Hand training exercise for sound developement, balancing and technique 

Conga Drums

I have been performing for years on the Conga drum and a teacher of How to play the Conga drum for over 30 years. I have performed with such notables as Carlos Santana, Johnny Lang., Orianthi, Sergio Mendes, Eddie Palmieri, Johnny Pacheco. and many many other Grammy winning artists. Lessons are conducted around your availability. Lessons can be an hour to an hour and a half long and you will have homework. you will need your own Conga drums. Learn from one of the best player/teachers  in the world today

*** Lesson Details ***
Here is is my curriculum for my Conga drum course 

The study of  the Conga drum....

Cuban methods as taught in Cuba today,  and also my methods developed over 30 years of teaching


Sound development-utilizing the 5 parts of the hand Heel/Palm/Fulcrum/Inner knuckles/and Tips of fingers
Hand exercises  which include my S.T.O.M.P method-Slap Tone Open Muffle Palm
Rudimentary hand drumming and approaches on Conga drum
One conga drum, 2 conga drums, 3 conga drums
Styles in Mambo, Rumba, Salsa, Son, Latin Jazz and Folkloric
Counting and keeping time
Stick control for timbales
 Baqueteo patterns -Cascara(shell)of the timbal and cowbell patterns in clave
Abanico- 7 stroke and 9 stroke rolls
Styles on timbales-Danzon, Son, Mambo, Rumba, Salsa, Cha Cha Cha, Bolero 
Reading and writing for Latin percussion
Latin Rhythm Theory
Ensemble performance
The Clave & pulse
6/8 Clave
Son Clave
Rumba Clave
The Clave today
Phrasing with the Clave
Variations on the Clave
Polyrhythms in Cuban Music

Cuban and Caribbean Rhythms taught are:
 
Bolero-5 variations
Caballo(Horse rhythm)-with variations
Danzon
Yambu
Guaguanco-6 variations
Rumba-with variations-columbia/abierto(open) 2Conga drums/one drum/New York street style rumba
Abakua-one drum pattern to 3 drum patterns
Plena(Puerto Rico)
Bomba
Bomba Sica
Bomba Yuba
Bambiche
Merengue(Domincan Republic)
Mozambique-old school/new school variations
Cumbia(Columbia)-with variations on one drum to 3 drums
Bembe(Afro) variations
Conga Comparsa(Carnival drumming) with variations
Changui
Calypso(Trinidad) one to 3 conga drums with variations
Bossa Nova(Brasil) with variations from one to 3 conga drums
Afro-Samba(Brasil)
Baion(Brasil)
Samba on 2 to 3 conga drums
Songo with 9 variations
Pilon on 3 congas 
Iyesa with variations
6/8 basic one conga drum to 3 conga drums
Guarapachangeo with variations from 2 drums to 5
Ritmo Pa Ca
Dengue
Jala Jala
Tumbaos(basic rhythmic conga patterns for Latin Dance music) with many variations 
Chaonda-
6/8 Bell patterns on conga drum with variations
Mongo Santamarias tumbaos and rhythmic approaches
Mongos Merengue
Mongos Afro Blue with variations

*** Studio Equipment ***
Congas/bongos/timbales/perc.
*** Specialties ***
 I teach Latin percussion, conga drums, timbales, bongos and assorted African and Brazilian percussion as well.
I teach what is called the "Cuban" method of learning how to play as it is taught in Cuba today, along with my own developed methods. Yes I teach online. 

Tone-Slap      right hand left hand training balancing for sound and technique

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I had my first lesson with Kevin this evening and thought he was excellent. He was clear, personable, knowledgeable and understood well what I was looking for.

Experienced, patient and down to earth, I highly recommend Johnny Conga.

Johnny is a great teacher. He's got all the info, a great method, and he's a fun person. His set up was nice and I'm very excited to continue learning with him. Very lucky I found him.

