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Carles Planells

THE COURSE

In this "Practical Djembe Course", first of all, we will see the basic sounds of the Djembe, to be able to learn, then, a considerable number of rhythms.

We will specifically learn 250 rhythms.

Some of the rhythms are in 4/4 time signature (which is a way of counting time used in styles of music such as rock, pop, funk, Latin, hip-hop ...).

Other rhythms are in 3/4 time signature (another way of counting time used in styles such as blues, jazz, swing, folk ...)

Read more

THE COURSE

In this "Practical Djembe Course", first of all, we will see the basic sounds of the Djembe, to be able to learn, then, a considerable number of rhythms.

We will specifically learn 250 rhythms.

Some of the rhythms are in 4/4 time signature (which is a way of counting time used in styles of music such as rock, pop, funk, Latin, hip-hop ...).

Other rhythms are in 3/4 time signature (another way of counting time used in styles such as blues, jazz, swing, folk ...)

In this way, we will have a repertoire of rhythms wide enough to play over our favorite songs and even improvise by combining some rhythms with others.

In short, it is a practical method to approach the learning of this fabulous percussion instrument and introduce us to the world of rhythm and time.

MUSIC &

We all know the beneficial power of music, both physically and mentally.

There are numerous studies that link playing an instrument with good brain activity.

In addition, the music goes directly to our emotions and each song transports us to a state of mind as if by magic.

Besides, the relational power of music has also been demonstrated when it comes to generating bonds with others.

All the positive qualities of music are amplified when you generate the music yourself.

Percussion is an ideal way  to get into the music or to solidify your tempo and rhythm if you already play an instrument.

Percussion gives us that essence of origins that allows us to forget for a moment our problems and connect with our depths.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Play djembe
  • The basic sounds of the instrument
  • Develop the basic technique & cordination
  • Learn a substantial number of rhythms

Syllabus

Introduction
Presentation
Basic sounds + learning system
Rhythm Study Method
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Develops basic technique and coordination, which are essential for playing the djembe and other percussion instruments
Explores rhythms in 4/4 and 3/4 time signatures, which are commonly used in various musical styles, including rock, pop, blues, and jazz
Highlights the beneficial power of music, both physically and mentally, which can enhance overall well-being and emotional connection
Teaches a substantial number of rhythms, providing a wide repertoire to play over favorite songs and improvise

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Reviews summary

Practical djembe with 250 rhythms

According to learners, the "Practical Djembe Course: 250 Rhythms" provides a practical approach to learning the djembe, making it particularly accessible for beginners. Students consistently praise the clarity of the instructor and the course's central feature: a vast collection of over 250 rhythms to learn and practice. The course is seen as highly hands-on, focusing directly on playing rather than extensive theory or history, which many find beneficial for quickly developing playing skills. However, some reviewers note that the structure of lessons, particularly for the rhythms, can become repetitive. Overall, it's considered a solid resource for building a large rhythm repertoire and gaining foundational playing ability.
Concentrates on playing rhythms, less on deep theory.
"This course is exactly what it says - practical. It's all about learning and playing the rhythms."
"If you're looking for deep music theory, history, or cultural context, this isn't the place, but it's great for playing."
"I appreciate the focus on just getting your hands on the drum and playing along with the examples."
"It's very performance-oriented, which is what I wanted, not a theoretical deep dive."
Course builds skills from the ground up.
"As a complete beginner with no prior percussion experience, I found this course very accessible and encouraging."
"It starts with the absolute basics like hand technique and sounds, which is perfect for someone just starting out."
"I had never played djembe before, and now I feel comfortable playing many different rhythms."
"If you're a new player looking to start, this course provides a strong foundation."
Instructor is easy to follow, lessons are practical.
"The instructor explains everything very clearly and the lessons are easy to follow along with."
"I found the teaching method very practical, focusing on getting me playing rhythms right away."
"Instructions for the basic sounds and the rhythm study method were spot on and easy to grasp."
"The practical demonstrations make it simple to understand how to play each rhythm."
Over 250 rhythms offer extensive practice.
"The sheer number of rhythms provided is incredible and gives me so much to practice."
"Having 250 rhythms really makes this course feel like a complete resource for building my repertoire."
"I appreciate the wide variety of rhythms covering different time signatures, offering plenty of material."
"I love having access to such a large collection of rhythms right at my fingertips."
Many lessons follow a similar, repetitive format.
"While the rhythms are different, the structure of each rhythm lesson is very repetitive, which can get a bit monotonous."
"Once you understand the rhythm method shown at the start, you might find yourself fast-forwarding through parts of the videos."
"I wish there was a little more variation in how the rhythms were presented after the initial section."
"The consistency is good for learning the method, but less engaging over the long run."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Practical Djembe Course: 250 Rhythms (Full Version) with these activities:
Understanding Basic Music Theory
Reinforce understanding of musical concepts like time signatures and rhythm notation.
Show steps
  • Read the sections on rhythm and time signatures.
  • Complete the exercises in the book.
  • Relate the concepts to djembe rhythms.
Practice Basic Hand Drumming Techniques
Improve hand drumming technique to execute djembe rhythms more effectively.
Show steps
  • Review basic hand positions and striking techniques.
  • Practice transitioning between different sounds.
  • Focus on maintaining consistent rhythm and tempo.
Rhythm Repetition Exercises
Solidify rhythm recognition and execution through repetitive practice.
Show steps
  • Select 5-10 rhythms from the course material.
  • Practice each rhythm for 5 minutes, focusing on accuracy.
  • Gradually increase the tempo while maintaining accuracy.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Record Yourself Playing Rhythms
Analyze your playing and identify areas for improvement.
Show steps
  • Choose 3-5 rhythms from the course.
  • Record yourself playing each rhythm.
  • Review the recordings and note any mistakes or inconsistencies.
  • Practice the rhythms again, focusing on correcting the identified issues.
Compose a Simple Djembe Piece
Apply learned rhythms to create an original musical composition.
Show steps
  • Select 3-4 rhythms from the course that you enjoy.
  • Experiment with different combinations and arrangements of the rhythms.
  • Create a simple structure for your piece (e.g., intro, verse, chorus).
  • Practice your composition until you can play it smoothly.
Practice with Other Drummers
Improve timing and coordination by playing with others.
Show steps
  • Find other djembe players in your area or online.
  • Schedule a practice session to play together.
  • Share rhythms and provide feedback to each other.
Explore West African Rhythms
Gain a deeper understanding of the cultural context and variations of djembe rhythms.
View Melania on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read about the history and cultural significance of West African rhythms.
  • Listen to recordings of traditional West African music.
  • Compare the rhythms in the book to those learned in the course.

