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Larry Crowe

This course is designed to help students learn to play the Cajon. This unique hand drum is fun and easy to play. How To Play The Cajon: For Beginners is a step by step course that will introduce you to the basic tones of this amazing instrument and provide you with a number of patterns and exercises for you to practice.

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This course is designed to help students learn to play the Cajon. This unique hand drum is fun and easy to play. How To Play The Cajon: For Beginners is a step by step course that will introduce you to the basic tones of this amazing instrument and provide you with a number of patterns and exercises for you to practice.

Each video lecture will provide students with clear and easy to follow instructions. The learning process is gradual and each lesson builds upon the other. This course also includes an easy to read pdf of the exercises and patterns featured throughout the video in music notation form.

Hand drumming is an easy and fun form of personal expression. Students will gain self confidence, improve concentration and relieve stress by taking this course.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • By the end of this course you will have a basic understanding of how to play the cajon.
  • Improve you self confidence, and learn to express yourself on this amazing hand drum!
  • You will have a solid understanding of the basic sounds of the cajon.
  • You will learn how to play some traditional flamenco and peruvian rhythms.

Syllabus

Section 1: Introduction To The Cajon

This lecture is an introduction to the Cajon. It discusses where the drum originates, what materials it's made from and it's use traditionally and in contemporary culture.

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Students will know the proper sitting position to play the cajon.
The Playing Position
Students will know how to play and produce a bass tone on the cajon.
The Bass Tone
Students will know how to play and produce a slap tone on the cajon.
The Slap Tone
At the end of this section students will have a good command of the two most important sounds created on the cajon.
Basic Patterns for the Bass and Slap Tone (Introduction)
Basic Patterns For The Bass and Slap Tone (Quarter Notes)
Basic Patterns For The Bass and Slap Tone (Quarter Notes Continued)
Basic Patterns For The Bass and Slap Tone (Quarter and Eighth Notes)
Basic Patterns For The Bass and Slap Tone (Quarter and Eighth Notes Continued)
Basic Patterns For The Bass and Slap Tone (Patterns in 3)
Basic Patterns For The Bass and Slap Tone (Patterns in 3 Continued)
Students will know how to play and produce an accent tone on the cajon.
The Accent Tone
At the end of this section students will have learned to incorporate the bass, slap and accent tone on the cajon.
The Bass, Slap and Accent Tone (Quarter Note Exercises)
The Bass, Slap and Accent Tone (Quarter Note Exercises Continued)
The Bass, Slap and Accent Tone (Quarter and Eighth Note Exercises)
The Bass, Slap and Accent Tone (Quarter and Eighth Note Exercises Continued)
The Bass, Slap and Accent Tone (Quarter and Eighth Note Exercises Final)
The Bass, Slap and Accent Tone (Patterns in 6)
The Bass, Slap and Accent Tone (Patterns in 6 Continued)
The Bass, Slap and Accent Tone (Patterns in 6 Final)
Students will know how to play two traditional rhythms on the cajon.
The Rumba (Flamenco)
The Marinera (Peru)
Students will know how to play some rhythms used in popular music on the cajon.
Popular Music Rhythms
Students will have a better understanding of how to playing the cajon and percussion at the same time.
Multi Tasking
Section 11: Conclusion
Conclusion

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Ideal for beginners who want to learn the basics of playing the cajon
Provides a comprehensive overview of the basic sounds, tones, and rhythms of the cajon
Includes downloadable PDF exercises for practice
Covers traditional Flamenco and Peruvian rhythms, as well as rhythms used in popular music
Teaches how to play the cajon alongside percussion instruments

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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 How To Play The Cajon: For Beginners with these activities:
Organize course materials for future reference
Improve retention and accessibility by organizing and reviewing course materials, making them easily accessible for future use.
Show steps
  • Create a dedicated folder or notebook
  • File all handouts, notes, and assignments
  • Review materials regularly
Explore online lessons on traditional Cajon rhythms
Gain exposure to diverse Cajon traditions by exploring online lessons dedicated to specific rhythms.
Show steps
  • Identify traditional rhythms you want to learn
  • Search for online lessons
  • Follow the instructions and practice regularly
Practice basic rhythm patterns
Solidify understanding of basic Cajon techniques by working through repetitive rhythm patterns.
Show steps
  • Start with the bass tone
  • Add the slap tone
  • Incorporate the accent tone
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Form a practice group with fellow students
Enhance learning through collaboration, feedback, and shared practice with other students taking the course.
Show steps
  • Reach out to classmates
  • Set up regular practice sessions
  • Provide feedback
Find tutorials on specific Cajon techniques
Expand skills by seeking guidance from online tutorials dedicated to specific Cajon techniques.
Show steps
  • Identify an aspect of Cajon playing you want to improve
  • Search for tutorials
  • Follow the instructions and practice regularly
Offer to play Cajon at a local event or gathering
Enhance performance skills and share your love of Cajon by volunteering to play at community events.
Show steps
  • Identify local events
  • Contact the organizers
  • Prepare your performance
Attend a Cajon workshop
Accelerate learning through in-person instruction and hands-on practice in a dedicated Cajon workshop.
Show steps
  • Find a workshop
  • Register
  • Attend the workshop
  • Practice what you learn
Compose and record a short Cajon piece
Deepen understanding by applying learned techniques in a creative project, resulting in a tangible piece of work.
Show steps
  • Brainstorm ideas
  • Compose the piece
  • Record the piece

