Author: Gordon Nunn

I play drumset and hand percussion with bands based in Pittsburgh and Cumberland, MD. Additionally, I accompany dance classes at Point Park University, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre's outreach programs, and Carnegie Mellon University's Pre-College Drama programs. I teach lessons at my private studio at the Monroeville Music Lesson Center, Norwin High School and The Music Note in Ben Avon.

First Night of Open Drumming is a Success

What is open drumming? What should participants expect? What is it not?

Open drumming is a term that I use to describe a collective drumming activity where participants are free to play what ever they like, so long as it adheres in some way to a central pulse. That pulse can be expressed as a single recurring beat, much like a heartbeat, or as a more complex rhythmic pattern.

One of the beauties of open drumming is that the pulse can change in response to the collective energy created by the drummers that are present.

As the facilitator, I’ll do my best to guide the music, and at the same time be sensitive to the energy of the drummers, because in this kind of context, it’s only natural that the rhythms and tempo change of the course of the event. My goal will be to provide some sense of continuity within the overall musical space.

It will also be responsibility to foster a safe environment, where participants can feel comfortable. It’s not a venue for drummers to come and show off their amazing speed or to play louder than anyone else. Collective drumming should be a medium for musical interaction and mutual respect.

Open Drumming This Thursday at Greenfield Presbyterian

‘ll be leading an open drumming session at Greenfield Presbyterian Church, this Thursday, January 27 from 7–9 p.m. Some loaner drums will be provided. I’ll be asking for a five dollar donation from each participant.
My intention with this event is to provide an indoor environment where people can come together to drum, and have fun.
Drumming brings people together. My hope is that in this context, we can create rhythms that are the result of the collective creativity of everyone present.

New Six-week Class in Djembe and Dundun Begins Jan. 6

Dear Pittsburgh Hand Drummers,

I will be starting a new six-week class in djembe and dun dun drumming on January 6 at Greenfield Presbyterian Church. The class will take place on Thursday nights and last from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. I’ll be trying something new by adding a night of opening drumming between the 3rd and 4th classes on January 27.

The additional evening of drumming will be for those who like to drum in a less structured setting. Course participants are welcome to attend. It will be a great chance for the course participants to show off their newly acquired drumming skills.

Tuition for the Six-week class will be $75, it should be paid on the first night of classes. Participants in the open drumming night will be asked to make a donation to help cover the cost of renting space at Greenfield Presbyterian.
I will be adding more details about the six-week class on this site as well as the Denbaya Drumming Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Gordon-Nunn-Denbaya Drumming/180202535327646

Classes and Private Lessons

There are no classes in session at this time; however, I plan to begin a new six week class starting in January 2011.

Meanwhile, I do offer private lessons at my home studio. I can facilitate individuals as well as small groups consisting of two to four students.

Please contact me in the comments section if you’re interested.

Performing this Thursday, August 19 with the Queen City Funk and Soul Band in Bedford, PA

I play percussion with this band from Cumberland, MD. The Queen City Funk and Soul Band is an eleven-piece ensemble that plays a mix of soul music and funk from the 60s to today. See: http://www.myspace.com/queencityfunkandsoul

Official Announcement: Six-week Session in Jembe and Dundun Drumming at Greenfield Presbyterian Church

Greetings Pittsburgh Drumming Community,

I’ll be offering a new six-week session in jembe and dundun drumming for beginner through intermediate levels at Greenfield Presbyterian Church in near Squirrel Hill on Tuesday nights beginning August 31 through October 5.
See the Link for Green Presbyterian for more information about the venue.
The class will meet from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and the cost will $75 per person for six classes. For those who wish to attend only one or two classes, there will be a drop-in fee of $20 per class.

I will need at least ten people for the class to make, so please respond by August 30 to confirm your interest. You can register for the class by mailing a check made out to Gordon Nunn for $75 to the following address:

410-416 N. Craig St., Loft M
Pittsburgh, PA 15313

I will also accept payments at the first class.

Over a period of six weeks participants will be introduced to basic hand-drumming techniques, including the proper way to hold the drum, the correct hand and arm positions, and the right technique for playing three different sounds on the drum: bass, tone, and slap. The class will cover simple exercises to help develop these skills. And, members of the class will be introduced to two to three rhythms from the Malinke and Bambara jembe drumming traditions, as well as solo phrases and musical arrangements form each of the rhythms.

Each class will begin with a review of basic drumming techniques, and then progress to playing basic rhythmic patterns. The majority of the class-time will be dedicated to learning and playing jembe drumming pieces.

Students will also be introduced to playing the dundun — a two-headed drum played with a stick — and the techniques used such as grip, strokes, and two-hand independence.

I’ll provide a few loaner drums for those who don’t own one.

New Classes in Jembe and Dundun Drumming Beginning in August and September

In late August, I’ll be starting two new six-week courses in jembe and dundun drumming at two different Pittsburgh locations; Greenfield Presbyterian Church on the eastside and Brighton Music in the North Hills.
The class in Greenfield will be held from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays beginning August 31 and run through October 5, and the class in the North Hills will take place on Saturdays from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. from September 11 to October 15.