Djembe Articles Part 1...

Here are several excellent articles about the djembe, including information about history, technique, and micro-timing. Enjoy!

• History of the Djembe  
• Rhythms and Cultural Information
• Photos and Descriptions of African Drums
• Microtiming

Rhythmic Ear Training Video Lesson by Jim Donovan

by Jim Donovan
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The ability to hear a rhythmic pattern and then repeat it is among the most helpful skills you can develop. Refining this skill allows you to not only develop a keener sense of listening, but it also can assist you in learning how to hear something that someone else is playing and be able to immediately react to it in a musical way. This video contains several fun exercises you can use to improve your rhythmic listening and reaction skills...
Have fun!




Get the full DVD here..

34 Easy Ways To Improve Your Drum Circle

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by Jim Donovan
(Special thanks and hi-fives to all of my friends on my Blog, Twitter and Facebook for your contributions to this article!!)

If you're anything like me, you like FUN...and FUN is probably why you decided to give this drumming thing a whirl.
So let's pretend for a moment that you have your drum and you made it to the drum circle...
Now what?

Beyond the stress relief, sense of togetherness, and joy you can get from drumming with others is your ability enhance the overall quality of the drum circle experience by the way you interact with the people around you.

Here are 34 easy ideas that you can use to maximize your fun and improve your drum circles right away. Think of these tips as "drum circle etiquette".

And if you have ideas that aren't on the list, leave them below...
Happy drumming!

34 Easy Ways To Improve Your Drum Circle

1. Remove your rings if you are borrowing someones drum.

2. Turn off your cell phone...and resist the urge to text. (Your Twitter followers can wait...)

3. Listen first, play second.

4. Ask permission to use someone's drum before just picking it up.

5. Resist the urge to play louder than everyone else.

6. Get to know each other after the circle, hang out and chat after drumming.

7. Respect the drums you're borrowing.

8. Space! Leave space for others to play.

9. Make the betterment of the "group sound" be your number one priority.

10. If you are a newbie, pay attention to the more experienced drummers around you and learn from them.

11. If you are an expert, remember the newbies in the group and give them encouragement and guidance from time to time. Remember what it was like when you first started drumming!

12. Worrying about mistakes? Fuughet abahht it!
If you are a beginner, you may feel as though everyone is listening to you and your "mistakes" (even though they aren't!) Be brave and just play.

13. Unless you are facilitating, resist playing faster and louder in an attempt to speed up the group.

14. If you get lost, listen for the downbeat - the main "pulse" of the rhythm to find your way back.

15. Tired of drumming? Just dance!

16. Made a mistake during a session? Just SMILE and keep going and get back INTO the group's vibe!

17. It's okay to not drum sometimes, so that you can really listen.

18. How about some hand percussion? Try a shaker, woodblock, or bell.

19. If playing a bell, make sure there is lots of space in your rhythm. Keep the bell rhythm simple and steady.

20. Keep solos short and sweet and then come back and support the group so others can take a "solo".

21. Drum with joy. Remember how fortunate we are to have the opportunity to make music together. Have fun, you deserve it.

22. Breathe...relax...and open your heart to collective possibility..

23. Most importantly (in drumming or dance or life) drop into your heart. Move beyond the thoughts of *how* to do it, or impressing someone, etc....and into "what deep essence wishes to express through me/the drum in this now moment?"

24. Open up to the healing energy that we create when we drum.

25. Feel the group pulse, as if it were your own.

26. In the words of the late great percussionist Bill Roth:
"It's not just what you play, it's also what you don't play."
"It's not just when you play, it's also when you don't play."

27. Realize that there are many different kinds of drum circles that will lead to different kinds of experiences.  Appreciate the value of diversity and try to be conscious of the group dynamic or you may feel disappointed that "they" didn't play the way you like!

28. Bring your best self! Your energy can positively or negatively impact the circle - let go of negativity, feel the rhythm - listen - drum - dance - be

29. Leave your ego at the door! (Or even in the car...)

30. Listen, feel, listen, breathe, listen..

31. Bringing children to a circle can be a great thing, and it can also be incredibly disruptive depending on how it's approached. Etiquette would mandate that if you bring young children, spend a bit of time with them prior, so they understand what's going on.

32. Understand that some people come to the circle with a different method of "feeling" the music due to disabilities they are triumphing over.

33. Why not turn the circle into an excuse to eat as well? Have a potluck afterwards and get to know each other.

34. Relax.

If you'd like to get my free Rhythm Newsletter with useful articles, updates on workshops, retreats and concerts near you, plus special members only giveaways sign-up here... 

