Michael Markus

Beginning Djembe

Learn to play the Djembe. This complete method by Michael Markus will teach you how to produce a good sound, develop a healthy technique and learn the essential concepts, sounds and rhythms of West African Djembe drumming. This hands-on workshop includes access to extensive play-along online videos that will help you to practice every technique in the context of a traditional African Djembe ensemble. Beginning Djembe teaches: correct, effective Djembe playing technique and posture; how to tune, maintain and care for your Djembe; three fundamental sounds of the Djembe: bass, slap and tone; exercises and play-along videos to help you develop good tone, facility and memorize essential rhythms and their variations; historical, regional, and traditional cultural context of the Djembe; traditional Djembe rhythms from different regions: Sofa, Dundungbe, Soli, Guinea, Fare, Kuku, Mane, and Sinte; notated Djembe ensemble parts, including for Djembes and Dunduns; techniques for soloing; and more! Video clips are accessed online using the unique code in each book.