Wow i am totally stoked-- I just took my very first drum lesson last nite!!

I have been wanting to do this for a very long time and as the Universe works, I had the opportunity to meet and talk with a gal who is taking the lessons and she convinced me to go on Tuesday nite!

One of the local metaphysical stores offers the lessons for $10.00 and they supply the drum if you dont have one.

I didnt know anything about drumming... but it has always intrigued me and I was so excited to finally make the decision to join the grup.

DJ is the teacher-- a young man, long black hair held in a pony tail and a gentle, kind spirit...perfect for a teacher!! The class has about 12-15 people...some who obviously have been drumming for quite a long time and others who are just starting out and then my friend Sally and I who were the total novices!!

We are playing Djembe Drums from Africa-- the link will take you to a page that describes the drums!!

The middle of the drum is played with a flat hand and it plays the bass notes... moving to the outside edge of the drum you strike it with the upper palm making a higher sound. We began with a simple rhythm...one bass two edge slaps then two bass.
I am not sure this is the correct terminology but at least it gives ya an idea!!

We drummed for HOURS-- my arms were totally weak and exhausted and my hands were stinging by the time we finished. We did a total of three different rhythms I think.

There were several different kinds of drums that people were playing-- they all werent Djuembe's. One gal had three drums laid on their sides and stacked on top of each other-- DJ told me the name but I cant remember-- They were played with sticks and carried the bass sounds.

I LOVED the class and talked to DJ about getting my own drum! He is going to order one for me -- we will talk about it next Tuesday!!

I didnt get home till almost 11pm... and I was TIRED but at the same time exhilerated with my new found knowledge!! I cant wait for next Tuesday to arrive!!