Staff Picks

Afro-Cuban style Congas is fun and exciting. I can show you how to play so that you can perform with groups in school or groups out on the town!

I have a Percussion Performance Degree from Arizona State University, have authored over 6 books on how to play better including: ART Approach to Keyboard Percussion Sightreading, ART Approach to Rhythm!, Turn It Up & Lay It Down, The Book (with Joe Bergamini and Spence Strand) I have over 26 years of teaching experience and constantly work to find better ways to show people how to be great. I am currently working on 4 new books in the Percussion area and about a dozen more for other instruments.I work with each student to find out what motivates them and how to set goals to reach whatever level they seek. I have worked with almost every age possible and find it exciting to see people find out how great they are. 

*** Lesson Details ***
Lessons with me will be positive and you will be pushed to be your best. I work with each student to find out their goals and then show them the fastest and best way to reach those goals. As long as you follow instructions and practice, you can expect amazing results! Most of my students are in the top bands, make All-State auditioned groups, get highest ratings at Solo & Ensemble contests and know how to play!Even when time is a concern, I can still help you move forward. I always take where students are and show them how to get to the next step. I can move at any rate the student wants to move. I am committed to having them have fun and get better!

*** Studio Equipment ***
2 Drumsets, Timpani, Vibraphone, Xylophone, Bells, Snare Drums, marching drum pads, Congas, Timbales, Bongos, Cajon, Djembe, Auxiliary Percussion (too many to list) and also TV/Audio equipment to help with playing with music while we do lessons!

*** Specialties ***
I have a series of Rhythm books that are used in multiple schools. I also am well-versed in Drumset, Concert Percussion, Marching Percussion, Steel Drums, and Mallet Percussion

David is an excellent teacher- patient, and good at breaking down the rhythms and providing practical practices exercises.  Highly recommended!

Hello! My name is David Gervais aka “Pudge”. I live in Reno, Nevada and I would love to share my expertise and teach you drum set, congas, batá, or any other percussion instruments you would like to explore. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Jazz and Improvisational Music from the University of Nevada, Reno. Having lived and worked in New York City and Mexico City, I have experience recording and performing in many musical settings including small group jazz, big band, pop, blues, rock, metal, punk, country, salsa, Brazilian, Cuban, orchestral, marching, reggae/ska, and church music. I play congas and Afro-Cuban percussion, and have experience playing and recording in funk, salsa, timba, rumba, and other folkloric Cuban styles. I also play batá drums, double-headed Afro-Cuban drums played in the religious ceremonies of Santería. My curriculum for students is very focused but flexible to each student's interests and needs, generally focusing on technique, rudiments, groove, playing songs/arrangements, improvising in different settings, reading music, listening, and sharing my real world experience to guide my students towards their goals. But most importantly, I bring positive energy, love, and spiritual connection to drumming and practice that encourages my students to have fun, enjoy the learning process, be patient and nonjudgmental, and ask me whatever questions they have about life as a musician. I look forward to working with you!

Hello! My name is David aka “Pudge”. I'm from Reno, NV, and I have worked as a musician in both New York City and Mexico City. I would love to share my expertise and teach you drum set, snare drum, congas, bata, reading music, or improvisation in either English or Spanish whichever is more comfortable for you. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Jazz and Improvisational Music from the University of Nevada, Reno, and I have experience recording and performing in many musical settings including small group jazz, big band, Afro-Cuban, pop, blues, rock, metal, punk, country, salsa, Brazilian, orchestral, marching, reggae/ska, and church music. I offer lessons in English and Spanish so you can be comfortable speaking your native language with me. I look forward to meeting you!

I primarily give online lessons, but I will travel to your home/studio for lessons within the Reno/Tahoe general area, or welcome you to my home studio in Gardnerville. Whatever works best for you!

How to play the Conga drum and all that goes with it...See main profile..

Very inspiring. A good mix between technique and philosophy. 

