recommended resources for beginning to intermediate players

[jmain]

Sorry for posting on a 6 month old thread, but I think this fits.

First I would like to say that this is a wonderful forum and I'm so glad to have found it. I appreciate all the info and community.

I'm a beginner at djembe. I want to build a bit of a foundation before taking lessons and figure that the DVDs would be the way to go. I was looking at Les Rythmes du Mandeng volume 1 or to get Traditional Rhythms of the Mandingue for the Beginner. I see that bubudi suggested both, but I can't get both right now. Just wanted to know which would be a good first to get in order to build a foundation with proper technique and the rhythms.

I plan on taking lessons in MD with Mahiri Keita-Edwards after this initial self-learning. My intention is to play in drum circles and enjoy the music. I have a foundation in bass guitar, but very minimal in African rhythms.

Peace and Grace
Jesse

[e2c]

To be honest, I think your upcoming lessons are the best bet for technique and more. And I'd ask Mahiri for suggestions re. those DVDs.

It's a *lot* easier to pick up the basics in a face-to-face learning situation. There's lots that can be picked up from vids, probably more that can't....

[rachelnguyen]

Hi Jesse,

I am with e2c on this one. I think it makes much more sense to get into a class with a live teacher FIRST... then get a video if you want to round out your skills. Don't be afraid to walk into a class knowing nothing. In my case, my teacher has absolute beginners all the time. For the first class or two it might be a little overwhelming, but they quickly start to get the groove and begin to build their skills.

Also, working with a teacher is a very different experience than working on your own. When you work from a video or book and cd, you can plod along as slowly as you want to get the handing and rhythms. In a class, you jump in and the rest of the group is going on around you and it is much more fast paced. In my mind, it is certainly a bigger challenge, but it is also a much more valuable process. Plus, a live teacher can correct any major mistakes you are making right away so you don't grind them in. (This is especially important with your hand technique in order to produce a good sound and not hurt yourself.)

When I started studying with my teacher 2 years ago, I never dreamed it would be as hard as it was. But now, I have the beginnings of a solid foundation. It has been an amazing ride.

Congrats on your drum and keep us posted on your progress.

Love,
Rachel

[bubudi]

welcome, jesse! please introduce yourself in the intro section if you feel up to it.

face to face is def the way to go if you're near a good teacher. i posted these resources more as a backup for those who live far from a good teacher or who need a bit extra to complement their classes. i'd say go with either of the mamady keita series. you will often get a discount for a whole series compared with buying each level singly.

[bops]

Hi Jesse,

If I understand correctly, you are planning to take some jembe lessons in the near future, but you'd like to understand a little bit more about the basics before showing up to the first lesson. Sounds like a good idea to me. I would recommend either of the DVDs you mentioned, but I've only had experience with the first series. If my memory serves, some of the more common rhythms are covered in the original VHS series. Mamady's videos are by far the best I've seen.

I think that your teacher would appreciate your efforts to gain an understanding of the basics prior to coming to class. Especially if the resources you learn from are made by his own teacher. Go for it. Good luck!

[e2c]

Jesse, I think bops is right about Mamady's instructional DVDs being the best that are currently available. I don't have all of them, but I like the one I do have... I think he's also correct in saying that taking initiative on your own is a good thing. (I didn't intend to discourage you from doing that, BTW. )

Take things slow - if you're new to this music, it will likely seem confusing at first. Lessons and practice will pay off, though.