The Music Village

Introduction to Hand Drumming for Children

This class is an introduction to hand drumming on a Djembe, Ashiko, Conga, Cajon (Box Drum), or a similar percussion instrument. Students will learn the basics of hand drumming techniques, the tones of the drum, and how to play with both tempo and dynamic variations. Students can bring their own drum or use one of TMVs.

Week I: Introductions, a brief history of the drum, hand position, and basic technique.
Week II: Review: Hand position and technique. Students will develop left/right-hand equilibrium and will be introduced to the basic tones of the drum.
Week III: Review: Technique and basic tones. Students will play a simple rhythm with basic tones.
Week IV: Review: Technique and basic tones. Simple rhythms with basic tones will be taught and students will play variations along with the instructor
Week V: Review: Technique and basic tones. Students will learn to play with tempo and to play rhythms with varying tempos.
Week VI: Review: Tempo variations. Dynamic variations will be demonstrated, and students will learn how to play rhythms with tempo and dynamic variation.
Week VII: Review: Tempo and dynamics. Students will learn to play complementary rhythms.
Week VIII: Review: Tempo and dynamics and playing complementary rhythms. Students will have a final jam with the instructor.