knowledge and experience, you could soon be playing the bodhran with the best of them.
Learn To Play On Tabla Book 1 -- by Ram Avtar Vir $12.00
Pankaj Publications' "Learn Yourself" music series presents this book covering the Tabla, its parts, nomenclature, boles, tuning, methods of maintenance and playing in different styles. Learn to Play On Tabla Book 2 is also available as a more advanced instructional Tabla Book.
Learning the Tabla -- (with CD) by David Courtney $22.95
80 pages. The tabla, a hand drum which originated in India, has become very popular throughout the world. This method covers everything you need to know to learn to play the tabla, including the history and parts of the tabla, tuning and maintenance, positioning, basic exercises, and numerous techniques and patterns. A glossary is included to help the student decipher the many mnemonics and foreign terms which are essential to the tradition of the tabla. The accompanying CD illustrates many of the exercises, so that this book may be used either with or without a teacher.