Career center

Learners who complete How To Play The Cajon: For Beginners will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Percussionist
Percussionists specialize in playing percussion instruments, including drums, cymbals, and other instruments. This course's focus on the Cajon, a hand drum, can help Percussionists expand their skill set and explore new rhythmic possibilities.
Music Educator
Music Educators teach music to groups of students, developing lesson plans, and instructing students on music fundamentals in a classroom setting. This course can help Music Educators with its step-by-step approach to rhythm, which can be utilized with students.
Music Director
Music Directors lead the creative and administrative aspects of music organizations such as bands, orchestras, and choirs. This course's approach to the Cajon, and its combination of traditional and contemporary rhythms, can be immensely helpful to Music Directors, expanding their repertoire.
Music Composer
Music Composers create original music for a variety of purposes, including film, television, theater, and concert halls. This course's exploration of rhythm and traditional music forms can help Music Composers develop a deeper understanding of musical structure and harmony, which will assist them in effectively composing music for different genres and styles.
Ethnomusicologist
Ethnomusicologists study the music of different cultures and societies. This course's exploration of rhythm and traditional music forms can provide Ethnomusicologists with a deeper understanding of musical diversity and its role in culture, which will assist them in effectively conducting research and writing about music.
Music Teacher
Music Teachers teach music to individuals or groups of students in a variety of settings, including private lessons, schools, and community centers. This course's exploration of rhythm and traditional music forms can help Music Teachers develop a deeper understanding of musical concepts and techniques, which will assist them in effectively passing on their knowledge and skills.
Music Arranger
Music Arrangers adapt and modify existing pieces of music to create new versions. This course's exploration of rhythm and traditional music forms can provide Music Arrangers with a deeper understanding of musical structure, which can be applied to their arrangements.
Music Producer
Music Producers oversee the creative and financial aspects of music production, including recording, mixing, and marketing. This course's exploration of rhythm and traditional music forms can provide Music Producers with a deeper understanding of musical structure, which can benefit their work in the studio and beyond.
Dance Instructor
Dance Instructors teach dance to individuals or groups of students in a variety of settings, including studios, schools, and community centers. This course's exploration of rhythm and traditional music forms can help Dance Instructors develop a deeper understanding of musical concepts and techniques, which will assist them in effectively choreographing and teaching dance routines.
Audio Engineer
Audio Engineers record, mix, and master music, ensuring that it sounds its best. This course's focus on rhythm and traditional music forms can provide Audio Engineers with a deeper understanding of musical structure, which can benefit their work in the studio.
Music Promoter
Music Promoters organize and promote concerts, tours, and other music events. This course's exploration of rhythm and traditional music forms can provide Music Promoters with a deeper understanding of musical genres and styles, which will assist them in effectively marketing and promoting music events.
Musician
Musicians create, perform, and record music using their instruments. This course can help Musicians with its focus on rhythm and traditional music forms, which can be applied to a variety of musical genres.
Music Journalist
Music Journalists write and edit articles, reviews, and other content about music for newspapers, magazines, and websites. This course's focus on rhythm and traditional music forms can provide Music Journalists with a deeper understanding of musical structure, which can enhance their writing and analysis.
Music Therapist
Music Therapists use music to improve the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social well-being of clients. This course's exploration of rhythm and self-expression may be useful to Music Therapists seeking to expand their therapeutic toolbox.
Music Librarian
Music Librarians organize, catalog, and preserve music collections in libraries and archives. This course's exploration of rhythm and traditional music forms can provide Music Librarians with a deeper understanding of musical structure and history, which will assist them in effectively managing and preserving music collections.

Reading list

We've selected one 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 How To Play The Cajon: For Beginners.
Beginner-friendly guide to playing the cajon. It covers everything you need to know to get started, including basic techniques, rhythms, and songs.

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