Are you looking for some new grooves?
Check out my play-along learning tool "World Rhythm Seeds CD".

Jim Donovan Fall 2009 Workshop/Concert Schedule....

Photo by Sean McLeod

Jim Donovan Fall 2009 Workshop/Concert Schedule....

Dear Friends,
One of the many things I love about teaching is that it keeps me on my toes. Visiting your town each year challenges me to learn and develop new material so that we both keep progressing.
I want to thank those of you who always show up. Knowing you'll be there looking for something new to learn is great motivation for me!

With that in mind, I want to let you in on a few details about all of the exciting drumming we'll be doing over the next few months. I've begun offering a full day program in several cities called the Day of Drumming where you'll have the opportunity to experience both the Rhythm Renewal and Yoga of Drum and Chant workshops. Both workshops have been revamped with much new material, exercises, concepts and songs. In Wellsville, NY and Syracuse, NY, my band Drum the Ecstatic will doing evening concerts to top off our day.

Have a look at the schedule below and join us for some great times!
I look forward to drumming with you soon.

Peace, Jim


Fall 2009 Schedule
10.2.09 West Chester, PA : Yoga of Drum and Chant
10.3.09 Skillman, NJ : The Princeton Day of Drumming
10.10.09 Saxonburg, PA : The Saxonburg Day of Drumming
10.15-10.18.09 Pittsburgh, PA : DrumTalk / World Rhythm Festival
10.24.09 Syracuse, NY : The Syracuse Day of Drumming
11.6.09 Baltimore, MD : The Yoga of Drum and Chant details coming soon
11.7.09 Lewes, DE : The Rehoboth Day of Drumming
11.14.09 Wellsville, NY : The Wellsville Day of Drumming
11.20.09 Camp Hill, PA : Yoga of Drum and Chant
11.21.09 Coopersburg, PA : the Coopersburg Day of Drumming
12.4.09 Pittsburgh, PA : Drum the Ecstatic in concert
12.5.09 Johnstown, PA : The Rhythm Renewal Workshop
12.11.09 York, PA : Yoga of Drum and Chant
12.12.09 Binghamton, NY : The Binghamton Day of Drumming

12.31.09 Manassas, VA
New Years Eve bash with Drum the Ecstatic International
Details coming soon....

CD Giveaway! Enter to win a copy of my new "Rhythmic Ear Training" audio tool

The Rhythmic Ear Training CD
is an interactive play-along audio learning tool that is designed to give you hours of drumming enjoyment while developing a solid sense of rhythm by helping you to improve your listening and musical reaction skills.These skills are some of the most important building blocks in learning to drum with others and also to creating your own exciting rhythms. This unique audio learning tool is the perfect companion for any hand-drummer, drum set player, music teacher or classroom setting.

To win one of 3 copies of this CD, simply enter a comment (one entry per person please!) below saying "I want to win Jim!" by this Sunday, (September 20th) at midnight EST. If you are posting anonymously, I need you to enter your first name and last initial. Winners will be drawn at random, and the results will be posted here next week.

Best of luck!

What is the Summer Rhythm Renewal?

What is the Summer Rhythm Renewal?
Testimonials from last year's participants


It is a gathering of diverse people that love music in all its forms, but who have found the joy that comes from hand drumming and the benefits it brings to the body and the soul.
-Janet Keefer

a well-planned, centering, really fun event where it is easy to relax, and make new friends -- all while drumming!
-Cindy Carroll

Rejuvenation of the mind and spirit! Rhythm Renewal allows us an opportunity to participate in intriguing workshops facilitated by experienced and fabulous teachers and/or mentors; the experience encourages us to take time to explore our inner child and today's self; it is an opportunity to meet and laugh with beautiful people; but most importantly the whole experience leaves us with an enlightened and awakening sense of soul; and reflection of what and who is truly important in our lives!
-Corinna Bealer

Rhythm Renewal is a wonderful rejuvenating 4 day workshop where you are immersed in rhythms, song and dance. It gives voice to the soul of everyone in the group and the group as a whole. It teaches us all the concepts of focus, cooperation, and harmony. It is filled with fun, joy and love... It is just an indescribably amazing and awe inspiring experience ......surreal and other worldly and one that we carry back into our regular lives. The spirit there is totally uplifting and it's an oasis in time to look forward to throughout the year.
-Mary Cogley

Rhythm Renewal is all about renewing the rhythm of self. I had no idea this would be so introspective; it was great.
-Gloria Chlopik

The Rhythm Renewal is an explosion of energy, a spiritual supernova. The first year I went, I thought it was about drumming, but it's really not. Drumming is just Jim's key to the door which opens up the self.
- Andy Patton

a contained place of intention
- PJ Roduta

Rhythm Renewal is putting everything and everyone on hold from where you were and becoming alive and free to be who you are. Experiencing the rhythm of sound, rhythm of oneness, and the renewal of a spiritual connection.
- Victoria Durst

A Rhythmic Experience for your heart, mind, body and soul...
- Nino Vella

An enlightening, vibrating, opening on a mountain that allows all to come together in the love of music, in respect of all musicians and in the desire to connect with yourself and that drum!
- Patrice

A chance to leave everything else in your world behind and focus on nothing but "drumming" or whatever your musical ability may be. To allow yourself through those 4 days to refine and bring that internal rhythm of yours to the surface and just let it be.
- Mary Hinkson

A fulfilling musical/percussion learning experience/getaway in the mountains filled with lots of great music, drumming to your heart's content, seeing old friends, meeting new friends, good food ... a time you wish would never end.
- Tom Freeman & Linda Sachs

This is a fantastic "chill-out" time from my day to day work routine. It proved to be a spiritual renewal, setting in motion the possibility of re-energizing my entire being in some holistic way.
- Carole Freeman

It's designed to revitalize and re-energize the human spirit through rhythmic hand-drumming in a group of like-minded people, who work together so well that we become one sound.
- Dina Creighton

Rhythm Renewal is a gathering of spirits who find drumming a wonderful part of life...A chance for our inner child to come out and play by dance, by closing your eyes and learning that new rhythm, the one you couldn't quite get the day before or maybe the year before. We come together to learn rhythms, to dance, to laugh, to DRUM!
- Ramona

We call it "drum camp." It's a time to be away from home for some concentrated drumming and also to be introduced to new instruments and thoughts.
- Doug Patterson

It is four days focused on finding and getting in touch with your true self; the drumming is an added bonus. The Rhythm Renewal is a Family where everyone is welcome and encouraged to express themselves and their feelings... I know that it is a place that will accept me, no matter what condition I am in and it is a place where I feel loved and accepted, exactly how I am. I guess simply put, the Rhythm Renewal is the way the world should be, full of love and acceptance.
- Amy Cauldwell

It is a place of self expression without judgment. It provides motivation and encouragement to set you on your rightful path. The drumming IS an added bonus, because there is so much more to take away from the experience. Each year I attend the event, my life becomes richer.
- Stephanie Smith

Summer Rhythm Renewal : Web
Join the discussion on Facebook...

2009 Summer Rhythm Renewal New Details

Hello Rhythm Family and Welcome Spring!

I am very pleased to announce several new experiences just added to our 2009 Summer Rhythm Renewal Retreat. If you are planning on being there this year, be sure to register early. We are on track to sell out much earlier this year.

You can register now by calling the Saint Francis University Office of Continuing Education 814-472-3012 to secure your spot.

The Renewal is $279 on or before May 15 or $299 thereafter. (plus housing). http://www.RhythmRenewal.com

One of the great things about the Rhythm Renewal is that all of our instructors will be bringing brand new material to share with you this summer. We pride ourselves on being able to empower beginners while challenging those with more experience.

What's new for 2009?

First of all, our family of instructors is expanding-

Let's give them a warm welcome!

Jaqui MacMillan: Jaqui is a wonderful teacher from Westminster, MD who will presenting her workshop "Drumming for Joy". She has studied under drumming masters such as Babatunde Olatunji and Mamady Keita.

We're also adding an art component this year with Renewal alum Stephanie Smith: Aside from rocking the shekere', Stephanie is a gifted artist who will be presenting her workshop titled "Mandala: An Artful Meditation". Examples of Stephanie's mandalas can be found here.

William "Whit" Whittten will present: "Djun Djuns 101"
The djun djuns are akin to the bass guitar of West African music. Usually a set of three large barrel shaped drums,the djuns are played with sticks, and can be played sitting or standing. We will learn the "village" style of playing djuns, and several traditional West African rhythms. Finally, we will experience how djembe parts interlock with djun parts for a polyrhythmic fun fest! Great for drummers at any level.

And by popular demand, More dancing at the Renewal!

