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Conga Drumming - Book with CD
A Beginner's Guide To Playing With Time
by Alan Dworsky and Betsy Sansby

This book/CD package is the only complete, step-by-step course on conga drumming. It's the book we looked for but couldn't find when we were first learning to drum. We did everything we could to make it user-friendly, so even non-musicians could understand it. The book teaches families of drum parts for several authentic Afro-Caribbean rhythms, including rumba, bomba, calypso, conga, and bembe. The writing is clear and friendly, creating the intimate feel of private lessons. The charts are big and easy to read. Life-like illustrations clearly demonstrate proper technique for each stroke. And the CD that's included contains a sample recording of each of the 175 drum parts taught in the book as well examples of how the parts sound together.

“There is no other source for this kind of information that is as simply and sensibly explained, and contains such a wealth of rhythms. Conga Drumming welcomes rather than intimidates beginners. Dig into this book and in a very short time you will be playing well. Bravo and muchas gracias Alan and Betsy!”
DRUM Magazine


  



“Best Percussion Method Book”
2000 DRUM Magazine Readers' Poll

“Fantastic!”
Rhythm Magazine

“The best book of its kind.”
Arthur Hull





Approx. 1 hour

“Few videos capture the spirit of fun as well as Conga Drumming. All the basics are covered and the educational information is interspersed with burning performances by the ensemble. When Rosie Lopez Mores is on screen the video is ablaze with energy. While there is much to be learned from Conga Drumming, it also provides a highly entertaining viewing experience that will inspire any beginning conga drummer.”
DRUM Magazine.


$19.95 Add to cart


Conga Drumming Video (DVD)
A Beginner's Video Guide

This video uses the same step-by-step approach as our book Conga Drumming, covering the same rhythms and many of the same parts. The video format is especially good for visual learners; nothing can beat it for demonstrating proper technique and conveying the excitement of actual ensemble playing.

The video features Jorge Bermudez, a talented, and warm-spirited Bay Area drummer and drum teacher. He demonstrates "mano secreta", the technique used by Cuban drummers to protect the hands and play with grace and fluidity. Each stroke is demonstrated with the aid of slow-motion photography. After three conga parts are taught for each rhythm, they're put together in sizzling ensemble performances you can play along with.

In those performances, special guest Raul Rekow of Santana solos on congas and bongos, while electrifying Cuban dancer Rosie Lopez Morès from the legendary Tropicana nightclub in Havana dances rumba in our Minnesota living room. Click any of the clips below to see a sample.

Click to play clip Clip 1: Raul and Rosie
Click to play clip Clip 2: Jorge
Click to play clip Clip 3: Betsy
Click to play clip Clip 4: Al

 


“A must-see for all beginners”
Mickey Hart

“The perfect addition to the book”
Latin Beat Magazine

“Slammin! The best video for learning to play congas.”
Chalo Eduardo, percussionist with Sergio Mendes





$9.95 Add to cart


Conga Drumming Practice Partner CD

If you don't have a drum machine, this CD is the next best thing. It contains extended recordings of the son clave, rumba clave, and 6/8 cowbell (played slow, medium, and fast) to play along with while you practice
 







$27.95 Add to cart


The Conga Drummer’s Guidebook--Book with CD
by Michael Spiro

If you're an intermediate player who's already got our book and DVD, this instructional book/CD can help you take your conga drum playing to the next level. It goes into great depth about subjects no other source covers, including how to play with proper phrasing and how to play with the unique Afro-Cuban feel that lies somewhere between 4/4 and 6/8. It's also got ideas for improvising and exercises to build your technique.
 







$24.95 Add to cart


Tomás Cruz Conga Method: Volume 1—Beginning - Book with DVD
by Tomás Cruz

Tomás Cruz is a master conga drummer who has played with many of the hottest bands on the Cuban scene. Volume 1 is subtitled “Conga Technique As Taught in Cuba” and includes exercises and rudiments to prepare you for Volumes 2 and 3. Even though the volume is labeled “Beginning,” the patterns get quite complex.
 







$24.95 Add to cart


Tomás Cruz Conga Method: Volume 2—Intermediate - Book with DVD
by Tomás Cruz

Volume 2 is subtitled “Essential Cuban Conga Rhythms.” It teaches the rhythms played by the conga player in a modern Cuban band.

  







$24.95 Add to cart


Tomás Cruz Conga Method: Volume 3—Advanced - Book with DVD
by Tomás Cruz

Volume 3 is subtitled “Timba: Modern Cuban Conga Rhythms.” Timba is the name of the current style of Cuban music being played by the hottest bands today.
 




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Copyright © Alan Dworsky.
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