Ultimate Beginner Have Fun Playing Hand Drums: Djembe, Steps One & Two (DVD)
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DVD details
Actor: Brad DutzBrand: Alfred Publishing
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Original Language)
Format: Color, DVD, NTSC
Running Time: 90 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2003-07-01
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Model: 00-905856
Studio: Alfred Publishing
Product features:
- DVD
- With Brad Dutz
- Format DVD
DVD Reviews of Ultimate Beginner Have Fun Playing Hand Drums: Djembe, Steps One & Two (DVD)
DVD Review: Middle of the Road Opinion Here...
Summary: 3 Stars
Well, after reading the various reviews for this product, the good and the bad, I purchased this DVD, fully expecting it to be either something that one would love OR something one would hate. LOL :) The DVD actually surprised me in this regard: I neither truly love NOR truly hate it, so I have to give the product the "Middle of the Road" Score of three stars. I will explain why...
The DVD does say "Ultimate Beginner Series," and that is a true assessment, and I'll wager the target audience. This is a very, very basic collection of djembe lessons for the truly ultimate beginners...children with good attention spans, preteens, and maybe even families or school groups who are learning together in a relaxed, just-for -fun way. Most serious adult learners would probably want something more sophisticated and meatier. Example: the instructor demonstrates basic rhythm by walking in place and counting. This lesson, however, would be helpful for people who are totally new to music and who are eager to experience an understandable rhythm that they could personally attain, especially if they struggle with body coordination. [For children who are trying to develop coordination, this product does offer a bit of practice--the multi-tasking that drum playing requires. If adults participate with children, more fun could be had--and more quality time together.] There is some merit in such a simple approach targeted for such students. The instructor seems pleasant, occasionally encouraging watchers to join in and follow what he is doing. He moves at a pace that a young child can handle without getting frustrated by not being able to perform the given action.
The DVD does look liked it has been transfered from VHS; images are not as crisp and clear as today's media viewers expect (and require). The show actually has a quirky "homemade" feel about it. The setting seems very 70's! LOL That isn't necessarily bad though. I admit at first I was disappointed since this was a "purchased" DVD, but I opted to lay aside my disappointment at the tech and listen to what was being offered--treating the product as if it had been something a friend had made for me with home equipment and editing. [I reminded myself that sometimes the more perfectly produced products can feel distance, stale, and clinical--too staged, intimidating for some learners.] So, I looked for the genuine humanness, personality, and warmth in this DVD. That approach actually worked. I was then able to listen and engage with more interest.
And that is when I found some of the DVD's stronger points: 1) the instructor emphasizes the importance of listening; 2) the instructor discusses the importance of togetherness--in drumming and play with others; 3) the instructor gives logical reasons for learning to use both hands and for not hitting drums too hard; 4) the instructor briefly discuss the shape of djembe and its amazing ability to produce variety of sound; 5) the instructor speaks clearly and re-enforces what he is saying with gestures or drum movements; 6) the instructor demonstrates how to play the djembe while standing; 7) the DVD seems to honor diversity. Young people can be seen playing with the older instructor. In the "Fanga Rhythm" segment--after the rhythm "slide / graphic" displays, peoples of all ages, stages, colors, abilities, and cultures are playing together in a lively drum circle. Each person expresses his / her drumming differently with a different type of drum; each person's presence, instrument, and sound is important to the overall music. Many percussion "voices," but one song! That, I think is the DVD's most powerful message / lesson--subtle though it may be. [What's amusing about this segment is that it looks very real / in the moment / in some sort of camp / village, and people can be seen walking around behind the drum circle.]
Other Stuff: The Framedrum performance is interesting and worth watching once. I had never seen anything like that before. The Drums form Around The World segment offered some good information and fair illustrations. I didn't like the Additional Products Previews though; the section just didn't not capture my interest; it seemed to be promoting VHS. The DVD ROM features do not work on a Mac. In fact, the screen suggested Windows 95 operating system or higher--nothing dates you like an operating system! Of course on the cover, the product says, "Cutting-edge DVD special feature sets." LOL Theoretically, a Windows user could put this DVD ROM in and access the Internet Connectivity features and worksheets. [I cannot speak to this as I was using a Mac!]
Do I think this product is worth buying? For me and mine, Yes. It is a simple, human trip into the world of djembe playing. Like the naturally made djembe drums themselves, the quirks, imperfections, unevenness, nicks, and oddities are actually part of the unique charm of a truly human product with truly human goals, the sharing of ideas. I do not regret my purchase--even though as a Mac user, I cannot access some of the elements. That's really not a big surprise because many DVD's are like that, sadly enough. :) // For those who have higher tech / visual expectations and / or meatier music needs, the answer would be no. Only you can decide!
More Ultimate Beginner Have Fun Playing Hand Drums: Djembe, Steps One & Two (DVD) reviews:
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Description of Ultimate Beginner Have Fun Playing Hand Drums: Djembe, Steps One & Two (DVD)
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