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DJEMBE-L FAQ
Stamina

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THE BEGINNER'S PATH
Stamina

Compiled from emails on djembe-l@onelist.com January, 1999 by Barry

>can anyone offer tips for increasing efficiency, and maintaining high
>volume at high tempo?

    Really good replies to the question concerning stamina. An essential
point of playing well, as well as playing for long periods of time, is to
decrease the amount of energy that you use to play your instrument. When we
first learn to play it is very common to "over play", i.e. play too loudly
or use too much force with each stroke. Over playing will tire you out and
fatigue your muscles. In the beginning we practice many, many hours to
achieve good sounds on the drum (bass, tone, slap). However, this is only
half of the battle. Once we have acquired the skill to produce good sounds
on the drum, the next step is to back off the energy we throw at the drum.
In other words: how softly can you strike the drum and still achieve a good
sound? This is a concept that is essential and I introduce it to all of my
students early on in their education. When practicing slaps for instance,
play your slaps as you regularly do and be sure to practice slowly,
listening to and feeling each separate slap. Then as you continue to
practice, begin to decrease the amount of force you use for each stroke. Of
course there is a point of diminishing return, if you strike the drum too
softly you will not be able to achieve good sounds. The object here is to
find the balance: optimum sound for minimum energy. Try involving this
concept with your daily practice. I guarantee you will see positive
results.

    As to the question concerning "high volume", in combination with the
technique that I have outlined above remember that good sound (both the
quality and the volume of it) is never the result of brute force. Watch
masters such as Mamady Keita or Ladji Camara play and you will see this in
action. The ease from which they play emanates from relaxation and the
execution of good form and technique.

    And lastly, the responses that have been offered regarding this question
have been excellent. But in the end nothing replaces good, personal
instruction. Find a good teacher to work with one-on-one. Good instruction
combined with consistent practice will bring you much success and happiness
when all is said and done.

                                    - Michael Moon Bear

From: Boosky01@aol.com

David "Comfort" wrote:

(snip)

I'm really struggling with stamina when I drum for a two-hour dance class. I
know i need to get my wrist and hand muscles in better shape. but i also know
i'm expending too much energy for each tone and slap. anyone offer tips for
increasing efficiency, and maintaining high volume at high tempo? (snip)

Well here's my three cents.

1) There are soft weighted donut shaped wrist bands you can comfortably wear
during the day (I think they are about a pound or so each start with one on
each wrist and increase every few months as needed) - will strengthen your
arms as you go about your daily routine. There is also a ball within a ball
kinda thing that operates on centrifugal force and gravity as you rotate it in
your hand -- maybe called a gyro somthin'?-- is great for building up the
wrists and as a warm up before you play. Buy in outdoor or sports store -
pretty cheap.

2) Pace yourself, stay relaxed and loose - and breath with the rhythm focus
your energy internally and direct it - listen and feel the energy around you
when it's good but don't let others steal your power or drive you into chaos -
focus

3) Try to play with less force and still get the clear strokes - helps greatly
if you drum even a few minutes every day - alone so you can hear it - not just
drum in a class or with other drummers - building a one on one relationship
with your instrument and your energy can be very dare I say <mystical> nahhh
let me just say REWARDING.
Anyone else have any others?
Best,
Boo

From: Janet Planet <jplanet@j2k.com>

david,

as to stamina:
* my teachers have always stressed that it's important to play relaxed
* Be aware not to tense up your shoulders or hold your elbows at an odd
angle
* I find it helps to play my drum so my elbows are extended (not bent at
all), this helps keep the tension out of your forearms.
* Don't lift your hands high in the air after each tone, slap, etc. The
lower your hands go, the quicker you'll be ready to play your next note
* Don't move your hands or fingers around when playing, try to get tones,
slaps, bass notes without changing your handing or fingering position

--Janet Planet

DJEMBE-L FAQ Stamina

DJEMBE-L FAQ
Stamina