Performing and composing ideas
African drumming employs the following techniques and devices. Each one can be transferred to other genres of music and should be recalled if asked to perform or compose a piece of music.
| In performance | In composing | |
| Polyrhythms | Using percussion instruments, each player should perform a short rhythm and proceed to layer each new rhythm on top. | Compose a number of two-bar rhythms in 4/4 and hand out a percussion part to each player. The ensemble leader then directs the group. |
| Ensemble skills | For a rehearsal, the group should choose a leader who is permitted to use only rhythmic signals to inform all of the players how to play with dynamics and articulate. | Take time to understand the purpose of each instrument in a composition and question if the instrument is needed. |
| Rhythm | If a rhythm is considered difficult, it is sometimes useful to clap the rhythm with a metronome. Once the performer feels confident clapping the rhythm, then proceed to try on the instrument. | Compose a piece for two instruments. This part could start off simply and become increasingly complicated. Use some of the rhythmic ideas found in African music such as cross-rhythms, interlocking rhythms and polyrhythms. |
| Polyrhythms | |
| In performance | Using percussion instruments, each player should perform a short rhythm and proceed to layer each new rhythm on top. |
| In composing | Compose a number of two-bar rhythms in 4/4 and hand out a percussion part to each player. The ensemble leader then directs the group. |
| Ensemble skills | |
| In performance | For a rehearsal, the group should choose a leader who is permitted to use only rhythmic signals to inform all of the players how to play with dynamics and articulate. |
| In composing | Take time to understand the purpose of each instrument in a composition and question if the instrument is needed. |
| Rhythm | |
| In performance | If a rhythm is considered difficult, it is sometimes useful to clap the rhythm with a metronome. Once the performer feels confident clapping the rhythm, then proceed to try on the instrument. |
| In composing | Compose a piece for two instruments. This part could start off simply and become increasingly complicated. Use some of the rhythmic ideas found in African music such as cross-rhythms, interlocking rhythms and polyrhythms. |