How to play Djembe, Drums & Rhythm. Level 2 from Udemy

Learn to play hand-drum or Djembe with Joy, Passion, and Confidence.

This course contents over 36 lectures and 2 hours of content. You will learn lots of drumming patterns and phrases. I have designed this course for anyone, regardless of experience, who wish to improve and learn more, new ways of drumming.

If you want to learn to play powerful rhythms in a way that's easy on your hands, this course is for you.

These lessons have been very well received by people all over the world and are recommended to you who will like to be free and joyfully expand your drum vocabulary.

This teaching method, Zikalo Method, works like "magic"

Zikalo Method is about developing a playful relationship with music, drum and rhythm. Soon you will want to improvise and interact, using these new skills.

You can use any hand-drum and take this course. I will be teaching you, using the Vest African drum, the Djembe. West African drumming has become a kind of universal language around the world. Originating in Guinea and neighboring countries of the former Mali empire, the rhythms of the Djembe (jembe) can now be heard everywhere.

If you travel with a Djembe you will find others to jam with, and sharing drum rhythms will lead quickly to new friendships. Taking this course will open ways for you to perform with other drummers, to teach drum lessons, to drum for dance classes, and to sit in with bands of many kinds needing hand drums and percussion.

Please enjoy.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Be inspired to play drum and rhythm with joy, passion and confidence!
This is zikalo method. the magic of playfulness! zikalo method is about developing a playful relationship with drum and rhythm, music in general. in my village in côte d'ivoire - west africa where i grew up, the word zikalo means music where “everybody joins in”. in this course you will learn drumming patterns and phrases. not only that i will teach you the rhythms with drum, we will also like you to move, sing, and clap the rhythms so that your whole body absorb them.

Soon, after you start this course you will want to improvise and interact, using these new skills. rhythm is not a mystery, it is not given to a chosen few. rhythm is born into each and every one of us. there is a magic and music in you waiting to come out. with this training course i’ll show you how easy it really is. use them both for yourself and share with your friends.

Be inspired to play drum and rhythm with joy, passion and confidence!
This is zikalo method. the magic of playfulness! zikalo method is about developing a playful relationship with drum and rhythm, music in general. in my village in côte d'ivoire - west africa where i grew up, the word zikalo means music where “everybody joins in”. in this course you will learn drumming patterns and phrases. not only that i will teach you the rhythms with drum, we will also like you to move, sing, and clap the rhythms so that your whole body absorb them.
Soon, after you start this course you will want to improvise and interact, using these new skills. rhythm is not a mystery, it is not given to a chosen few. rhythm is born into each and every one of us. there is a magic and music in you waiting to come out. with this training course i’ll show you how easy it really is. use them both for yourself and share with your friends.

Syllabus

Here you will learn to play with 3 basic songs. Bom-Pa, Tra, and Pa-Ta-Pa. Please keep these three basic sounds in mind, you are going to need them through the course.

Please, remember, this is just to start with. When you get comfortable with a drumming pattern or phrase, you can play the (Pa) and (Ta) wherever is comfortable for you at the edge of the drum. Feel free. Come back to this whenever you feel you are not comfortable with where to use your right or left hand.

Download the mp3-file of your exercise and listen to it wherever you go! This is the Zikalo Method, this will help your body and mind master the rhythm and then be free and just enjoy when you play it. Good to have for your Jam-along exercises.

Download the mp3-file of your exercise and listen to it wherever you go! This is the Zikalo Method, this will help your body and mind master the rhythm and then be free and just enjoy when you play it. Good to have for your Jam-along exercises.

