Percussion for the Non-Percussionist: Hand Drumming 101

This course is designed to help all music educators learn the techniques and rhythms associated with several of the primary hand drums utilized in the music classroom. We will explore conga (Cuba), bongo (Cuba), djembe (West Africa) and timbau (Brazil). We will also discuss the Remo tubano drum and how it can be utilized as a versatile hand drum to represent many of these traditional instruments. Students will leave this course with an understanding of strong overall understanding of the tenets of hand drumming technique as well as the specific techniques necessary to achieve the characteristic sounds out of the the conga, bongo, djembe, timbau and tubao. Students will also explore traditional, non-traditional and modern rhythmic applications for these instruments.