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Jim Donovan's Rhythmic Foundation : Interactive African Drumming for Everyone by Jim Donovan
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DVD detailsActor: Jim Donovan Director: Jim Donovan DVD: Region Code 1 Audio: English (Unknown) Format: NTSC Running Time: 120 minutes DVD Release Date: 2007-11-12 Audience Rating: G (General Audience) Studio: Jim Donovan Music
DVD Reviews of Jim Donovan's Rhythmic Foundation : Interactive African Drumming for EveryoneDVD Review: fantastic interactive DVD! Summary: 5 StarsJim Donovan's interactive DVD is fantastic for beginners and for experienced players wanting to brush up on their technique or learn new rhythms. Watching the DVD is the equivalent to having a teacher sitting in my living room - and not any old teacher-this guy can teach! He goes through everything slowly(not too slowly!)and methodically. I have spent a lot of money on instructional DVD's and most of them are pretty useless. Well done, Jim - brilliant stuff!
DVD Review: DrummerGirl Summary: 5 StarsThis DVD is the first drumming DVD you should buy and the only one that you will ever need. Jim starts at the very beginning with how to hit the drum, and goes the whole way through to complex African rhythms. If you are a beginner, Jim explains it so well that, with practice, you'll be playing the complex rhythms along with him in no time. There are relaxing rhythms and energizing rhythms so you can find something no matter what mood you are in. I've played the DVD just to listen to the rhythms and to dance along in the living room. It works for that just as well.
A great way to get to a party started is to leave some drums out and put this DVD in. Your guests won't be able to resist playing along. Before long your parties will be the talk of the town.
This DVD with a drum would be a great gift for a young person interested in music and rhythm. The rhythmic beating of the drum helps to balance the brain and learning music has been proven to help with learning. All ages and skill levels can participate making it the perfect family gift as well.
If you ever get a chance to see Jim in person, either in concert or by attending one of his classes, don't pass it up. You'll never be disappointed and he's much more lifelike in person. You'll never regret time spent with Jim Donovan or watching this DVD.
DVD Review: YOU MUST HAVE THIS DVD! Summary: 5 Stars
As a long-time music teacher of drumming and world music, I have to say that this DVD is the best instructional/play along resource that I have ever experienced! You will not believe how much valuable material is packed into each of the six easy to navigate sections. Jim is a master teacher with a unique talent for demonstrating technique, dexterity, coordination, and how to get the best sound out of your drum. The dual visual perspectives (straight on and a bird's eye view) are invaluable. This DVD will enable you to significantly improve your playing, no matter what your level of experience is.
The contents include:
1>Playing techniques for djembe, toke (bell), and djun-djuns,
2>Fun to play ear-training exercises that are challenging for teachers and students alike
3>Engaging exercises to develop speed and dexterity,
4>Easy to follow lessons for eight traditional pieces,
5>A play-along ensemble section where you can create your own music, or play along with your favorite part
6>Rhythms for relaxation. ..It feels like getting a massage, while taking a nap in an oxygen bar!
7>Valuable printable resources, links to articles, and other rhythmic resources on the web.
YOU MUST HAVE THIS DVD!
DVD Review: absolute 'must' for drumming enthusiasts Summary: 5 Starsas explained in the editorial review, this DVD is for ANYONE interested in drumming....it is filled with information that would appeal to all students, from beginners to established players...the DVD could not be anymore 'user friendly'...easy instructions allow one to travel freely thru the contents with many options for users...it would be wise to first watch the DVD in entirety to explore the wealth of material contained...
a starting point could then be established for the experience the DVD provides...personally, i chose to start in the techniques section to remind myself the proper postions and form necessary in hand drumming....the overhead views are excellent and for someone who doesn't get to drum as often as i would like, this refresher is perfect in establishing proper style and sound, etc...there are many excercises to help with speed and power and sections that allow individuals to jam along with those playing on the DVD....i also enjoy listening to the different selections chosen by the author from traditional pieces and instructions on how to play them...these are just a few of the features available!!! i could not speak more highly of this video....it is truly all that is advertised...i cannot recommend it highly enough!!!
DVD Review: "On a Mission from God" Summary: 5 StarsJim Donovan, late of multi-platinum Rusted Root, is on a "Mission from God." Although the title of this DVD suggests his goal is to teach you African drumming, it is actually broader and deeper. By practicing along with this disc you will indeed learn traditional rhythms like Oke, Fanga,and Mutwashi but he offers far more.
Jim has managed to include an extensive amount of material on this disc. If you're just learning to play hand drums, this DVD is the one you should buy. Jim teaches you the basics: how to sit and hold the drum, how to strike it, and how to BREATHE while you are drumming. If you are an experienced drummer, a teacher, or a drum circle facilitator, Jim guides you through exercises designed to improve your dexterity, power, and speed.
Even if you are an experienced musician but don't consider yourself a drummer, practicing with this DVD will help you to enhance your innate sense of rhythm and improve your overall musicianship. Jim also offers exercises that help you to expand your creativity, develop your "ear" for rhythm, and just help you to relax.
As other reviews have noted, the split-screen view -- showing overhead and straight-on views -- are helpful when you are first leaning the beats. However, I urge you -- as Jim does in his workshops -- to close your eyes and try to listen to (rather than watch) the patterns.
If I were a physician, I would prescribe this DVD as a healthy alternative to benzodiazepines, SSRIs, or MAO inhibitors (no lawsuits, please!). This disc teaches you rhythms that have the power to revitalize you, transform you, and help you to develop a sense of presence. For me, the section called "One Drum Meditation" itself is worth the cost of the DVD.
Jim even includes a computer-based section called "DVD-ROM Resources" that links you to a vast amount of additional information about hand drumming.
If you've had the pleasure of attending a Jim Donovan workshop, you know what you're in for. If you haven't, buy this DVD and I'll bet you'll be searching the web for the next one offered in your region (hint: go to http://www.jimdonovanmusic.com ).
As Jim recommends, "Eat. Drum. Sleep. Repeat daily." If you do, I know you will be on a "Mission from God," too.
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