I have been working with Murray for a year now.   My goal has been to gain basic percussion conceptual framework, develop hand independence and consistency,  and translate this knowledge and skills to improve the dynamism of how I imagine and execute piano accompaniment. (The piano is my primary instrument.  I am taking a sabbatical from piano instruction while I am with Murray.   I highly recommend all piano students to consider taking hand percussion lessons) .     My expectations have been surpassed.  I find Murray well organized and thoughtful in the sequence of topics.  He provides more constructive and useful feedback than I have received from prior teachers.

In a fun and easy going atmosphere, I will introduce to the beginners the
Conga drum, how to play correctly and effortlessly all 7 “official” sounds on the Conga. Every class will consist on a routine of proper technique review and warming up exercises, followed by learning basic patterns. 

The first couple of lessons will be always geared towards the beginner student. As the student grasped old concepts, then we will move at a faster pace to attend the needs of the intermediate level students.

I received my B.S. & Music Degree with concentration in instrumentalists from Morgan State University. I’v been playing drums since the age of three and now been teaching for over 17 years. In 2016, I was accepted as a member of the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM).  I am very well rounded in all styles of music such as, Rock, Jazz, Gospel, Christian, Latin, Marching, Classical, Blues and the list goes on. I am a Emmy Nominated drummer for my outstanding role in the 2015 Stage Musical "Oh Gospel" The Evolution of Gospel Music. My drumming & percussion career has launch me into one of the most sought after instructors & drummers of our time. My skill level and personalty has brought about major partnerships with some of the biggest names in the industry such as Vic Furth, Evans Drum Heads, Sabian Cymbals, JamTec USA, Urbann Boards and Kick Strap. I have performed with many Stellers & Grammy artist such as Richard Smallwood, Tamela Mann, Marvin Sapp, Dorinda Clark Cole, Isaiah D Thomas, American Idol contestants and Sunday Best contestants just to name a few. I currently play full time at the New Antioch Baptist Church of Randallstown in Baltimore MD where the congregation is over 10,000 members. I am very proud of the releasing of my latest DVD & "Nothing Too Hard" video to inspire all musicians around the World. With the launching of Passionate Drumming & Music Lessons, I am dedicated to equipping all my students with the instructions for reaching students goals. I welcome all students any age, any skill level. Hope to have you as a new student very soon! 

*** Lesson Details ***
My students will quickly learn the basics of drumming, including: stick control, technique, rhythms, drum fills, and licks. It does not matter if you are a beginner, intermediate or advanced drummer. The same time and effort will be exercised. We will have a fun and meaningful time playing, both by ear and by reading music. These lessons will really be hands on using teaching methods such as music books, DVD’s, and playing of my own. Students will have a great time also studying music theory, learning how to assemble the drum set, learning the parts of the drums, how to tune the drums, and how to accompany other musical instruments. After 3 to 6 months taking lessons, all students will be well on their way to a very successful musical career having had such fun and learning to play all different styles of music. My motto: Lets play Good, get Better, and be our Best!           

*** Studio Equipment ***
Finished Studio: (3) drum sets, recording equipment, bells, hand drums & other percussion instruments, seating for students & guest.

***Endorsers & Sponsors***
*Odery Drums
*RBimusic
*VicFirth Sticks
*Sabian Cymbals & Sabian Education Network 
*StickPro
*Evans,  D'Addario & Company, Inc.  
*NAMM Member
*Low Boy Beaters 
*Urbann Boards
*SledgePad
*Kick Strap
*JamTec USA

*** Specialties ***
Gospel, Christian, jazz, blues, rock, R&B, pop, Latin, reggae, funk, shuffle, studio recording, Great with Kids!

Everything is going great and I'm making some good progress.  Thank you !

Everything is going well and she's been giving me some good homework exercises that are proving to be helpful. 


Great teacher.   Has a good sense of where the student is and what needs to be improved upon.  She's developing a teaching strategy for me after our initial meeting. 

