Denbaya - Community Drum Levels

Denbaya Drum Class Levels

Technique Seminar	The Language of the Drum
Focus	Basic introduction to instruments, djembe sounds (slap, tone, bass), cultural context, playing posture, hand positioning, and “best practice” strategies.
Objective	Concentrated two-hour introduction to djembe-playing technique, exercises, and notation systems for rhythms.
Proficiency Certification	Completion of two-hour workshop. Seminar is a recommended prerequisite for all beginning drummers, or drummers new to the djembe.

Level I	Beginning Djembe
Focus	Djembe Technique
Objective	Building a basic repertoire of rhythms Cultural knowledge of the djembe instrument
Proficiency Certification	Memorized knowledge of all djembe parts for 10 Level I rhythms Knowledge of cultural significance and purpose of all Level I rhythms. Clear technique: slap, tone, base. Ability to maintain even tempo. Mastery of practice exercises.

Level II	Beginning Dunduns
Focus	Dunduns Technique
Objective	Building more complete repertoire of rhythms Cultural knowledge of dunduns, including regional, ethnic, performance stylistic differences.
Proficiency Certification	Memorized knowledge of all dundun parts for Level I djembe rhythms. Retained knowledge of all dundun and djembe parts for Level I rhythms. Knowledge of all dundun and djembe parts for 10 Level II rhythms. Knowledge of cultural significance and purpose of all Level II rhythms. Ability to play at tempo and demonstrate stamina while maintaining proper technique.

Level III	Intermediate Djembe/Dunduns
Focus	Djembe solo technique/solo phrasing
Objective	Building a working repertoire of more complex rhythms
Proficiency Certification	Memorized Knowledge of both dundun and djembe parts for 10 Level III rhythms or family of rhythms. Knowledge of the cultural significance and purpose of Level III rhythms. Knowledge of solo technique/ traditional phrasing for all rhythms learned in Levels I, II and III. Demonstrated proficiency with standard rolls, roll exercises.

Level IV	Advanced Djembe/Dunduns
Focus	Djembe and dundun solo application to dance
Objective	Building solid repertoire of all major rhythms and solo for on-going dance classes. Understanding the symbiotic relationship between dance and drum.
Proficiency Certification	Memorized Knowledge of both dundun and djembe parts for 10 Level IV rhythms. Knowledge of solo technique (traditional phrasing) for all rhythms learned in Levels I, II, III and IV. Demonstrated proficiency with playing lead solo for dancers.
Prerequisite for Teaching Certification	Teaching Beginning Djembe, additional coursework Teaching Beginning Dunduns, additional coursework

Level V	Advanced Performance/Professional
Focus	Phrasing, performance, composition and staging skills
Objective	Developing professional performance and staging skills
Proficiency Certification	Ongoing professional development level. Successful completion of teaching certifications for Beginning Djembe and Beginning Dunduns.

Teaching Certification	Beginning Djembe Instruction
Focus	Classroom strategies for teaching djembe
Objective	Introduce techniques, pedagogy for teaching djembe in group-lesson setting.
Prerequisite	Proficiency certification at Level IV, or consent of instructor.
Proficiency Certification	Completion of six week workshop

Teaching Certification	Beginning Dunduns Instruction
Focus	Classroom strategies for teaching dunduns
Objective	Introduce techniques, pedagogy for teaching dunduns in group-lesson setting.
Prerequisite	Proficiency certification at Level IV, or consent of instructor.
Proficiency Certification	Completion of six week workshop

Events Calendar

© 2005 Denbaya, Inc. All rights reserved. Contact Denbaya. 541-621-1815.