Becky Bickford will presenting West African Dance workshops more info coming soon...

Rhei C Gordon Bura will be presenting Nia Movement & Dance workshops- more info coming soon...

Elie Kihonia will do more Congolese Dance and Drumming as usual...

and more...

Renewal Vet Mike Deaton will be presenting more "all percussion" workshops this year.

Renewal Vet Jim Gagnon presents: "The Dreamtime Workshop"

Explore the possibilities of Dreamtime and Energywork through sound. This class includes beginning and advanced didgeridoo technique, Native American flute technique and vocal toning for meditation and therapy. We will experience many different realms of the awareness of sound and it's application as a healing tool. Add a touch of storytelling and humor for a fun and easy class for all ages.

Also, Renewal Vet (and wonderful Lehigh Valley facilitator/community hub) Moe Jerant will offer:

• Women's Rhythms: A look at rhythms associated with women and their rites of passage.
• Stick Rhythms: Unusual and somewhat trance like rhythms integrating the use of hand and stick.
• HealthRhythms Drum Circle: An opportunity to drum for community and stress reduction.
  

Harry Pepper will offer another installment of shamanic journey drumming.

Tina Stroh will offer early morning yoga.

And I will offer all new Yoga of Drum and Chant Experiences as well as an all new Drumming/Ecstasy& Evolution workshop...

Whew...this will be fun!

I imagine there will be a few more good surprises as well...stay tuned.

Peace, Jim

You can register now by calling the Saint Francis University
Office of Continuing Education 814-472-3012 to secure your spot.

The Renewal is $279 on or before May 15 or $299 thereafter. (plus housing). http://www.RhythmRenewal.com

Ecstatic Desert Music : Tinariwen

This is a clip from a documentary about the Malian group "Tinariwen". They're music is some of the purest groove I've ever had the pleasure of listening to. They use the djembe in a very unique way...simple yet powerful.
Enjoy!

Stress?

From Rhythm :: Ecstasy :: Evolution

Drumming has been used for centuries by the world's indigenous peoples, who have always drummed in ceremony at weddings, births, deaths, harvests, and rites of passage. In recent years, major articles describing the healing effects of this ancient practice have appeared in newspapers and magazines such as the New York Times, The Yoga Journal and Newsweek.

Read more...

Find places to drum here...

A Drummer *IS* Someone Who Drums.

Photo by Kaylyn Oshaben
PJ Roduta pictured in photo at the Summer Rhythm Renewal Concert

This was my response to someone asking a question about what makes a person a "real" drummer:

A drummer *is* someone who drums. The only separation if you can even call it that is the time, effort, intention and attention invested into your art. The art begins the first time you strike a drum. It may be crude at first, but it is completely valid and real. Sheer determination trumps natural gifts any day in my opinion. The best drummers IMHO are the ones who listen and serve the situation at hand. These are the folks who actually contribute energetically to the betterment of all concerned. Drumming works just like life, just like relationships. Bad drummers serve themselves first without regard to the whole picture. Watching masters play is a great way to get better. Listen first to what they're playing but also focus on how they blend, lift, propel, and affect everyone else around them. The greatest players are those who lift everyone up with them.

- Jim Donovan

The Benefits of Hand Drumming

Benefits of Hand Drumming
by Laurie Loeb
Reprinted with permission

The benefits (to Alzheimer/dementia patients) of these rhythm activities, in addition to providing fun, include combating loneliness and isolation; exercising fine and gross motor skills and spacial and temporal relations; stimulating cognitive skills of perception, attention, concentration and memory; exercising creativity; increasing sense of productivity, self-esteem, and empowerment. The residents also find both relaxation and energy through the activities, memories are triggered to become more accessible, and mental alertness and clarity are increased during and immediately following the sessions.

Additionally, staff and residents' families derive much satisfaction from seeing these clients, historically so difficult to engage, joyously participating and positively responding.

The most remarkable aspect of this rhythm program is the high degree of repeated and sustained participation that does not occur with any other on-going activity offered to the residents. For people who suffer from Alzheimer disease and other forms of dementia, this level of engagement is both rare and extremely valuable.

