Binding: Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 781
EAN: 9780786670819
ISBN: 0786670819
Label: Mel Bay Publications, Inc.
Manufacturer: Mel Bay Publications, Inc.
Number Of Items: 1
Number Of Pages: 72
Publication Date: 2004-03
Publisher: Mel Bay Publications, Inc.
Studio: Mel Bay Publications, Inc.

In Volume I, Tomasito reveals the time­-tested conga method which he himself studied with "Changuito" and other master congueros at the ENA conservatory in Havana. Volume I starts at the absolute beginning and is designed for the person who has never touched the congas, but is also of great value to the advanced player who wishes to understand the foundation and rudiments of the approach that has allowed the ENA and the other Havana conservatories to consistently turn out so many world class congueros each year.

Volume I begins with simple exercises to develop technique and systematically works its way through rudiments and "recursos" for use in solos and fills and basic rhythm patterns such as Salsa, Cha-Cha and Bolero. These are presented using the unique Step by Step DVD Method, which enables the student to learn the patterns by watching the DVD and imitating Tomasito as he builds the patterns stroke by stroke. This, combined with a special type of notation designed to be simple for those who don't read music, results in a conga course that really works, rather than just another reference book to add to the bookshelf!

Customer Rating:
Summary: Excellent - Excellent - Excellent
Comment: Mr. BongoMan here:

I have play percussion for almost 10 years now. I finally gave way to the congas about 2 months ago. This is by far the best "Conga Method" I have seen.

It starts at the basics and thats the most important element in learning anything new. Some reviewers claim the DVD is to slow. That's how you learn the proper way. Once you master the basics, then get to the rhythms. No rush; perfect practice makes perfect! For example, you can feel more power and tension by just adjusting your thumb position; amazing! For seasoned players like myself this little tips and tricks are priceless for perfecting the techniques and playing style.

I purchased Vol 1 and 2. Once I mastered those I am definitely purchasing Vol 3. Also something I found amazing was the description and differences of the claves, this is a must for any serious or hobby percussionist! Overall buy it, I am glad I have. I know that Tomasito's Method is going to give me a bigger edge on the market place!!
Practice, practice, practice, in a couple of months you will see the difference!

PS: Giovanni Hidalgo (one of the best congueros out there) advises practicing minimum of 10 minutes each hand excercise, Tomasito gave this to you in a golden platter!

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Good but slow, get Volume II also
Comment: This book/DVD is very slow moving but it is also very clear. There are only a few actual rhythms in this first volume. The good part is this approaches conga technique very clearly and if you do the exercises you will improve greatly. It is very important to get the proper technique FIRST because relearning rhythms after you have bad technique is counterproductive and slower in the end. You can also hurt your hands as I did at first. However, as another reviewer mentions this IS rather boring and slow. I think the best solution is to integrate this volume with volume II slowly. That is, start with this and go through it a few times. Maybe don't even order Volume II for a couple weeks. Then return to these exercises OVER and OVER and OVER as warm ups while slowly learning the marchas and rhythms from volume II. That will be less boring but if you simply ignore all the lessons in volume I it seems like you will suffer from some deficiencies. All in all a great series, but if you just get Volume I you won't have very much to play.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: The Thomas Cruz Conga Method
Comment: An excellent step by step guide that provides excellent details in both music theory and Cuban conga technique. Very user friendly!

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Customer Rating:
Summary: The best conga teaching method ever
Comment: As a conga newbie, I really appreciate the way this book and DVD were laid out. Yes, it's slow, but thanks to that I have been able to learn and learn well. So, don't pay attention to Naoise O'hannain's review.

Before Tomasito's method, I tried countless of other books and vidoes and none of them taught me a thing...

Once again, if you're a beginner on congas and you're a smart person, buy this book and DVD package and you won't be disappointed. Otherwise, if you're like Naoise O'hannain, go buy something else and you'll regret it.

Good luck and peace!

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Good Lessons
Comment: I am using Volume I and think these are very helpful lessons. They are to-the-point and organized and they very clearly show the correct hand positions and methods of playing onscreen. It is easy to do my practice sessions while watching the lessons. I plan to purchase Vol. II and Vol. III as well, since Vol. I is working so well for me.

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