Customer Reviews

DVD-Folk Rhythms-Learn To Play Spoons,Bones,Washboard,Hambone and the Paper Bag

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

My children and I are studying early America and this DVD has been a wonderful addition to our understanding of early American music. Mr. Holt's teaching is descriptive, simple, clear and entertaining. He goes through a logical teaching progression both in the order of instruments taught, and in the way he teaches the techniques. My 9-year-old is playing the spoons after only a week of practice and my 11-year-old was playing the washboard in just a few hours.

We were introduced to David Holt through the "Live and Kickin'" storytelling CD just a few weeks ago and fell in love with his style and sense of humor. His personality on this DVD is just as comfortable and friendly as his storytelling style, and his sense of humor comes through nicely without being overbearing. He seemed as if he were a neighbor of friend. That was a great motivator to my children to continue with the instruments after the first viewing.

The supplies needed are inexpensive and easily found--most people have spoons, thimbles, paper bags, tin cups, etc. around the house. You are encouraged to improvise if you don't have something called for on the DVD. Anyone with musical aspirations, regardless of previous experience or exposure, can find a fine beginning here with little to no investment. We actually found the best price for a washboard on Amazon, and opted for that, rather than rummage through thrift stores and relatives' basements.

I can't recommend this DVD more highly. If you're interested in traditional American folk music, this DVD will help you learn by doing. You'll gain a great appreciation for our American musical history through playing these simple, improvised instruments. If you're interested in rhythm instruments and don't have a lot of money to spend in order to find out if you're any good, this DVD fills the bill.

The DVD is short at only about 50mins and it covers a lot of topics: Spoons, Bones, Washboard, Hambone and Paper Bag. Therefore, it can only be regarded as introductory. However, it does it quite well and David presents the material in a easy-to-understand and affable manner.

I bought it because it was the only DVD (or book) that I could find on washboards and it served its purpose well.

I got this video for a bluegrass thing I'm starting, and it really fits what I need. I want to be able to introduce music to some people very green to music and as I was sampling it my kids started to join in with the techniques as they watched. This is really a great way to get involved with that hootenanny feel and not get overloaded. Thanks Homespun for producing such great stuff.

Great Dvd! I like it very much. I'm from Italy and it's really hard to find such an interesting teacher in Europe. With this Dvd everything is perfect! Congratulations :-)

This man can make some great noise/music using only his hands and body or using spoons, bones etc. Great to entertain your friends with either showing them this fun DVD or learn how to do the rhythms yourself and then you can really impress them. He makes it very easy to learn and fun at the same time.

I absolutely love this DVD. I use it with my 6th graders and they are spellbound. We learn the Juba (the hand jive) first for a while. Then we learn to use paper bags. After that, we use washboards and then spoons. We divide into 4 groups and do our juba together. It is great fun.

I had the opportunity to see this man in concert in my area. He is truly amazing-- talented and witty. I can't say enough about him. It is wonderful to expose both kids and adults alike to this folk music.

This would be a great activity for both kids and adults-- from young to old at family reunions and other gatherings.

I bought this to keep as a reference. Its a simple tutorial to get started playing folk rhythms. Easy explanations, impressive demos. If you like the music and just want to get started with some kitchen utensils or your thighs, have a go!

Great film for kids or the young at heart. This is a fun introduction to the music and will have you grooving in no time.

Even though I don't personally own this DVD I've seen a video clip of it on the Homespun Tapes website. Its pretty good but David Holt teaches all the instruments on the DVD and its really impossible to learn all the instruments in one DVD. Even though David Holt is a great teacher, I think he should teach one individual instrument on seperate DVD'S.