Career center

Learners who complete Practical Djembe Course: 250 Rhythms (Full Version) will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Percussion Instructor
Percussion instructors teach students of all ages how to play percussion instruments, read music, and develop their musical skills. This course, with its focus on the djembe and its rhythms, could be useful for someone wishing to share their knowledge of percussion as an instructor. Those who take this course and learn 250 rhythms may be better prepared to teach djembe techniques and rhythms to their students. Learning basic sounds, techniques, and a variety of rhythms are skills useful in the field of percussion instruction. This course may provide a strong foundation for teaching others the art of djembe playing.
Drum Circle Facilitator
Drum circle facilitators lead group drumming events to promote community building, stress reduction, and creative expression. As a drum circle facilitator, a solid understanding of rhythm and percussion is essential, and this course provides that. Knowing 250 rhythms specifically helps anyone looking to become a drum circle facilitator create diverse and engaging experiences for participants. This course may offer a facilitator a wide range of rhythmic ideas to draw upon, in addition to helping them adapt to the needs and preferences of their group. The course’s emphasis on practical learning and rhythmic variety prepares a future drum circle facilitator to guide and inspire others through the power of drumming.
World Music Performer
World music performers specialize in playing music from different cultures around the globe. A deep understanding of various rhythms and percussion techniques is critical in this field. This course, which teaches 250 rhythms, could be very useful for anyone looking to become a world music performer. The focus on practical djembe playing and rhythm acquisition may help a musician expand their repertoire and collaborate with other musicians from different cultural backgrounds. This course may help build a solid foundation in world music by exposing someone to a diverse range of rhythmic styles and patterns.
Community Arts Worker
Community arts workers use art to engage communities, promote social change, and foster creativity. Proficiency in percussion instruments, as enhanced by this course, may be useful for people in this type of role. The course helps learners develop skills playing the djembe and internalize a large number of rhythms, making it easier to engage groups of people in drum circles or related activities. The focus on learning and internalizing 250 rhythms can help a community arts worker lead inclusive and engaging events for diverse groups of people. Learning basic percussion skills helps a community arts worker use music as a tool for building connections.
Music Therapist
Music therapists use music to address clients' physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs. Learning to play the djembe and understanding rhythm, as facilitated by this course, may be valuable for anyone wanting to pursue this career because the djembe is a versatile instrument used in various therapeutic settings to promote self-expression and emotional release. This course, which teaches 250 rhythms, may give someone interested in becoming a music therapist a strong foundation in rhythm and percussion, which would be valuable when working with clients. The course focuses on practical application and learning various rhythms, providing a therapeutic tool kit of musical ideas and techniques that could be applied in a therapeutic setting. Music therapy typically requires a master's degree.
Recreational Therapist
Recreational therapists use recreational activities, including music, to improve the physical, emotional, and social well-being of individuals. Taking this course, which focuses on djembe playing and rhythm acquisition, may be useful for recreational therapists looking to incorporate music into their therapeutic interventions. Learning basic djembe techniques and internalizing a substantial number of rhythms may help a recreational therapist engage clients in drumming activities that promote self-expression and emotional release. The course gives recreational therapists new resources with the djembe that they can use as therapeutic tools.
Session Musician
A session musician is a freelance musician who is hired to play on recordings or in live performances. Session musicians need to be versatile and proficient in a variety of musical styles. This course, by teaching 250 rhythms, could provide a session musician with a broader rhythmic vocabulary and the ability to adapt to different musical genres. This course may help a session musician develop their skills on the djembe, which is a versatile percussion instrument often used in world music and contemporary styles. The ability to quickly learn and internalize rhythms is essential for a session musician, and this course provides targeted practice towards this goal.
Music Educator
