Drumming is an ancient musical tradition that many cultures around the world use to energize, build unity, focus attention, relax and heighten creativity. No matter what our age and ability, whenever we hear drumming, we all begin to move to those universal rhythms inside us.
Originally from West Africa, the djembe has spread around the world to become
the hallmark instrument of the world-beat movement. Since at least 500 A.D., the
djembe has been used in healing ceremonies, rites of passage, ancestor worship,
warrior rituals, and social dancing.
The
Bongos originated in West Africa, but the shape and instrument that we know
today developed in Cuba. Bongos are traditionally played in pairs and were
originally designed to be played supported between the knees.
Congas
originated in West Africa, but modern congas are usually based on a Cuban
design. You can get a single drum like this one or buy a conga paired with a
slightly smaller Tumba or Quinto for more variations in tone. They're played
with the hands and can be played sitting or standing.
A
family of West African instruments related to the Nigerian Culture, the Ashiko
is a cone-shaped drum. Its shape produces rich, balanced tones: a crisp, dry
slap and sustained, sonorous bass. Some are tuned with drum keys and some are
rope-tuned. Traditionally they are made of wood.
The
frame drum is one of the earliest musical instruments known and it's found all
over the world. This bodhran is an Irish frame drum usually played with a small
double ended stick called a tipper. It's similar to the Middle Eastern Tar,
though Tars are usually played with the hands. Another type of frame drum is the
Bendir, a Moroccan frame drum with snares stretched across the inside of the
skin for a buzzing sound. One of the most famous styles of frame drum is the
large, low-toned Native American drum sometimes called a Buffalo Drum. It's
traditionally played with a padded mallet.
A
is basically a frame drum with jingles around the rim. This is
another common instrument with ancient roots; it seems to turn up everywhere.
Tambourines come with and without drumheads, tunable and fixed pitch, and in
many different sizes. Depending on the part of the world it's from, a tambourine
might be called a Gaval, Kanjira, Riq, Mazhar, Pandeiro, Pandereta or Tamburello.