Ultimate Beginner Series: Have Fun Playing Djembe
List Price:
Our Price: $17.99
You Save: $1.96 (10%)
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Buy Used: from $7.49 (click here)
Category: DVD
See more DVD details
Buy this DVD movie at online store in your country
Canada
Canada
DVD details
Actor: VariousDVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Original Language)
Format: Color, DVD-Video, NTSC
Running Time: 60 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2004-03-23
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Warner Brothers Pub.
DVD Reviews of Ultimate Beginner Series: Have Fun Playing Djembe
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!
DVD Review: Suitable for only beginners who are children
Summary: 1 Stars
This is so basic it's not just for beginners, it's for beginners who are children. If you are an adult wanting to get into djembe, there are many dvd's 100 x better than this. If you have a small child wanting to play on their drum, this is suitable.DVD Review: GREAT FOR FIRST TIMERS
Summary: 5 Stars
I actually received this DVD with a djembe I purchased on ebay. I think it is a fantastic dvd regardless of being transferred from video. The only reason I even bought a drum was I'd heard a relative mention she likes to "play after a day at work because it relieves alot of stress". I've had a stroke so only have the use of one hand and find this a great way of easing stress and tension. The DVD is a great learners tool and I plan to teach my children, 1 & 4yrs to play also.
DVD Review: good for children -- not good for adults
Summary: 1 Stars
I bought this dvd for myself and was very disappointed, it is truly a beginner's video. The instructions are incredibly simple/basic and might be useful to children under the age of 9, but not adults.DVD Review: Fantastic for children!!!!
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought this for my children, and they were all playing thier drums the same day! Within 2 weeks, they were playing together, and it was music, not banging! My kids learned how to keep time, and understand thier drum. I have learned lots myself. I didn't know anything about handrums, untill my children came home from school speaking of some guys who came to thier auditorium to play handrums for the students... Now, only about 8 weeks later They all own drums, I can play my childrens drums, and so can they. We play together as a family. This is an excellent beginner video, that is especially catered to children, or slow learning unsteady adults, as well. If you are not self confident, start here. This DVD will change everything! I hope your family has as much fun drumming together as we do!!!!!
Description of Ultimate Beginner Series: Have Fun Playing Djembe
This unique series is designed to show the beginning hand drummer a fun and creative approach to playing immediately. In Step One, Brad Dutz covers how to develop a good sense of the beat, how to produce drum tones, and how to play a rhythm. Step Two presents in-depth instructions on the proper techniques for producing a variety of tones and sounds. In addition to presenting exercises to develop technique, this program also includes authentic rhythmic patterns from a diversity of world cultures. Special DVD features include interactive drums from around the world, performance applications of education: fanga rhythm and framedrum performance, and additional product previews. DVD-ROM features are Internet connectivity and printable worksheets.Rock Music CDs
DVD Video
- Action & Adventure
- African American Cinema
- Animation
- Anime & Manga
- Art House & International
- Classics
- Comedy
- Cult Movies
- Documentary
- Drama
- Educational
- Fitness & Yoga
- Gay & Lesbian
- Horror
- Kids & Family
- Military & War
- Music Video & Concerts
- Musicals & Performing Arts
- Mystery & Suspense
- Science Fiction & Fantasy
- Special Interests
- Sports
- Television
- Westerns
Bestsellers in Rock Music CDs
Nine Inch Nails - The SlipRelease date: 2008-07-22; Music CD
Best price: $10.44
Price in other shops:
Woodstock - 3 Days of Peace & Music (The Director's Cut)Release date: 1997-03-26; DVD
Best price: $13.97
Price in other shops:
![Roy Orbison: Black & White Night [Blu-ray] Image](/images/Roy-Orbison-Black-White-Night-Blu-ray-B0017XFP4U-X.jpg)
Roy Orbison: Black & White Night [Blu-ray]Image Entertainment; Release date: 2008-09-30; DVD
Best price: $16.94
Price in other shops:
![Led Zeppelin - The Song Remains the Same [Blu-ray] Image](/images/Led-Zeppelin-The-Song-Remains-the-Same-Blu-ray-B0012YYZYK-X.jpg)
Led Zeppelin - The Song Remains the Same [Blu-ray]Warner Brothers; Release date: 2008-02-26; DVD
Best price: $16.72
Price in other shops:
![Live at Red Rocks [Remastered] Image](/images/Live-at-Red-Rocks-Remastered-B0017F65AG-X.jpg)
Live at Red Rocks [Remastered]Release date: 2008-09-30; DVD
Best price: $9.56
Price in other shops:
![Chaos in Motion [2 DVD] Image](/images/Chaos-in-Motion-2-DVD-B001BGTWWY-X.jpg)
Chaos in Motion [2 DVD]Release date: 2008-09-30; DVD
Best price: $15.80
Price in other shops:
Live from TexasRelease date: 2008-06-24; DVD
Best price: $8.38
Price in other shops:
Where The Light Is: John Mayer Live In Los AngelesRelease date: 2008-07-01; DVD
Best price: $11.05
Price in other shops:
Live at Montreux 1991-1992Release date: 2008-09-30; DVD
Best price: $8.87
Price in other shops:
One Live KissRelease date: 2008-10-21; DVD
Best price: $11.99
Price in other shops:
Similar DVDs, VHS Video, Audio CDs
Hip Grooves for Hand Drums: How to Play Funk, Rock & World-Beat Patterns on Any Drumby Alan L. Dworsky; Betsy Sansby; Alan Dworsky; Jay Kendell, Alan Dworsky, Betsy Sansby, Jay Kendell
Dancing Hands Music; Published: 2001-03-02; Paperback; Book
Best price: $15.65
Price in other shops:
The Quick Guide to Djembe Drumming (English/ Japanese/ Spanish)MUSIC VIDEO DIST; Release date: 2004-12-08; DVD
Best price: $12.15
Price in other shops:
Madou Djembe - Air Mail Music: African DrumsRelease date: 2003-01-07; Music CD
Best price: $6.83
Price in other shops:
African DrummingRelease date: 2005-03-07; DVD
Best price: $13.74
Price in other shops:
Mel Bay presents Anyone Can Play DjembeRelease date: 2008-01-28; DVD
Best price: $11.99
Price in other shops:
Have Fun Playing Hand Drums: A Book and Cd for Playing the Djembe, Conga, and Bongo Drumsby Ben James
Alfred Publishing Company; Published: 1999-04; Paperback; Book
Best price: $12.28
Price in other shops:
The Healing Power of the Drumby Robert Lawrence Friedman
White Cliffs Media; Published: 2000-09; Paperback; Book
Best price: $8.94
Price in other shops:
Remembering How to Drum: Djembe TechniqueRelease date: 2004-01-01; DVD
Best price: $26.39
Price in other shops:
Kalani's Ultimate Hand Percussion: Djembe JamMVP; Release date: 2006-03-02; DVD
Best price: $9.35
Price in other shops:
How to Play Djembe (Book/ CD set)by Alan L. Dworsky & Betsy Sansby, Alan Dworsky, Betsy Sansby
Dancing Hands Music; Published: 2000-02-15; Paperback; Book
Best price: $15.38
Price in other shops: