Do You Know What a Didgeridoo Is?

Do you know what a didgeridoo is? There are so many things in this life that are unknown to us. I bet you could find out about something outside your normal sphere of vision and experience everyday for the rest of your life and still not get close to knowing about everything out there. Not to mention the number of things we don't know about our own internal selves-physical, emotional, spiritual and mental realities that are still unaware to us. That's another story however, let's stick to the external in this article.

I play the didgeridoo. It's a sacred Australian Aborigine instrument, arguably one of the oldest instruments in humankind's long history. If you type didgeridoo into your search engine you will see hundreds of sites about this thing that you've never even heard of. You don't know how many people I've mentioned it to around the world that never have even heard the word. One site I found to be quite thorough and useful was: http://www.echotree.com.au/index.htm

This retail site explains in detail how a didgeridoo is made (it is a termite-hollowed branch or tree trunk), how to choose the right one for you, and of course instruction on how to play. It explains how to recognize a quality piece and they say that they can even custom make one to your desires. Each didj has a key or root note, and they can be made of several types of wood, some better than others. Placed on the mouthpiece is bee's wax which makes for an airtight seal against the face as well as protecting one's mouth from getting cut by sharp edges.

To give you an idea of the incredible feat it was for the first Aborigines to make this music 40-60,000 years ago I'll give you a perspective on how it is played. You place your mouth in the whole at the top of the hollowed wood upon the bees wax coating. Then you vibrate your lips against the edge of the wood, filling your cheeks with air at the same time to keep the sound constant. The sound never stops and this is because you circular breathe-in through the nose and out through your mouth at the same time. Sounds difficult, and it is for some like myself, it took me 9 months to get my mind around it. A friend of mine however did it in a couple of days, and babies breathe this way naturally! Pretty cool.

On this site as others you can look at a gallery of instruments, clicking on the ones that interest you. They are all individual (like snowflakes and humans) and characteristics such as key, wood type, length and artist are given. Echo Tree specifically mentions that all their artwork is individually hand-painted by Aborigine artists and no two are alike. So unlike many Western musical instruments that are ubiquitously constructed, you can have one that is different to all others.

The didgeridoo is just another example of how the Internet or World Wide Web can be the medium of discovery in our lives. It is a collective source for all the ideas, creations and beliefs in our world. Anyone that connects can add to the rich melting pot of consciousness. This 'virtual' space that we all feed and digest from is truly the next step in the evolution of humanity. Do you want to do or learn something different? You know where to go.

Jesse S. Somer
http://www.m6.net
Jesse S. Somer is a sacred didgeridoo player learning more about life everyday.

In The News:


pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


Say Something

The music of Rush influences and inspires, at least that's... Read More

Chords or Melody First... Which is Best?

There are basically two ways you can compose a piece... Read More

Repetition is the Key to Learning Something Deeply

Repetition is the key to learning something deeply. It works... Read More

Guitar Practicing or Guitar Playing?

Just because you're holding your guitar doesn't mean that you're... Read More

What Works Best in New Age Piano Improvisation

Many students want to know how to improvise. What they... Read More

Creating Your Own Unique Music

Have you ever dreamed of penning your own compositions? Writing... Read More

Why New Musicians (Rappers) Fail: Three Reasons and Solutions

Despite the title of this article, the purpose of it... Read More

ADIRONDACK versus SITKA SPRUCE

Both of these timbers make great soundboards on flat top... Read More

Music & Intelligence: Will Listening to Music Make You Smarter?

Will listening to music make you smarter? Will learning to... Read More

Beginner Guitar Tips: How to Get a Feel

"I don't like to go into the studio with all... Read More

So You Wanna Learn How To Start a Record Label?

Well, you love music so much that you have decided... Read More

Form - Giving Shape to Your Music

Do you ramble on endlessly with your improvisations? If so,... Read More

Music Industry Insider: Tess Taylor of NARIP and LAMN

Members of LAMN (founded in 1988) and NARIP (founded in... Read More

Live Music!

"Live music." That common saying may contain some truth, but... Read More

Breathing Space in Music

While most students want to know when to play certain... Read More

How to Download Music From The Internet

Most of you have probably heard of the RIAA's quest... Read More

Yo, is Rap Just Another Four Letter Word?

Flaunting any excessive or anti-social behavior is considered brazen. When... Read More

Growing and Keeping Loyal Fan Support

Fan support for musicians is a two way street. You... Read More

Review: The Bled - Pass the Flask

Released in 2003, Pass the Flask turned this little quintet... Read More

How to Create an Original Melody

Here's a method I use that works. First, sit down... Read More

Interview With An Up And Coming Musician From Toronto

Today, Norm Goldman, Editor of Sketchandtravel.com and Bookpleasures.com is delighted... Read More

Automatic Control of Chords

CORRECT PRACTICE IS INDISPENSABLE!Your success or failure at the keyboard... Read More

Piano Playing and Performance Anxiety

I'll never forget the first time I played the piano... Read More

How To Change Your Guitar Strings

Changing your guitar strings might make you feel a litte... Read More

Writing Hit Songs

There are a lot of factors to writing a hit... Read More

3 Secrets To Understanding What Makes Music Tick

It's no secret that virtually everyone loves music in some... Read More

How to Become a Filthy Rich Record Label Mogul

Let me guess, you love music and would do anything... Read More

Piano Teachers - Whats Wrong with Them?

Most of us like to use what we learn right... Read More

Review: Medications - All Your Favorite People In One Place

One of the most intriguing aspects of music is how... Read More

1959 Stratocaster Vintage Guitars

Mid 1959 Stratocaster vintage guitars have a slab rosewood fingerboard... Read More

The Gong - An Instrument Everyone Can Play

What exactly is a Gong?The gong is a musical instrument... Read More

The Post-rock Revolution (Explosions in the sky)

A lot has been said about the 'post-rock' revolution as... Read More

Trusting Your Inner Voice - Key to Success at the Piano

We all have so many critical voices in our heads.Telling... Read More