iDIDJ Australia Didgeridoo Cultural Hub

Over the years I've attempted to play acoustic guitar, electric guitar, electric bass, piano, flute, trumpet, bodhran and didj. Trying all these and living with a pro musician (oboe, cor anglais) and watching them work as an instrumental teacher (oboe & flute) makes me wonder about the value of the didj tuition 'scene'. Quite simply, I don't know any other instrument where a player expects to make any decent progress in an hour or even at a weekend workshop unless they are already well advanced. I guess it's because folk think blowing down a log is easy

Thinking back over 18 years worth of communication with didj enthusiasts (and figuring out what I actually 'got' from many different tutors myself), I get the impression that strides are largely made either though immersion in NT or through reflective effort over many hours. There is, of course, the chance of revelation of CB and the like during tutorials/workshops, but I wonder what can genuinely be taken away 'in muscle memory' after the odd hour or two of coaching. Maybe enthusiasm is the best coaching someone can give!

Hi Dave

I have never been to a didj workshop, have only been to Colins place in London on one occasion and that was just a regular monthly get together where this was the first and last time I played in front of anybody! I have never had any tuition or been to any didj festival and cannot play any other instrument, in fact, I am a bit of a hermit really. SO! any progress I have made is entirely self taught, patiently listening to my many cd's and you tube clips, going over and over and over rhythms until I can get a reasonable sound. I don't doubt that being in the company of other didj players or going to workshops would be useful but that doesn't mean you can't progress if you have not got the means to do this. My CB arrived by accident!! now I don't even realise I am breathing once I get into my playing. No excuses then, to everyone.. GET PRACTICING..

Right, I'm gonner put you down as Reflective Effort! All serious classical/pro musicians I know actually fall into this category - lesson time isn't where the real sweat is

I'd been playing fourteen and a half years up until October of last year. I was actually fortunate enough to have a one on one class with Jeremy for two hours. After the first ten minutes, I thought I'd been wearing a blindfold for all my time playing Yidaki, and during that first ten minutes, I also thought about quitting right there and then. Mr. Cloake's playing and method of teaching is off the roof; don't really know how else to put that. An amazing teacher who shows you the direction you need to go right there and then. About seven years ago, I had a one on one class with Alan D. This too was the only other time, where I got a glimpse of attempting to understand this one note crude instrument. Which in turn, makes me think really, it's one of the most difficult instruments to master in the world. Of course, by no means can I speak for contemporary playing. My wording is aimed at mastering a trad foundation technique.
I too, haven't been to the Gove peninsula, and of course, that's the real class right there; total immersion. If the kid can't swim, kick him in the deep end. Two years and counting for my trip... another story...

Just wrapping this up; it was really interesting what both Dave and Ozmadman have wrote.
I won't play anymore than around fifteen minutes a day. I'll actually know after ten seconds of playing, if my heart is really in it today. If it isn't, on your bike. It's passion alone that'll give you the greater incentive. Once that's grasped, and you can't make it to Arnhem, then get a teacher who's been to the source, who has years of experience, and who understands your playing.
Too many 'teachers' who have discovered a destitute style of playing, get recognition, and want to teach the couple of years under their belts. It will all eventually need to be untaught.

I decided to continue playing, and enjoy all the notes that Jeremy left me, and enjoy my playing. Just give me a couple of weeks, and I'll post a little burst on here. Incidentally, I've never given a lesson, because I'll always be a beginner.

Again, good post, and all the best,
Zed.

Nice one Zed!!!!! like the attitude!

Look forward to hearing you

Great post Zed - this is just one of those many things I've chewed over - glad I brought it up!