Book Description

Man has been beating on drums from as far back as history records. Drums (membranophones) are an instrument that creates sound when a hand or an object is struck against a stretched membrane. Drums are among the earliest instruments, dating back to 6000 BC. Our individual innate attraction to rhythm began in our mother's womb. Even before birth, we are rhythmic beings. During those first nine months, we are introduced to rhythm - mom's beating heart. This natural, "reassuring," constant beat surrounds us and I believe leaves a sonic imprint on everyone born of woman. Ancient yet contemporary, think of the music you hear every day - on your car radio, in commercials, in movie soundtracks and television - all of it has a BEAT. They produce this beat with drums. One writer said, "Music without drums is foreign to the modern ear." I would say, "If you're not drumming you are missing out of a vital component of life." The ability and desire to drum is alive in all of us. The origin of the word rhythm is Greek meaning "to flow." Drumming gives us a way to feel the beat, the pulse, the groove needed to feel connected and balanced, rather than isolated and out of whack. My emphasis is on hand drumming because with hand drumming, you literally feel the rhythm; you form a tighter bond than the audio route. Hand drumming allows you to go with the flow. There is a rhythm in life and hand drumming will connect & keep you connected. This book explores that connection and other dynamics of hand drumming. Do NOT worry if you are not a drummer - the first page will qualify you for this journey. Also, this book is not about technique; but proposes to be a fuel to cause your passions to burn brighter.