Digeridoo Made Easy
A. E. Drury | Portland, OR, United States | 08/26/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Another relatively recent product, this package features multi language narration as well as a multi language booklet which covers every track on the CD. First of all, I really like a package that includes written material. It makes it so much easier to quickly refer to specifics of any lesson between listens to and practice with the audio material. Additionally, the written material includes brief information on the history of the instrument, how they are made, the geographic regions of origin, playing styles, instrument care, instrument types and answers to frequently asked questions.
There are basically eight steps in the lesson plan starting with production of the basic drone, using the tongue, playing with syllables (mouth shapes), creating basic rhythms, circular breathing, breath exercises, animal sounds and finally some additional rhythm examples.
Also really good is the presentation of each sound first using the voice, then through buzzing lips and finally through the didgeridoo is a great way to learn. This course is very consistent in this which means the learner really knows what to expect ever step of the way. The narrations are quite clearly done as well.
The section on circular breathing is also somewhat original. For people who are having trouble getting the circular breathing, it is always worth while to get a different approach to the technique. This one involves actually spitting water down your didgeridoo so be prepared for some major "leakage" at the bottom of your didge. At minimum, I would suggest playing over a towel or perhaps a bucket for this one! Circular breathing is not broken down in as many steps as in Alastair Black's method. This section could probably have been expanded a bit to explain the role of the tongue, cheeks and diaphragm. However, in context with the rest of the learning material presented, it is an appropriate treatment of the subject. A down fall of many instructors is to over emphasis or make too much of circular breathing on the instrument. Most people take some amount of time and experimentation to get it after all. There is so much more to playing the instrument than circular breathing.
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