congaplace.com

So im pretty much a newbie when it comes to playing percussion (congas). I haven't put as much time into practicing as I should but plan to this summer as I will have more time to myself.

I've been browsing around youtube and notice there is ALOT of beginner conga technique videos. My question is, is it worth paying for private lessons or are the vids out there good enough along with of course practice time? Will I gain something from instructor lessons that I simply cannot from the youtube videos?

One of my favorites so far is this guys:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XLqe4eBSSk

Theres a hell of a lot of crap on youtube imo . Theres no substitute for a proper teacher who can teach and guide you through the techniques of the instrument .Of course there are some great vids on youtube once you can already play the instrument .

niallgregory wrote:Theres a hell of a lot of crap on youtube imo . Theres no substitute for a proper teacher who can teach and guide you through the techniques of the instrument .Of course there are some great vids on youtube once you can already play the instrument .

I believe that!! I've seen some that even I have cringed at, hahha!!

I'm in the Los Angeles area, who can you guys recommend??

If you want to learn and develop, it is worth finding a good teacher. Yes, you can learn things from YT and vids but you can't get things like in the moment feedback, encouragement, correction and other knowledge that can only come from studying with someone. But make sure they know their stuff first (which can be hard as a beginner to discern who really knows what they're talking about and who says they know). I notice you live in LA. Maybe there's someone here on the board who you can connect with from your city.

Your absolute best resource for pro guidance on this forum is Johnny "JC" Conga. His residency package is a treasure of one on one instruction from one of the top-level pros. He also will provide you select video instruction that you can truly rely on. Search the forum for him and contact him to cut through the confusion. He is a man of integrity, great passion, and is a true teacher, a gift so often lacking in today's "instructors".

Congatick.....I feel humbled by your words....Thank you Brother!...My first Teacher told me to pass the knowledge on to keep the flame alive..and i have been doing that since 1972, when i first started to show friends how to play...38 years later and a few hundred students later(and the thousands on youtube) Im still doing it, and will continue to pass the torch!...there aren't many guys like me left...that do what I do...Thanks again....at your service..."JC" Johnny Conga

Get as many private lessons as possible!
Youtubes are good for inspiration, but, there's just no substitute for personal instruction.

man i read that entire thread yesterday of JC's conga camp and it's reviews. I gotta say it's very inspiring and will def look into it. Thanks for all the advice everyone

You will be in EXCELLENT hands at JC's Congacamp. I am not in a position to do so, but if I could I would. This pro can teach and you will achieve a whole 'nother level.

JohnnyConga wrote:Im still doing it, and will continue to pass the torch"JC" Johnny Conga

Johnny could you write a little more about what this camp includes and whom would benefit most from it?

Are you willing to teach beginners? Would beginners really get their money's worth?
Is there some minimum level of achievement or skill you would recommend before investing in CCI?
Do you customize the camp for the individual?
Other than the awesome experience, what could a prospective student expect to come away with?
Any opportunities to play with a grupo foclorico or jazz band while there?
Are the Volcanoes off limits?

Thanks.

Jibaro wrote:

JohnnyConga wrote:Im still doing it, and will continue to pass the torch"JC" Johnny Conga

Johnny could you write a little more about what this camp includes and whom would benefit most from it?

Are you willing to teach beginners? Would beginners really get their money's worth?
Is there some minimum level of achievement or skill you would recommend before investing in CCI?
Do you customize the camp for the individual?
Other than the awesome experience, what could a prospective student expect to come away with?
Any opportunities to play with a grupo foclorico or jazz band while there?
Are the Volcanoes off limits?

Thanks.

Very good questions! I'd also like to know if we can spend some time going through JC's record collection

I'm a vinyl junkie myself, lol

Are you willing to teach beginners? Would beginners really get their money's worth?
Is there some minimum level of achievement or skill you would recommend before investing in CCI?
Do you customize the camp for the individual?
Other than the awesome experience, what could a prospective student expect to come away with?
Any opportunities to play with a grupo foclorico or jazz band while there?
Are the Volcanoes off limits?

Yes I have taught many beginners. Of course beginners get their money's worth...cause you will have enough to work with when you go home for the first year...after your time with me.

No level of achievement or skill is required. what you need are the 5 DEEZ-Desire-Dedication-Determination-and Discipline =Destiny! with the drum...

I can customize if you know what you are looking to attain in the process

You will come away with 1.Knowledge of self 2. a more rhythmic platform to work from 3.Confidence 4. Stronger time 5. Theory and approaches 6.Patience 7. understanding la clave 8. Conga consciousness (Nuero Linguistic Programming) 9. Learning to relax while playing 10. Congarobics 11.Teaching you how to teach yourself, and passing it on to others, on the path of the drum.

There may be opportunities to 'sit in' depending on your skill level. Others that have come to me that I have taken out, have sat in with a band or two here with me.
YES the Volcanoes are available... "JC" Johnny Conga

For those starting out, no video or book can substitute for a good teacher, to correct bad posturte, hand placement, technique, sound etc.

Now if you are already of intermediate to advanced player, videos etc are fine.

If accessible, JC's C.C.I is a great option. At least you know you aint been done over by some charlatan or imposter. JC has a wealth of experience as both performer & facilitator. Something many people fail to distinguish.
Just cause you can play, dont make you a teacher.

My students will (from time to time) video tape parts of our lesson for their own personal reference to go back to when practising at home, this is fine. However to solely go off youtube, not something I could reccommend.


Best of luck.

I fully agree.


Do not think that you can learn alone.

A teacher is needed to start well.


D

CongaTick wrote:Your absolute best resource for pro guidance on this forum is Johnny "JC" Conga. His residency package is a treasure of one on one instruction from one of the top-level pros. He also will provide you select video instruction that you can truly rely on. Search the forum for him and contact him to cut through the confusion. He is a man of integrity, great passion, and is a true teacher, a gift so often lacking in today's "instructors".

Not only do I strongly second this recommendation, I will tell you straight up that about a year and a half ago (when I was a raw beginner) JC hooked me up with a teacher/mentor in my area and my progress since then has exceeded my wildest imaginations. In fact, since late last summer, the only weeks that I have not played between two and four gigs have been Thanksgiving and Christmas when I was out of town with my wife and family. Not to say that I am an advanced-level player (I may not live long enough to reach that pinnacle), but that everything that my teacher has me do makes me more of a musician, with no wasted time except the days when I am not able to practice.

If I was trying to learn from YouTube and CDs only, with no teacher, I think I would still be not ready to take it out of my basement.