Rhythm Notes
Thanks for checking out Rhythm Notes. I'm Kevin Zahner, a drummer and percussionist sharing about the music-making process to help you level up your drumming and music production at home.
On this channel you will find videos about developing technique on drum set and hand percussion with an emphasis on exploring different styles influenced by the best drummers. My passion is making music and helping people become better players and producers.
Be sure to connect with me in the comments. I want hear about what inspires you to make music and any questions you have about drumming, gear, or recording / producing music.
Thanks for watching!
Kevin Zahner
Rhythm Notes
For the past year, I've been exploring what it would take to become a keyboard / percussion utility player for live performances. It's one thing to do this sort of thing in the studio, but it's entirely different when you have to play at "performance speed." So, if you've been wondering why I am only uploading about half as much content lately, it's because I'm trying to grow as a musician. I hit a point about two years ago when I realized that I had dedicated too much time to making tutorials and video content, taking time away from growing as a musician. So, I looked at the local opportunities to perform live and realized that a lot of groups really could use someone to play keyboard and percussion parts to bring some of the cover songs to life. I'm not saying that I've been able to do that. Some people think so. I think I have a long way to go. But my mission is clear to me. I've been wanting a way to improve my musical fluency on keys -- I've lost a lot since college, focusing mostly on drums. Ultimately, I want to become more diverse in terms the kinds of music I can teach well, and, for me, it always starts with what I can do on stage professionally. I can't expect a student to buy into what I'm teaching if I'm not doing it on the stage. If you've read this far, thank you. Here's a closer look at what I'm working up to perform live (the setup, not this song in particular ... just something I played last night fooling around) https://youtu.be/6pMRFGiCR4E
1 month ago | [YT] | 7
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Rhythm Notes
I get this question a lot (How do I tune my conga drums?), so I wanted to update some of my old content with what I've learned since. I haven't changed my tuning process, but I've made some adjustments to how I think about it and teach it. For one thing, I've been motivated by some of the questions from viewers over the years, and that's brought me back to studying more and practicing to find a way to articulate the way I play conga drums. Most importantly, my recent focus on studying and practicing has reminded me of the importance of sourcing for the many discussions we might have about drums and percussion. ... I have a much longer video coming out early this week. Thanks for tuning in!
7 months ago | [YT] | 0
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Rhythm Notes
I'm finishing up a video about Laudir de Oliveira's conga patterns and wanted to share this demo. ... The full video should be done this weekend. Thanks for watching!
8 months ago | [YT] | 0
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Rhythm Notes
I've had this drum for about a year and a half and I finally got around to putting a new head on it. It wasn't really procrastination that was keeping me from getting the job done. The combination of other things that needed to get done first and a bit of concern over whether or not I could mount a conga head well was getting in the way. This was the first conga head, and only one, that I have mounted myself. So far, it needs one more day to dry because I live in a very humid climate, then we'll hear how it sounds and hopefully fall in love. This is a special drum for a couple reasons: (1) It's a rare Valje Armando Peraza LP series; and (2) It was given to me by a very close friend and fellow percussionist. ... I'm working on a conga drum care video. Stay tuned!
1 year ago | [YT] | 14
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Rhythm Notes
As promised, this is the second FREE mini-course video. It's a collection of rudimental lessons I've worked over the years. The Rhythm Insider subscribers will receive the PDF for both of the videos uploaded this week, and the paid Patrons (patreon.com/rhythmnotes) will receive more in-depth lessons with PDFs for the exclusive content.
1 year ago | [YT] | 1
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Rhythm Notes
It's been a couple of months since I last uploaded to Rhythm Notes, so I wanted to share with you what I've been working on. ▶️ The following video is one of two videos I've been making this summer, and it's designed to act like a mini conga drumming course . The other video I've been working on will be uploaded this Thursday (9-5-24), and it is about 🥁 drumming basics (with sticks). It, too, is sort of a mini course. ... ⭐ Since these videos are much longer and more involved than my usual uploads, I will be sending clips (10 for each video) with the pdf of relevant patterns ad exercises to Rhythm Insider subscribers (rhythminsider.com/links). You can expect one per week for the next ten weeks, which is about until the middle of November. Additionally, I will be making more in depth videos for the patrons over on Patreon (patreon.com/rhythmnotes). ... 🎶 It's been a long journey this summer, but I thought it was time to try something new in terms of the content strategy. I will still make monthly uploads moving forward, including some gear reviews, conga drum care, common questions, and comparing different drumming styles, grooves, and other fun stuff! If you've read this far, you are hardcore 🔥 And I thank you all very much!
1 year ago | [YT] | 4
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Rhythm Notes
I'm trying to finish up a video on conga drumming. Coming soon!
1 year ago | [YT] | 5
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Rhythm Notes
I was inspired by this Native Tongue Percussion RhymChik and started working up an adaption of Steve Gadd's "50 Ways" groove on congas. ... This video is on Rhythm Notes 2 🌎youtube.com/@rhythmnotes2 🌍. I started a new channel for just lightly edited demos, vlogs, and more authentic videos. My goal is to post every few days, so please subscribe and stay tuned!
1 year ago | [YT] | 1
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Rhythm Notes
Finishing up a video about timbale add ons for drum set. Lot's fun! ... got reconnected with the looper and want to do more with that in the future. This timbale video should be out next week, and a couple more this month ... one on bongo patterns and the other on conga patterns.
1 year ago | [YT] | 7
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Rhythm Notes
Finishing up a video that explores 6 types of tambourines. Then, it's a drum set session to record tracks for some conga videos I'm working on. While the blue Slingerland rock sizes are set up, I'll shoot a couple more videos to go along with the lesson PDFs in my shop rhythmnotes.gumroad.com/ ... It's going to be a fun year!
1 year ago | [YT] | 6
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