And then, for community drum circles:

• The coming together of a diverse group of people previously unknown to one another, to share a common interest and activity, and good feelings.
• A sense of collaboration and belonging, and the promotion of peace and harmony amongst the participants.
• Provision of an intergenerational and family activity in which adults and children can participate together at their own respective levels of ability.
• Provision of inter-cultural activity in which communication and collaboration can occur without words, and strangers can share innate rhythmic sensibilities.
• Accessible to all, regardless of previous experience or lack thereof. All skill levels can participate simultaneously without the need to modify any level.
• Good exercise for cognitive skills such as attention, perception, and memory.
• Gross and fine motor skill exercise, including coordination and mind-body connections.
• Opportunity to be introduced to, learn and play new instruments and musical forms.
• Opportunity for self-expression and creativity.
• Opportunity to produce one's own music, regardless of previous experience, or lack thereof.
• Opportunity for live, active participation rather than passive entertainment (stupification?) by electronic devices such as TV, computer and video games, etc.
• Opportunity for self-discovery and awakening of human potential.
• Fun, fun, fun!!!!!

Common hand-drumming-related injuries and treatments

Common hand-drumming-related injuries and treatments

Common hand-drumming-related injuries and treatments
by Kalani

Injury Treatment

Soreness in hands, wrists & forearms from playing for long periods of time or playing hard. Ice alternating with heat, motrin, traumeel cream, arnica cream, taping the fingers before playing, not playing as hard, changing one's technique, staying relaxed when playing.

Tightness in the shoulders, neck & back from wearing drums with straps and/ or leaning over the drums. Warming up before playing, deep breathing, keeping good posture, yoga, tai-chi, adjusting straps & stands to fit one's body, massage, shea butter.

Ringing in the ears from playing loud or for long periods of time. Wearing ear plugs & not playing as loud.

Blisters & cracks on the hands from playing with sticks and/or bare hands. Using hand lotion, taping the hands,using pumice to reduce the size of callouses & using "new skin" to help heal & prevent blisters. Numbness in hands from playing. Warming up, not playing as loud & rest. Soreness in feet and / or back from standing. Using orthotics (soul inserts to raise the arch of the foot and align the ankle bones with the foot and leg).

Summary:
As a general rule, most percussionists feel that warming up is an important part of practice and performance. Stretching and massage also seem to be good preventative measures for reducing injuries. As treatment, arnica is a popular remedy as is ice & heat.

An ongoing effort to improve one's technique, to stay relaxed and to breath deeply are also important factors in maintaining good health. Quick fixes include ibuprofen (for reducing swelling) and tape to prevent skin injuries.

Notes:
The above information is a summery of the input that was gathered from an internet survey of 45 drummers & hand percussionists. The purpose of the survey was to identify health issues, both injuries and remedies, that are common among hand drummers. This information is part of a growing data base of health related studies that are being conducted and compiled by the Percussive Arts Society - Health and Wellness committee. Kalani is the world-percussion sub-chairman of the committee. Additional comments and input should be addressed to the above address.

How to Get a Good Sound From Your Djembe

Bass tone
The bass tone is the low sound of the djembe. Using the weight of your forearm, strike the center of the drum with your open palm and bouncing your hand off the skin to get the best bass tone drum. Experiment with striking the drum a little off center to see how your particular drum responds. Keep in mind that each drum is unique and has its own "sweet spots".
Each stroke you play on the drum should be with relaxed muscles and motion. While doing this and the following strokes (except for the muted tone), imagine that you have strings attached from the drum to the palms of your hands. As you do this imagine these strings pulling the sound out of the drum. The head on a drum is a vibrating membrane which moves in an up and down motion. By using this imagery you may allow yourself to pull the best sound out of your drum.

Open tone (or just the "tone")
Continuing in a relaxed way, bring your fingers together as you strike the edge of the drum to create an open resonant sound. The edge of the drum should contact the fleshy part of the base of the fingers between the two joints closest to the hand. Be careful to avoid hitting the rim of the drum with the joints in your hands (under your knuckles and in the lines of you palms and hands).

Slap
The slap is a bright, popping tone. Firm your fingers and curve them slightly (you're still relaxed remember), strike the edge of the drum with the fleshy part of the hand, just below the fingers. Watch that your thumbs stay away from the rim of the drum. Let your fingers pop down and quickly bounce off the drum. To really get a strong "popping" slap. your drum head needs to be very tight. you should not be able to feel any "give" in the head if press down on the middle of your drum head.

Muted tone
This stroke is a muted Pa that creates a cracking, dry sound. Mute the head of your drum by resting one hand on it just before and during the strike of your other hand.

DrumStrong!

DrumStrong is a phenomenal organization doing great work helping to beat cancer.

