The new generation of Percussion Plus’ mega-popular Slap Djembes is here! Manufactured in the world’s premier Djembe factory in Bali, these fantastic educational drums are more durable, resonant and vibrant than ever. With their instructive drumheads and robust construction, Slap Djembes make a brilliant addition to any music education setting.

Designed to stand the test of time in classroom environments, the strong yet lightweight design amplifies their accessibility without compromising on sound; the booming bass acts as a foundation, with crisp slaps and deep resonant tones providing the exciting variety that makes these djembes ideal for group music lessons.

Supplied either rope-tuned or pre-tuned and in a range of sizes, the World Slap Djembe range encourages you to form your own djembe circle and get playing. They are fantastic tools for SEND learning, Whole Class Ensemble Teaching (WCET) and can even be used as part of CPD programmes for teachers looking to develop their musical options and skills!

• Pack contents (10pcs): 3 x 6”, 3 x 7”, 2 x 8”, 2 x 10” pre-tuned djembes, Slap Djembe book
• Pack contents (15pcs): 3 x 6”, 4 x 7”, 4 x 8”, 4 x 10” pre-tuned djembes, Slap Djembe book
• Exciting new generation of the iconic Slap Djembe range
• Classic instructive drumhead for easy teaching and learning!
• Robust synthetic one-piece shell for maximum durability
• Fantastic sound quality with crisp slap, deep tone and booming bass
• Made by the world’s foremost djembe manufacturers in Bali
• Includes Andy Gleadhill’s ‘Slap Djembe’ an award winning teaching resource

How to play your slap djembe

The design on the drumhead shows examples of hand positions that can be employed to obtain a fabulous variety of tones from the drum, from punchy bass to cracking highs. When you hit the skin, let your hand bounce back allowing the sound to ring.

The area in the centre of the drum produces a warm and full bass tone. To play a good bass, the djembe must be struck in the middle of the drumhead with the hand slightly cupped, palm down, and returning quickly from the drum. Use your whole arm and pretend that you are bouncing a basketball; this will result in the perfect action for playing good bass tones!

This is played around the edge of the drum. Relax your hand and arm and hit the drum with a slapping motion. Spread your fingers out slightly when you strike the edge of the drum for a whipping crack sound. For an even more distinctive and muted slap, hold one hand down in the middle of the drum in the bass position, while simultaneously playing the slap tone on the edge of the drum.

Straighten all your fingers at the same time. Aim to strike the drum so that the joint where your fingers meet your hand (at the first knuckle) is at the rim of the drum. Think of your hand as an extension of your arm and remember not to keep it on the drum, but to let it bounce back from the drumhead as soon as you’ve played the note. This will produce a clear, ringing ‘tone’, with good projection.

Goes perfectly with Andy Gleadhill’s Slap Djembe book

Whether you are a percussion expert or have never taught music before, Andy Gleadhill’s Slap Djembe is the best introduction to playing and teaching the djembe. Utilising an innovative, accessible notation this award-winning resource features 12 rhythms from around the globe with insightful performance notes and 10 weekly lessons that can be applied to any tune in the book. That’s 120 lessons, planned for you!

What’s more, a raft of additional content is provided alongside the book, including video guides, audio samples and interactive whiteboard-compatible resources, designed specifically for the classroom.