Just A Thanks - This Place is Fantastic

[Dont Have A Cow]

I just wanted to give a quick thanks to the moderators and to the people that post here. I am an average guy that has never played drums before. I recently bought a used Conga and a Quinto and would be lost without this site. I ordered a instructional video (Richie Garcia) to help me learn and will probably take a few lessons as well but nothing beats the immediate gratification that this message board and some of the teaching links bring. I am sure there are many other folks that appreciate you all as well. So for me and for them....THANKS!



Edited By Dont Have A Cow on 1105466685

[zaragemca]

welcome to the forum,and the percussion world.

[Dont Have A Cow]

It has been one month since my first post and I am sticking with it. Even though I don't sound anything close to what I hope to eventually achieve, I have been taking weekly lessons and practicing 20-30 minutes every night. I know it is a long process and I have nothing but time and patience. I have to admit that the actual lessons help tremendously. You just can't teach yourself with a video or on line. They can certainly add to your learning but nothing can replace actual lessons with a teacher. This board is still a great reference and resource for me. Thanks again.

[windhorse]

You just can't teach yourself with a video or on line. They can certainly add to your learning but nothing can replace actual lessons with a teacher. This board is still a great reference and resource for me.

:laugh: Bravo!!
This is without a doubt the best advice for anyone learning info from the net! NOTHING replaces human interaction!

[yoni]

Hi, Windhorse!

Definitely no substitute for human interaction! Can't live without interacting...

This may open another can of worms, but I'd take it further, still - nothing replaces interaction of hands on drum.

I have played with two ultra-virtuosos on darbuka, Ahmet and Levent Misirli, who are mainly self-taught (many musicians are) and would play and learn as they played SOLO, each in his own cave several hours a day, joining other players by the fireside to jam only later in the night.

Perhaps more than with any with other instrument, the potential for self-teaching with hand drums is vast. I started some years before I had a lesson - couldn't afford a teacher, and after all, which instrument offers more immediate response and gratification than a hand drum? The 4 basic sounds I learned by seeing/hearing other players do them. The double roll, same way. If I am lucky or blessed physically/mentally it is only with normal faculties and the interest and perseverance to listen and play. Blind players often cannot read notes (even though there's braille), and of course learn mostly by hearing and feeling, teacher or not.

I DID have one teacher later on in my 20's when I could afford one - the great Ayinde Olaniyan. He reviewed for me the 4 basic sounds, taught some traditional Caribbean rhythms and after about 4 lessons he said some words I'll never forget:

"The rest is up to you".

He would take no more money after that, would give no more formal lessons. We played and performed together and I would pick his brains at times for rhythmic and technical pointers, but he was more into jamming and self-learning by hearing and playing... experimentation.

I don't knock the idea of a teacher and teach some myself, though after just a few lessons I say the same as Ayinde said and continue teaching only if the student really insists.

But just as with the question of sight-reading being a "must" or not - there are many approaches to fine musicianship. Teachers are great, can show things one might not learn alone. On the other hand, one can learn through experimentation things they might never learn from a teacher, and develop their own techniques, styles, approaches.

Japanese architects of old would destroy building plans after construction - why? - to permit others the joy of discovering for themselves.

All the best,
yoni



Edited By yoni on 1108397921

[yoni]

I know I elaborated plenty already here and this is off the original topic, but wish to add something...

There are also many musicians who are COMPLETELY self-taught.

Just heard back a recording of a 1993 concert at the Crane School of Music in Potsdam New York. The show was led by Luther Francois, the saxophonist/composer and a father of Caribbean jazz. He often headlines the St. Lucia Jazz Fest, began it also, had Gio, Hilton Ruiz, the late Dave Valentine, Andy Gonzales and others perform his own compositions with him... his credits go on and on, in short, he is shy, reclusive and an absolute genius, quite famous in the Caribbean, France and elsewhere. He studied some in Jamaica but is mostly self-taught.

Anyway, in the '93 concert I mentioned I was joining him on percussion, Ricardo Francois on drums, I forget the bassist's name, and another grand master of Caribbean jazz, Emerson Nurse, was on piano. Emerson is also an amazing composer. He played a solo piece in this show, a pianistic rendition of Bob Marley's "Redemption Song". After the piece, Luther tells the crowd:

"It may interest you to know that Emerson is a completely self taught pianist."

I just heard those words on the disc and it reminded me of the subject.

Emerson (and Luther) grew up in the island of Saint Lucia at a time when very few homes had electricity (most still don't), there was no internet and no music teachers at all. They learned only by playing, by checking out the record collection of Luther's father and by ordering music books from abroad. Luther eventually went to study a bit at a music college in Jamaica, but Emerson is truly completely self taught, and believe me he is a "monster" musician if there ever was one.

And there are many, many more musicians in the third world and elsewhere who have never once had a teacher and who play magnificently. Emerson is one who I've had the honor of knowing and working with a long time.

Where there's a will, there's a way.

Saludos,
yoni

[Dont Have A Cow]

No offense to anyone that has been able to learn without a teacher. What I should have said was...."I just can't teach myself with a video or on line" rather than "You just can't teach yourself with a video or on line".

I am the first to admit I need the help and am lucky enough to have found very reasonable lessons.

[ralph]

you know its true that a personal teacher, 1st hand will be your best reference. not to beat a dead horse. In light of not being able to afford one all the time, because most will charge, you might want to start collecting some music with the rhythms that interest you, i am sure anyone hear can recommend a couple. You know dvd's and music coupled with personal teaching experience can be very effective for some, but i would venture to say that not for all, peace.
What kind of rhythms you learning by the way?
peace

[yoni]

Hi all!

Again, I don't knock the idea of a teacher, which can of course be fun & effective. A good one can be downright inspiring.
Should have said my point just was that if you want one and can't find or afford one, don't despair - just about anything's possible, and many approaches to musicianship are fun & available... having an instrument to play on and listen to is paramount.

All the best,
yoni



Edited By yoni on 1108664247

[JohnnyConga]

Yo "Don't have a Cow'....I had an ol buddy of mine, who may still be around from Philly...he played and toured with Mongo Santamaria, His name is "Peachy" Jarmin, you should look him up and see if he is still around. He was one bad Mutha!... and a nice guy too.......Welcome again to our home..."JC" Johnny Conga....

Attachment: http://mycongaplace.com/forum/eng/uploa ... chards.jpg

[franc]

don't have a cow,
try learning to read music . is a great way to start. it does take time, but then you will be able to learn any rhythms in congas. like i do, i start slowly the rhythm patterns. then as time goes by you increase the tempo. of course it takes time and lot of practice. hope this help. my best to you and aché to you and all in the forum!!!! your friend franc:rock:

[CongaTick]

Don't have a cow,

We play in Philly 'burbs. If you get out of the city...

http://www.blanktrio.com/

CongaTick

[CongaTick]

BTW Don't have a cow:

I've been on the forum sidelines for a long time, and must agree with you big time. I have a big debt of gratitude for the pros and gentlemen who gather here daily. My respect for their efforts is huge, and I will continue to visit this wonderful place every morning. Who knows, somewhere in the distant future, I may even have something to contribute that may be of value. I second "Don't have a cow's" sentiments. Thanks to all of you for being a resource, comfort and guide for the percussive soul in all of us.

[Dont Have A Cow]

How could I refuse an invitation to see a band that when you click on their website the first song that appears is from the CURE! Right on. I would love to come see you guys and traveling to the burbs is no problem. Tell me what would be a good night / good show and I will be in the audience.