Music educators teach music theory, history, and performance to students in schools or private settings. The ability to play a variety of instruments and understand different musical styles is essential for a music educator. This course, which focuses on the djembe and teaches 250 rhythms, may be beneficial for a music educator looking to expand their knowledge of percussion instruments. The course could provide a music educator with new tools and techniques to incorporate into their lessons, teaching their students about rhythm, world music, and the power of percussion. The wide variety of rhythm patterns taught in this course may help a music educator engage and inspire their students.
Sound Healer
Sound healers use sound and vibration to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and facilitate healing. The djembe, with its rich tones and rhythmic patterns, can be a valuable tool. This course, which teaches 250 rhythms, may be a good way for any prospective sound healer to deepen their understanding of rhythm and percussion. The course may help sound healers develop their skills on the djembe, allowing them to create soothing and transformative soundscapes for their clients. A sound healer may be able to use the skills learned in this course to reduce stress and promote relaxation through the use of drumming.
Ethnomusicologist
Ethnomusicologists study the music of different cultures. The ability to play and understand various musical instruments and rhythms is essential for ethnomusicologists as a means of gaining deeper insights into cultural practices. This course, which teaches 250 rhythms on the djembe, may be a helpful starting point for anyone pursuing a career in ethnomusicology. The course could expose a student to a diverse range of rhythmic styles, providing them with the practical skills and knowledge needed to analyze and interpret music in its cultural context. Ethnomusicology usually requires an advanced degree.
Music Director
Music directors oversee all musical aspects of a production or ensemble. As a music director, a broad understanding of music theory, composition, and performance is essential. This course, which focuses on djembe playing and rhythm acquisition, may be helpful for music directors looking to expand their knowledge of percussion instruments and world music styles. The course may provide a music director with new ideas and techniques to incorporate into their productions, enriching the overall musical experience for performers and audiences alike. The music director may draw from this course to create new sounds.
Museum curator
Museum curators manage and interpret collections of objects for museums. This course may be useful for curators who are working on exhibits related to music, culture, or world history. Knowledge of the djembe and its rhythms may help a curator better understand the cultural significance of the instrument and its role in various communities. This course may help a curator better understand the djembe.
Arts Administrator
Arts administrators manage and support arts organizations. While direct artistic skill isn't always the primary focus, a basic understanding of artistic disciplines can be beneficial. This course may be useful for arts administrators working in organizations that feature world music or percussion programs. Familiarity with djembe rhythms may improve his or her ability to understand and support the artistic goals of the organization, communicate effectively with artists, and appreciate the nuances of their work. Arts administrators are more effective if they know the content and discipline of the artists.
Audio Engineer
Audio engineers record, mix, and master sound for music, film, and other media. While this course focuses on playing the djembe rather than recording it, may it provide audio engineers with a valuable understanding of the instrument's sound characteristics. By gaining a deeper appreciation for the nuances of djembe playing, an audio engineer may be better equipped to capture high-quality recordings of the instrument. An audio engineer who also understands djembe playing might better capture the instrument's sound.
Instrument Repair Technician
Instrument repair technicians specialize in repairing and maintaining musical instruments. As an instrument repair technician, a general understanding of how instruments work and how they are played is important for someone who wants to work on djembes. Although this course focuses on playing the djembe rather than repairing it, may it could still give technicians a better understanding of the instrument’s construction and sound production. A technician could better understand the djembe.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Practical Djembe Course: 250 Rhythms (Full Version).
Provides a solid foundation in music theory, covering topics like rhythm, time signatures, and basic notation. It's particularly helpful for understanding the underlying structure of the djembe rhythms taught in the course. While not specifically about djembe, it provides essential background knowledge. It useful reference for those new to music.

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