Ulster-Scots Music Traditions: Learning to Play the Lambeg Drum (Part 1)

In the first of two videos, Craig Sloan takes viewers through some basic Lambeg drumming techniques and rhythms that can be followed along at home.
From using and holding the malacca canes correctly, to where to strike the skin of the drum, Craig discusses the instrument to ensure the best sound is produced when played. The tune which features in this video is called a jig time.
Drums are played using traditional patterns or rhythms called ‘time drumming’. These are rarely notated; instead, they are learned and passed down through generations aurally. Many of the rhythms (or ‘times’) are also unique to specific areas of Ulster and are named after the area they are found, such a ‘Kellswater time’ (County Antrim) and ‘Tandragee time’ (County Armagh).
'Learning to Play the Lambeg Drum (Part 1)' is the next instalment in the Ulster-Scots Music Traditions series which looks at the history and culture of the Lambeg Drum and Fife. The series is produced by Third Street Studios in partnership with the Ulster-Scots Agency, and with support from Northern Ireland Screen’s Ulster-Scots Broadcast Fund.