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 absolutebeginning 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 theother 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 online video Method which enables the student to learn the patterns by watchingthe video 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 reallyworks rather than just another reference book to add to the bookshelf!

To lend credibility to the digital percussion that?s the impossible task Jean Paul Boissiére succeed in this manual. You will find actually in this book a gradual educational method which is the prerogative of musical instruments already having a loical and academic past. The eclecticism of the styles of music treated in this method proves it. Moreover it is an excellent idea associating congas exercises and drums rhythms that allow all level students to play in a context close to real music unting the drum classes that teachers are eager to work in groups. The control of the tempo and the ability to listen to the other (or others) which is the preoccupation of all musician is apart of the rhythmic and the attention given by the authoreses musical necessities is a proof of the unquestionable pedagogic value of this book. (Jacques-François Juskowiak)