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..

How To Make Your Drumming More Meaningful

Pj Roduta, Harry Pepper and Bryan Fazio of Drum the Ecstatic International.

Photo by Kaylyn Oshaben

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by Jim Donovan

A few years before I joined Rusted Root, I was studying at the University of Pittsburgh to become a professional classical percussionist. As I honed my musical skills, I remember thinking that when I could play a piece of music perfectly that I was "finished' with it and that somehow just executing a performance well was all there was to making good music. But after years of performing and watching the ways in which an audience reacts to and interacts with music, I discovered that ''good execution" is only the beginning. There is a vast world of experience to be had beyond just playing the patterns.

Through this realization I was inspired to figure out a way to share these ideas so that anyone, regardless of their musical ability, could easily learn how to make their drumming as well as other musical experiences more meaningful right away. What follows is a five step process that I use to connect with the music I play. 

1st step: Learn the mechanics of the music. This is a fancy way of suggesting that you learn the song, or rhythm or passage that you're interested in playing. Whether it is something you've created, or a traditional song, it helps immensely to train your muscles to do what your brain is asking them to do. Generally this is best achieved by slow repetition at a consistent tempo and by gradually speeding up only when you can execute the pattern or passage flawlessly. Continue to work on the mechanics until all of your motion is as effortless and relaxed as possible. Staying relaxed will allow for maximum endurance when playing something that requires a great deal of power or speed.


2nd step: Integrate your physical body with the patterns. Many times when we are making movements with our hands, all the motion and a majority of the energy ends up coming from our brains into our hands. This brain-hand coordination is only part of physically integrating a rhythmic pattern.

In this step you are allowing the rest of your body to participate in the pattern or phrases. Stevie Wonder is good example of someone who does this. Think about how he moves his body as he plays his piano. His whole upper body is moving with the rhythm of the music almost like a dance. If you were to see his feet, they would be moving around as well. His whole body is moving within the patterns he is creating.

A simple way to practice this idea is to allow your upper torso to sway back and forth ever so slightly in time with your pattern. The goal of this step is to really feel whatever your playing throughout your entire physical body. Eventually your motions will become very fluid and these motions will help to direct your musicality. This second step will help you to internalize the music and make it a part of you. This isn't about forcing movement that feels unnatural, but rather an encouragement let yourself move with your music in whatever way feels natural to you. 

3rd step: Integrate your breath with your phrases. Here you are learning a vital step in discovering how to deeply connect with the music you are making through the conscious connection of your breath to your musical phrases.

This process involves lining up your exhalations with the downbeat or beginning of a rhythmic phrase. To do this, simply breathe in before the beginning of the first phrase and exhale at the very beginning of the next phrase on the downbeat (also known as beat "one"). It's not necessary to do this on every phrase, but the key is to get into the habit of connecting your breath to your phrases as often as possible without hyperventilating. This kind of process not only keeps you relaxed, but it significantly helps you to remain focused and in the moment.

4th step: Align your intention and thoughts with the music you are creating.
This step underlines something vital about the responsibility of any musician, no matter what skill level you are. 

Know that your instrument serves as an amplifier for the intention, energy and emotion you hold within you as you play.

To utilize the gift of music to it's fullest potential, it's important to take a few moments before you play to clear your mind, center yourself and reflect on your intention. Consider why you play music in the first place, and why you are playing in this very moment. Find a way to put yourself in a focused state of mind as you let go of the "outside" world. Use whichever techniques you enjoy like stretching, yoga, deep breathing, going for a quick walk, meditation, etc. If you are playing a piece of music with lyrics, and you know the meaning of those lyrics, you can hold in your mind the message or idea that the particular song is trying to convey. Bring this idea into your mind every so often as the song progresses. In this process you are aligning your own personal energy with that of the music. If you are not aware of the meaning in the lyrics of a particular song, or if it is an instrumental piece, it is still possible to inject intention into the music. You can decide to hold a specific emotion or idea inside of yourself as you play. For example; you can hold the intention of spreading the energy of peace and imagine that every note you play expresses this idea as it sends that idea out into the world.

5th step: Be the example. This step is all about action. It's about doing all of these things; learning the mechanics, integrating your physical body into the pattern, integrating your breath into your phrases, aligning your intent into the music you are creating and then displaying these actions. Remember, that the best way to positively influence those around you is to just "do what you do" and let them watch and potentially assimilate your actions.

Many musicians get stuck early in their learning thinking that the whole goal of being a musician is the flawless execution of technique. Once the execution becomes highly advanced, sometimes they will feel they have reached their highest potential as a musician and will stop working towards a true connection to he music.

Music is not just the notes, lyrics, chords or rhythms- it's all of those things combined with humanness. Once you begin to integrate all that you are into your music, your whole perspective will change on what it really means to play.

You may also discover that not only are you playing music, but the music is just as much playing you.

 

You may also be interested in these recent posts:

5 Steps To Using The Hidden Power Of Your Mind

How To Create Your Ideal Condition in Under 5 Minutes

Why do I drum?

View Jim Donovan's upcoming workshop schedule here... 

Get Jim's Instructional CDs and DVDs here...

Why do I drum?

My trusty drum kit..

