The material presented in this text is based directly on field research conducted in West Africa while under the guidance of three Master Drummers. Musical examples are introduced in the same private lesson format as they were learned in Africa—an approach which should allow you to move quickly through style and variation with some background information provided along the way. West Africa encompasses more than three music traditions; no single text can completely discuss any one style. In Ghana alone there are numerous musical styles which could fill volumes—an amazing fact for a country the size of Oregon. The purpose of this text is to expand your rhythmic and cultural awareness through music and drumming while offering insights into more contemporary application, performance and composition using traditional foundations.