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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Uses the Zikalo Method, which emphasizes a playful relationship with music and rhythm, making it accessible for beginners

Focuses on developing a foundation with three basic sounds, providing a clear starting point for new learners

Encourages improvisation and interaction, fostering creativity and musical expression among learners

Includes jam-along exercises with downloadable audio files, which can help learners practice and internalize rhythms

Explores drum meditation, which may appeal to learners interested in mindfulness and stress reduction through music

Requires learners to have a Djembe or hand drum, which may be a barrier for some prospective students

Reviews summary

Joyful djembe & rhythm journey

According to learners, this course offers a joyful and confidence-boosting approach to playing the Djembe and exploring rhythms. Many appreciate the instructor's energetic and passionate teaching style, noting that the Zikalo Method makes learning playful and accessible. Students found the rhythm patterns and exercises clear and effective for building skills. While designed as Level 2, some felt it was also suitable for advanced beginners looking to expand their repertoire beyond basics. The inclusion of jam-along audio tracks and vocalizing exercises was highlighted as particularly helpful for internalizing the rhythms. Overall, reviewers found this course a highly positive experience that encourages improvisation and a deeper connection to music.

Good for advanced beginners & intermediates.

"As a beginner who had learned some basics, this Level 2 course felt like a perfect next step."

"It’s titled Level 2, but I think someone with just a little rhythm experience could jump in."

"Some parts felt a bit basic, but it quickly moved into more challenging rhythms that were fun."

"If you already play djembe, this adds new patterns and a great energy boost to your practice."

Course progresses logically and enjoyably.

"The course structure flows well, building confidence as you go."

"I felt the pacing was just right for me to absorb and practice each section."

"The progression from basic sounds to more complex rhythms felt natural."

"I liked how the course was broken down into manageable lectures."

Audio tracks are great for practice.

"The jam-along audio files are super useful for practicing at my own pace."

"Being able to download the MP3s and play along whenever I wanted was a big plus."

"Jamming with the audio helped me improve my timing and feel for the music."

"The jam sessions make practicing feel less like work and more like playing with others."

Lessons break down rhythms effectively.

"The way the rhythms are taught, starting simple and building up, is very clear."

"I appreciated the clear breakdown of sounds (Bom-Pa, Tra, Pa-Ta-Pa) and how to combine them."

"The drumming patterns are explained step-by-step, making them easy to follow along."

"I learned several great new rhythms I can now play."

Playful approach helps internalize rhythms easily.

"The Zikalo Method of integrating voice and movement really helped me feel the rhythms in my body."

"This playful method is truly 'magic' as described. Learning felt natural and enjoyable."

"Using voice and clap-alongs before drumming made it so much easier when I finally hit the djembe."

"I found the Zikalo approach to be very effective for internalizing complex patterns."

Instructor's energy and passion are infectious.

"The instructor's energy is fantastic! It really makes you want to pick up the drum and play."

"I loved the passion and enthusiasm the teacher brings to each lesson."

"He teaches with such joy and makes learning fun, which is exactly what the course promises."

"The teacher's positive attitude and clear instructions kept me motivated throughout."

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 Djembe, Drums & Rhythm. Level 2 with these activities:

Review Basic Drumming Techniques

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Strengthen your understanding of fundamental drumming techniques before starting the course. This will make it easier to grasp the more advanced concepts taught in Level 2.

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Watch introductory drumming videos.
Practice basic strokes and rhythms.
Familiarize yourself with drumming terminology.

Review 'The Complete Idiot's Guide to Playing the Drums'

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Reinforce your understanding of drumming fundamentals with a comprehensive guide. This book can help solidify your understanding of rhythm and technique.

View Music Theory Note by Note: Your Guide to How... on Amazon

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Read the sections on basic drumming techniques.
Practice the exercises in the book.
Relate the concepts to Djembe drumming.

Practice Rhythms with a Partner

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Improve your timing and coordination by practicing the course rhythms with a partner. This provides immediate feedback and enhances your ability to play in sync with others.

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Find a drumming partner.
Choose rhythms from the course to practice.
Take turns leading and following.
Provide constructive feedback to each other.

Four other activities

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Record Yourself Playing a Rhythm

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Assess your progress and identify areas for improvement by recording yourself playing a rhythm from the course. This allows for self-critique and focused practice.

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Choose a rhythm from the course.
Set up a recording device.
Record yourself playing the rhythm.
Listen back to the recording and identify areas for improvement.

Compose a Simple Djembe Rhythm

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Solidify your understanding of rhythm and composition by creating your own simple Djembe rhythm. This encourages creativity and reinforces the principles learned in the course.

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Experiment with different sounds and patterns.
Develop a short rhythm with a clear structure.
Practice playing your rhythm until it is smooth and consistent.
Record your rhythm and share it with others.

Read 'Djembe Basics'

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Deepen your understanding of Djembe drumming with a dedicated resource. This book provides valuable insights into the instrument's history, techniques, and rhythms.

View Hal Leonard Djembe Method Book/Online Media on Amazon

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Read about the history and origins of the Djembe.
Study the different playing techniques described in the book.
Learn and practice the common Djembe rhythms.

Volunteer at a Drum Circle

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Gain practical experience and connect with other drummers by volunteering at a local drum circle. This provides an opportunity to apply your skills in a real-world setting and learn from experienced players.

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Find a local drum circle.
Contact the organizers and offer to volunteer.
Assist with setting up, facilitating, or cleaning up.
Participate in the drum circle and share your rhythms.

Career center

Learners who complete How to play Djembe, Drums & Rhythm. Level 2 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Private Music Instructor

A private music instructor provides one-on-one music lessons to students of all ages and skill levels. This course may be useful for teaching beginning drumming students. The course focuses on simplifying drumming patterns. With the Zikalo Method from this course, instructors can make learning fun. This course will help private music instructors looking to expand their teaching repertoire and offer hand-drumming lessons.

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Music Teacher

A music teacher instructs students in musical performance, theory, and appreciation. Learning to play the Djembe helps build a foundation in rhythm and musical expression. With this course covering drumming patterns and phrases, as well as incorporating movement, singing, and clapping, learners can develop a unique and engaging teaching style. The Zikalo Method emphasized in the course promotes playfulness and improvisation, which translates well to teaching. This course may be useful for those wishing to teach rhythm, percussion, or world music.

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Percussionist

A percussionist plays a variety of percussion instruments in musical performances. This course helps build a foundation in hand-drumming techniques, specifically on the Djembe. The course will introduce diverse drumming patterns and phrases. This course may be useful for aspiring percussionists who want to expand their rhythmic vocabulary and explore West African drumming traditions. The course stresses jamming with recordings, which reinforces skills that a Percussionist will want to have. The course emphasizes feeling the rhythm, which may be useful for any percussionist.

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Camp Counselor

A camp counselor supervises and engages children in recreational activities at summer camps. This course's focus on drumming and rhythm may be useful for leading fun and engaging camp activities. Learning to play the Djembe may be useful for organizing drumming circles and musical games. The course's emphasis on improvisation and interaction may be useful for fostering creativity and teamwork. This course will help camp counselors looking for new and exciting ways to entertain campers.

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Dance Accompanist

A dance accompanist provides live music for dance classes and performances. The course helps build a foundation in drumming and rhythm which supports dance. Exploring various rhythms and jamming with recordings may be useful for developing the skills needed to accompany dancers. The course covers drumming patterns and phrases, which may be useful for understanding musical structure and timing in dance. The course's emphasis on improvisation and interaction may be useful for creating dynamic and responsive dance accompaniment.

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Community Arts Worker

A community arts worker facilitates arts-based activities within a community setting. This course's exploration of drumming and rhythm may be useful for planning and implementing community arts projects. The course's focus on West African drumming and the Djembe may be useful for introducing diverse cultural traditions to a community. The Zikalo Method may be useful for encouraging participation and creativity. This course will help community arts workers who want to use music as a tool for community engagement.

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Activities Coordinator

An activities coordinator plans and organizes recreational activities for groups of people, often in senior centers or assisted living facilities. This course may be useful for incorporating drumming and rhythm into activity programs. The course's focus on West African drumming and the Djembe may be useful for introducing diverse cultural experiences to participants. Learning to play the Djembe may be useful for leading drumming sessions and encouraging social interaction. This course will help activities coordinators looking for creative and engaging activities.

