Notes

Short things we keep repeating in class, written down so we can stop repeating them.

Slow is a tempo, not a punishment

Every pattern that falls apart at speed was already uneven when it was slow. Halve the tempo, keep the feel, and only then walk it back up.

Count out loud until you don't need to

Counting is scaffolding. Say the numbers, then whisper them, then drop them. The pulse stays in the body long after the words go.

Three sounds are enough

Bass, tone and slap. Most grooves you will ever play on a hand drum are those three sounds in a different order.

Listening is half of playing

In a circle your job is not to be heard — it is to make the person next to you sound good.