The tongue drum is also known as the tank drum or hank drum. It is a type of idiophone made from steel or wood. It contains a series of slits or tongues cut into the surface that on striking with mallets eventually produce different musical notes. The tongue drum is quite popular for its soothing, melodic tones. We usually use it in meditation and relaxation practices.
It offers many benefits that affect individuals’ physical or mental health. Some of the benefits are explained below.
Stress Relief and Relaxation
One of the most significant benefits of a tongue or hank drum is its stress-relieving properties. The soothing and melodic tones produced by the drum have a calming effect on our minds. So it also helps us to combat anxiety and induces a state of relaxation. This makes the tongue drum an excellent instrument for meditation and mindfulness practices. It also allows us to find peace and tranquility in our daily lives.
Increase Focus and Concentration
Playing a tongue drum requires a good amount of focus and concentration. When you’re playing, your complete focus is on the rhythms and melodies. So it also helps you to improve your cognitive abilities. Regular practice increases your attention span and helps in better concentration in other aspects of life such as work or studies too.
Creativity and Emotional Expression
The tongue drum is an expensive instrument. It allows us to express a wide range of emotions through the music. You can express your feelings of joy, melancholic, or introspective through the versatile sound palette of a tongue drum. It also stimulates your creative thinking to try different rhythms and melodies.
Physical Benefits
Playing a tongue drum also has a lot of physical advantages. When you strike the drum with your hands and mallets, it improves your hand-to-eye coordination and fine motor skills. Additionally, it can serve as a mild level of physical activity. It promotes better circulation and flexibility in our fingers and hands.
Ease of Learning
The tongue drum is popular among musicians due to its accessibility. Some musical instruments are hard to learn and require extensive training. However, tongue drums are quite easy to learn. It has a simple design that even allows beginners to produce beautiful melodies without much effort. The easy learning and clear shape make it an ideal choice for people of all ages including children and the elderly to play it.
Community and Social Interaction
You can also engage with the tongue drum community. It is beneficial for you as sharing your musical journey with others fosters a sense of belonging and can lead to enriching social interactions. If you join a local drum circle or participate in online forums or groups, you can get enough motivation to master in it.
Tips for Purchasing a Tongue Drum
You should consider several factors before buying a tongue drum to get the right ingredients for your needs. Firstly, tongue drums vary significantly in price. The price depends on the material, the craftsmanship, and the brand. You should make a budget and then try to find it within your range. Remember that high-quality drums often cost more with better sound quality and durability but some affordable models in the market offer good quality.
Secondly, tongue drums are made from either steel or wood. Steel drums provide a clear, resonant sound and have long durability. On the other hand wooden tongue drums offer softer, warmer tones and are great for acoustic settings. Consider the sound quality you desire and the setting in which you’ll be playing when choosing between the materials. Also, the tuning of the tongue drum is crucial as it determines the scale and overall sound.
Some drums offer fixed tuning while other has the option of adjustable tuning. Consider the music you want and purchase accordingly. Both chromatic and diatonic scales are common, so select the one that aligns with your musical goals. The tongue drum comes in various sizes of which each affects the pitch and portability of the instrument. Larger drums produce more resonance than the small ones. While smaller ones are easier to transport and offer high-pitched sounds. Decide on the balance between sound quality and portability that best fits your lifestyle.
Consider these factors while buying tongue drums. Cosmos handpan has several ranges of tongue drums in affordable ranges.
Tips to Maintain your Tongue Drum
If you’ve invested a large amount in your tongue drum, now maintain it properly for its longevity and optimal sound quality.
Firstly, regularly clean your tongue drum to prevent dust and dirt build-up. For steel drums, you can use a soft dry cloth to wipe down the surface after each use. Also, you can use nonabrasive cleaner to remove stubborn grime occasionally. But for wooden drums, avoid moisture and use a dry or slightly damp cloth to clean the surface.
Store your tongue drum in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Excessive heat or cold can affect the tuning and structural integrity of the instrument. You can also use a padded bag or case for additional protection especially if you have to travel a lot with your drum.
Always handle your tongue drum with care. Avoid dropping or striking it with excessive force, as this can damage the tongues and affect the tuning. Also, use proper playing techniques. Make use of suitable mallets to ensure consistent sound quality.
Some tongue drums may require occasional tuning adjustments. If your drum has adjustable tuning, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for guidance.
Conclusion
Tongue drums offer a holistic set of benefits from mental to physical health. It enhances our creativity and social connections. If you’re looking to buy high-quality tongue drums, visit Cosmoshandpan, It provides reasonable options with superior sound quality. Tongue drums aid you in reducing your stress, expressing your emotions, and simply enjoying the benefits of music. So the tongue drum is a fantastic addition to your life.
