Endorsed by Karl Perazzo, Dave Garibaldi, John Santos, Ignacia Berroa, Mark Levine, Rebeca Mauleon, Jesus Diaz and more!
The Conga Drummer's Guidebook is the most complete method book specifically designed for intermediate to advanced conga drummers, and it's packed with exercises on every aspect of the craft!
It includes complete chapters on:
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a clear explanation of clave
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exercises on playing quinto
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correct phrasing concepts
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revoicing ideas to give more depth to your playing
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12 coordination exercises
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explanation of many different rhythmic styles
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stamina exercises
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agility exercises, heel-toe technique, and much more!
Grammy-nominated percussionist Michael Spiro also goes behind the individual licks, and shows you how to approach any Afro-Latin rhythm with the right feel. He explains in-depth how to play correctly, not just what to play.
If you are just getting interested in conga drum playing, you should first study Michael Spiro’s Introduction to the Conga Drum DVD. For experienced percussionists, this is the most authoritative conga method book ever published.
An audio download of the author demonstrating all the concepts in the book is available here.
Spiral-bound, 116 pages, Table of Contents.
Sample Pages: Phrasing - Part 2
Sample Tracks: Track 16, Track 34
Endorsements:
“This book is awesome. When I wanted to study Afro-Cuban music, everyone said, 'Go see Spiro'. I took that advice, and it was one of the best decisions I ever made. Each time we play together, I learn something. Michael is one of the rare ones who is completely knowledgeable about his subject, is always current, and is the consummate player as well. This book explains, very simply in his elegant way, the concepts of conga drumming in this style, but more importantly, the basic concept of Afro-Cuban music and rhythm. Bravo, Michael!!”
— Dave Garibaldi, drummer with Tower of Power, Talking Drums
“This is a breakthrough book for all students of the conga drum!”
— Karl Perazzo, percussionist with Carlos Santana
“Michael Spiro is a great percussionist and educator; his knowledge about percussion and his musicality have always impressed me. He is a true example of devotion, dedication and respect for the music. Michael's book will greatly expand the knowledge of both students and professionals, and will help them to become great percussionists.”
— Ignacio Berroa, drummer and percussionist
Michael Spiro is known throughout the world as one of Latin music's finest percussionists. He has performed with some of the all-time greats of Afro-Cuban music, including Cachao, Eddie Palmieri, and Changuito, and has also performed with the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, David Byrne, McCoy Tyner, Carlos Santana, Gilberto Gil, and Toninho Horta. A Grammy-nominated recording artist and producer, Michael has been recorded on literally thousands of CDs, and is a former Professor of Music at Indiana University.