The founder Scott Swimmer is one of the most passionate people I've ever met.
At age 15, Scott's son Mason was diagnosed with osteosarcoma (a rare bone cancer) and underwent many months of chemo and extensive surgeries on his leg. Three years later he has beaten it and pitches for his varsity high school baseball team. Scott's experience with his own son's battle with cancer has led him to creating DrumStrong.... The world needs more people like Scott Swimmer.

Check out more here...

Friday, February 6th, 2009, 6 p.m.

Not•So•Silent Auction

Benefiting Levine Children's Hospital

COME OUT & PLAY!

DrumsForCures presents our ‘Not•So•Silent’ Auction with music by the world renowned Brubeck Brothers Quartet (Dave's sons), Jim Donovan (Rusted Root), Jim Brock & Jim Roberts and other musical surprises (join the JimJam). With a 'knock-yer-socks-off' opening act by internationally acclaimed Vinx. Enjoy the magnanimous Larry Sprinkle as emcee.

Our ‘Not•So•Silent’ Auction will be at Spirit Square, 345 N. College St. Charlotte, NC, 28202 @ 6:00 pm, with a famous musical jam in the McGlohon Theater.

:: Fabulous hors d’oeuvres, open bar and over 100 exciting silent auction items including signed Lance Armstrong jerseys and posters, Willie Nelson, Mickey Hart, Stephen King and other celeb. autographed items, vintage wines, travel, restaurant & spa packages, 'Meet & Greet' Mickey Hart, premium Dead tix, a rare dw Timeless Timber drum kit and MUCH more.

:: All proceeds benefit the Levine Children’s Hospital cancer research and clinical trials programs.

2005 Rhythm Renewal Faculty Jam

2005 was the first year of bringing faculty other than myself to the Summer Rhythm Renewal. We laid a lot of groundwork that year for what this experience would eventually become. One of our favorite events is the "Faculty Jam". This is a photo of one such jam.

Pictured here from left to right; Mike Deaton on djembe, myself on kit, Jim Gagnon with the didgeridoo and Daveed Korup playing the frame drum.

My Workshops Look Like This...

This is a shot of a workshop I did at a place out in Eastern, PA called Serenity Yoga...really sweet people, lots of good drumming that day. I love the energy of yoga studios...very conducive to music making.

I am often reminded of how thankful I am for drumming...

In my life, drumming has allowed me to live out childhood dreams and also pass along this freedom of expression to countless numbers of people. It's allowed me to learn more about myself, and it's allowed me to evolve as a person.

Maybe some time ago, you came to one of my workshops, or attended a community drum circle. You were provided with a space in which - if only for a few hours, you could safely make noise, drum, yell, dance, and forget about life's problems.

You had a fantastic time, and vowed to make drumming a permanent part of your life. But life goes on as it does, and we get busy and we forget about the good stuff. You were never were able to find the time to get back to that place. That place that made you feel so fulfilled, so grounded and so free.

Drumming is not only satisfying as a social or community event, but also as a healing experience that feeds your spirit. It drops you into a space of presence, of being in the moment, of moving towards openness, and it reminds you that it's ok to push things aside and create space for you yourself to let go and enjoy life.

Each one of the reasons listed above is exactly why I have centered my own life around drumming- and through that, I continue to dedicate my life to help people to move themselves into a more positive and centered place through the sound and vibration of the drum.

Now is the time to do something for yourself.
Now is the time to get out and drum!

Drum with me! Click here for a schedule of my upcoming workshops

Cumulative Effects

Photo courtesy of Rae Ann Drabick

Let's do the math.

If you spend 5 minutes per day playing your drum, that adds up to 35 minutes per week, 2.3 hrs per month, 27.6 hours per year.

What if you spent 10 minutes a day? That's 70 minutes per week, 4.6 hrs per month, 56 hrs per year...

The ability to foresee the cumulative effects of your actions is an important skill to learn both in music and in life. Begin to look at the efficiency of your daily routine and how much time you spend on things that are important to you. Pay attention to those things you could do without, and replace them with actions that will help you to progress.

Peace,
Jim Donovan

The Maestro in Parma

Photo by Eileen Hertweck I think..

I along with Rob James from the Clarks and Chuck Olson are innocently jamming at Le Bistro, a wonderful restaurant and home away from home in the center of Parma, Italy.

All of a sudden I have this wild looking, intoxicated Italian man telling me to stop drumming. He actually goes so far as to take my hands off of the djembe!

I find out later that is is the ex-conductor of the symphony in Parma....

I'm sure it won't be the last time someone tells me to play more quietly..