Kaida Rela 16, Variation Tree A - Marching Tenor Drums

Variation Tree A for Kaida Rela #16.

Suggested Approach to Learning:

- Memorize the recitation first, no drums, no metronome. Just the phrases.

- Then add a pulse to it: tapping a foot, clapping your hands, using a metronome

- Then add the context of the rhythm cycle/tala/time signature

- Then rinse and repeat while playing the drums and reciting outloud.

- Start at speeds where the recitation and the playing are synced in unison and are clearly articulated. This may feel a lot slower than you are used to playing at first. But, rest assured, this is a shortcut in the longrun!

- Increase your tempo by small increments. The less you can detect a tempo change, the less likely your body will abandon technique.

- Never play faster than can be clearly articulated. You are a storyteller. You want your audience to understand and appreciate your story.

Suggested Performance Approach: 

- Play the "theka" of the tala you are setting 1-4x

- Start the theme in a speed half of what you intend to perform. (if planning to perform in 16th notes, start in 8th notes) Repeat it a few times, perhaps reciting it once clearly so the audience can appreciate the phrases and the connection to the language.

- Then double it to your performance speed (if 8th notes, then switch to 16th notes)

- Play the theme 2-4x

- Play each variation 1-2x 

- Play the tihai 1x

- Return to the "theka" of the tala

- Proceed to the next composition (Rela)