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by Jim Donovan

I was thinking about this question today and I realized that beyond the enjoyment and energy, that I drum because it teaches and reflects to me important aspects about my life...

• Like feeling stuck or uninspired because I feel like I am just repeating the same old rhythms...
• Or trying to learn new challenging new rhythms where the patterns challenge, frustrate, and right out confound me...
• And even realizing, that the rhythms in and of themselves aren't nearly as important as the intention I inject into them.

Elie Kihonia and I drumming at Riverbeat in Pittsburgh.

When I drum, it reminds me of the craving I have to be "in the groove", fully present and in joy. I feel the most alive when new ideas are flowing effortlessly and great music happens!

Drumming is one of the tools that continuously challenges me figure out a way to create that which is inspiring. Whether I break "hard" rhythms down into smaller parts, play them more slowly, or find someone to help me figure it out, drumming always gives me opportunities to grow... if I look closely...


I want to know, why do you drum?
Be a part of this article by leaving you answer in the comments below!

5 Ways to Create A Deeper Connection with Your Music : Part 3

Photo by Kaylyn Oshaben

View Parts 1 and 2 of this series...

by Jim Donovan

5th step: Be the example. This step is all about action. It's about doing all of these things; learning the mechanics, integrating your physical body into the pattern, integrating your breath into your phrases, aligning your intent into the music you are creating and then displaying these actions. Remember, that the best way to positively influence those around you is to just "do what you do" and let them watch and potentially assimilate your actions.

Many musicians get stuck early in their learning thinking that the whole goal of being a musician is the flawless execution of technique. Once the execution becomes highly advanced, sometimes they will feel they have reached their highest potential as a musician and will stop working towards a true connection to he music.

Music is not just the notes, lyrics, chords or rhythms- it's all of those things combined with humanness. Once you begin to integrate all that you are into your music, your whole perspective will change on what it really means to play music.

You may also discover that not only are you playing music, but the music is just as much playing you.

Allow me to introduce "Drum the Ecstatic"

Allow me introduce "Drum the Ecstatic" by Jim Donovan

If you like to dance, have fun and listening to intense African infused drumming music. Check out my band "Drum the Ecstatic". We do an exciting combination of West and Central African music as well as many fun covers from Fela Kuti to Bob Marley to Rusted Root. I love playing with these guys, because every night we do something different and they challenge me to become a better musician.

Playing the group are mainstays such as Congolese music master Elie Kihonia on vocals, keys and drums, PJ Roduta & Bryan Fazio on congas and percussion, Brandon King on keys and percussion and myself on drum set & vocals. We often have good friends like Mike Deaton, Harry Pepper, Etse Nyadedzor, Sogbety Diomande, Bill Burke, Paul Berkobin, Bob Corson, Brian Bromka, Stephanie Smith, Moe Jerant, Jim DiSpirito and many others sitting in with us.

The cast of musicians is constantly changing which keeps it fun for us. Most times we play with no set list and just call out songs as they come up. We've been known to play shows where an hour of it are pieces we know, while other pieces we just make up on the spot. We've even been known to play an hour of disco & R&B covers if the mood strikes....

Mostly Drum the Ecstatic is all about just playing good music and enjoying each other.

If you have the urge to get your drum on, join us for our next concert on March 21 in Beaver, PA. Here are the details...

You can also check our schedule for all future dates here...

Watch Lady : Jim Donovan's Drum the Ecstatic International | View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

Play a monster drum kit right at your computer

Just what you need, another place to waste 10 minutes..
Well, what are you waiting for?
Go play..
http://www.kenbrashear.com/

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...

2 Master Drummers Going At it

We can all learn a thing or two from these guys...

Beginners Djun Djun Lesson with Jim Donovan

Photo by Kaylyn Oshaben

One of the most beautiful, yet sometimes overlooked African drums are the djun-djuns.
The voice that the djuns give really help drumming music become more dynamic and musical, especially when combined with iron bells.

Below is a beginner lesson from my Rhythmic Foundation DVD.
This video shows you how to hold the stick and how to strike the drums efficiently. The next step after learning this basic technique would be to attach the bell to the djun djun and learn to do the bell in one hand while playing the djun in the other hand.

In traditional West African drumming, there are 3 sizes of Djuns: The smallest is called the kenkeni, the medium drum is the sangban and the large is called the dununba. The iron bells that attach are referred to by some as toke' bells.

The djuns and the bells are typically the drums that carry the melodies of WA drumming music, while the more popular djembe is used primarily as an accompaniment instrument. The exception to this being the lead drum or master drummer who uses a very high pitched djembe for soling and doing calls....

If you're looking for a few masters of these instruments:
Check out Mamady Keita
or Michael Markus

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.

My Students Opening for the Clarks in Italia..

One of my favorite things to do to my students is to make them perform in public after only playing for a short time...The students you see here were in my hand drumming class during a semester in Parma, Italy in May 08.
After 5 days of working with them for 2.5 hrs per day, I told them we would be performing live doing an opening slot for the band The Clarks in front of an Italian audience...

The students of course weren't so sure they could pull it off...I knew they would be fine...they did spectacular. the shades were there idea...

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.

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

Rhythm Renewal

What is Rhythm Renewal?

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