Conga Drum:
A tall, narrow, single-headed drum from Cuba. Congas are traditionally used in Afro-Cuban genres such as conga and rumba, although they are now very common in some other forms of Latin music, Afro-Cuban jazz, salsa, etc.  We will focus on the basics of hand technique and placement, rhythms and playing to songs.

Hi!

My name is Karen D. I’ve had the pleasure of performing, singing, writing, and recording since I was seven years old. Besides being an Honor Graduate of Berklee School of Music, I have been a lifelong student of the international world-renowned instructors Dante Pavone and Charlie Banacos. Teaching for forty years (since 1982), along with my passion and diligence, these experiences have given me very in-depth knowledge and understanding of how music really works and the ability to teach all instruments.

All it takes is Trust, Patience, Perseverance, and Practice.

Truly,

Karen D.

Anyone Can Learn To Sing or Play Any Instrument With My Method!
No End To How Good You Can Get!
Vocal Therapist-Can Cure ALL Vocal Damage!

Karen D.
-Certified Teacher of the World Famous Dante Pavone Vocal Method
-Honor Graduate of Berklee School of Music!
-Winner of International World Contest for Meridan Records from over
300 Countries
-Runner up in Ticketmaster Contest
-Twenty Original Songs Placed in Movies
-Written and Recorded Hundreds of Original Songs
-Performer, Producer, Actress, Poet, Writer, Dancer, Entrepreneur
-Teaches Song Writing, Ear Training, Theory, Arranging
-Teaches Video Production and Editing
-Teaches Audio Engineering

It is completely untrue that some people are "born to sing or play an instrument" while others are not. With my expertise a person who believes they have no talent can learn any instrument, the most "tone deaf" can learn to sing perfectly in tune, and someone who thinks they have "no talent" can become better than anyone out there. I have a unique and very patient teaching style that makes learning any instrument seem easy!
Anyone can learn!

It all started out in a small town called Chatham, NJ where I spent the first thirteen years of my life. I remember loving music as early as I could walk and talk. I started taking guitar lessons when I was seven years old. Along with the guitar, came a love for singing and writing my own songs. When we moved to Pennsylvania the guitar came with me. Throughout my high school years, I spent hours playing with teachers, fellow students, and parties.

When I was sixteen every week for three years I would drive an hour into Philadelphia, by myself, to study with world-famous Artie Singer. His students include such names as Chubby Checker, Frankie Avalon, Al Martino, and Bobby Rydel. Artie co-wrote and produced two massive hit records “At the Hop” and “Rock ‘n Roll is Here to Stay,” both recorded by Danny and the Juniors. 

While going to a Community College in Philadelphia the music teacher there took notice of me, pulled me aside, and told me about a great music school I should attend. He then sent away the application and helped me fill it out. The next thing I knew I was in Boston attending Berklee School of Music! I graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Jazz and Rock Composition, Arranging, and Guitar.

I had originally gone to Berklee intending to major in voice. However, I had no luck with the vocal department there and ended up with nodules on my vocal cords. The damage was so significant that I had to stop singing during my four years at Berklee and turned to study Guitar and Composition.

I tried every vocal teacher in town wanting more than anything to be a singer. What I found was no teacher could help me and it seemed obvious that even though they had the “big name” they didn't know what they wt. I was losing hope. The combination of this roadblock and my persistence led me to the greatest thing that ever happened in my life....... I met Dante Pavone!

I kept hearing about a singing teacher named Dante Pavone. Since I had already tried everyone else, I decided to give him a shot.

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I had my first lesson with Kevin this evening and thought he was excellent. He was clear, personable, knowledgeable and understood well what I was looking for.

Experienced, patient and down to earth, I highly recommend Johnny Conga.

Johnny is a great teacher. He's got all the info, a great method, and he's a fun person. His set up was nice and I'm very excited to continue learning with him. Very lucky I found him.

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Tone-Slap right hand left hand training balancing for sound and technique

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