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Drum Circle Facilitator

A drum circle facilitator leads groups in spontaneous music-making using percussion instruments, and creates a fun and engaging environment. This course provides a playful introduction to drumming and rhythm. The emphasis on improvisation and interaction in this course is directly applicable to facilitating drum circles. Understanding basic drumming patterns such as Bom-Pa, Tra, and Pa-Ta-Pa can help a facilitator guide participants effectively. Since the course focuses on developing a playful relationship with rhythm using the Zikalo Method, it may be useful for anyone interested in leading drum circles. The course may provide a strong foundation for this role.

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Songwriter

A songwriter composes original songs for various purposes, including commercial recordings, film soundtracks, or personal expression. This course may be useful for building a foundation in rhythm and musicality. Learning to play the Djembe may be useful for exploring new rhythmic ideas and incorporating percussion into songwriting. The course's emphasis on improvisation and interaction may be useful for generating creative musical arrangements. This course will help songwriters looking to enhance their compositions with diverse rhythmic elements.

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Recreational Therapist

A recreational therapist uses recreational activities to improve clients' physical, emotional, and social well-being. Drumming can be a great recreational activity. The course's focus on the Zikalo Method, which promotes a playful relationship with music may be useful for creating an engaging recreational therapy session. The course emphasizes enjoying rhythm, and this is ideal for Recreational Therapists. This course will help recreational therapists looking to incorporate drumming into their practice.

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Early Childhood Educator

An early childhood educator works with young children to foster their development and learning. This course may be useful for integrating music and rhythm into early childhood education programs. Learning to play the Djembe may be useful for engaging children in musical activities. The Zikalo Method may be useful for fostering creativity and self-expression. The course will help early childhood educators looking to enhance their teaching with music.

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Music Director

A music director leads and coordinates musical activities for a school, church, or community organization. This course may be useful for expanding their knowledge of percussion instruments and rhythms. Learning drumming patterns and phrases may be useful for incorporating hand-drumming into musical performances and programs. This course will help music directors looking to enrich their musical offerings.

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Yoga Instructor

A yoga instructor leads individuals and groups in yoga practice, promoting physical and mental well-being. This course provides a foundation in rhythm and drumming, which may be useful for enhancing yoga practice. Exploring rhythm patterns and phrases may be useful for incorporating music into yoga classes. This course may be useful for integrating drumming into yoga sessions, creating a unique and immersive experience. The course includes drum meditation exercises, which may be useful for facilitating mindful movement and relaxation.

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Music Therapist

A music therapist uses music to address clients' physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs. This course explores the therapeutic potential of drumming and rhythm. This course may give therapists increased confidence when it comes to using rhythm in sessions. Rhythm can be a powerful tool for emotional expression. The Zikalo Method may be useful for promoting a playful and engaging therapeutic environment. While a master's degree is typically required in music therapy, this course provides a foundation in drumming.

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Wellness Coach

A wellness coach guides clients in adopting healthy lifestyle habits and achieving their personal wellness goals. This course will allow Wellness Coaches to offer music-based sessions to their clients. This course may be useful for incorporating drumming into wellness programs, promoting stress reduction, and emotional well-being. The course includes drum meditation exercises, which may be useful for facilitating mindfulness and relaxation. This course will help wellness coaches looking to expand their toolkit with music.

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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 How to play Djembe, Drums & Rhythm. Level 2.

Hal Leonard Djembe Method

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Focuses on teaching fundamental djembe rhythms in a clear and accessible manner. It breaks down complex patterns into simpler components, making it easier for beginners to learn and master. The book includes audio examples of each rhythm, allowing students to hear and practice along, reinforcing the course's audio-based learning approach.

Hal Leonard Djembe Method Book/Online Media

Paperback

Music Theory Note by Note

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Provides a comprehensive overview of drumming basics, including rhythm, technique, and different drumming styles. It's a great resource for beginners or those looking to refresh their foundational knowledge. While not specific to Djembe, it covers general drumming principles that are applicable. It can be used as a reference to supplement the course material.

Music Theory Note by Note: Your Guide to How Music...

Kindle Edition

How to play Djembe, Drums & Rhythm. Level 2

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Joyful djembe & rhythm journey

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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