Bintang Manira Manik

Hi everyone! My name is Bintang Manira Manik, and I'm excited to share my passion for music and percussion with you. Growing up in an artistic family in Bandung, Indonesia, I was immersed in the arts from an early age. My journey into the world of percussion began when I picked up my first djembe at nine years old. That initial spark ignited a lifelong dedication to mastering a wide array of rhythms, leading me to explore instruments like the Sundanese Kendang, the world of Cajon, and Indian Tabla.

Over the years, I've had the privilege of teaching percussion to children and individuals with special needs. This experience has allowed me to develop a unique, fun, and engaging approach to music education. My lessons focus on discovering the joy of rhythm—whether you're just starting with the basics or diving into advanced improvisation. I offer classes for both individuals and groups, aiming to provide the same enriching experience I had: starting with the djembe and expanding into other percussion instruments. Together, we'll explore the rich traditions behind each instrument and help you find that perfect sound.

I believe everyone has a natural rhythm and musical potential just waiting to be unlocked. Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced player looking to enhance your skills, I'm here to help you discover your potential and have a great time doing it. Let's explore the vibrant world of percussion and music production together!

In my djembe lessons, you'll embark on a hands-on journey to master the fundamental sounds and rhythms of this powerful instrument. We'll start with the basics, getting comfortable with the different techniques, and gradually move towards advanced improvisation as you gain confidence. Together, we'll dive into traditional West African rhythms, learning important phrases that will help you create expressive, dynamic drum sounds.

Throughout the lessons, I'll guide you step by step, making sure each session is fun and engaging. You'll have plenty of opportunities to explore the djembe’s unique voice, experiment with new rhythms, and connect deeply with the music. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to take your skills to the next level, these classes are all about sparking your curiosity and expanding your percussion abilities in an interactive, supportive environment.

Class Options:

-Individual Lessons: Continuous one-on-one sessions focused on deepening your understanding of the djembe. These lessons are tailored to your pace and skill level, allowing for personalized growth and mastery of the instrument.

-Group Lessons: Continuous sessions designed for groups of 3-5 people, emphasizing the dynamics of playing the djembe together. You’ll learn how to harmonize with others, creating a powerful collective rhythm while building teamwork and musical synergy.

-Workshops: These one-time or occasional classes are designed for groups of 8-12 people and provide a dynamic way to explore various djembe rhythms together. Perfect for team-building events or just a fun group activity, these workshops offer an engaging and interactive introduction to the world of the djembe. I can tailor the workshop to your group’s needs, and I’m also available to bring the experience directly to your location, making it convenient and accessible for everyone involved. It’s a great way to enjoy the energy of group drumming without the commitment of continuous lesson.

Beyond the djembe, I also teach a wide range of percussion instruments, offering you the opportunity to explore diverse sounds and rhythms. Whether you're drawn to traditional African drums, the intricate rhythms of the Tabla, the rich tones of the Cajon, or want to ideate on your own unique percussion setup, my classes provide a chance to expand your musical horizons. 

The best part? These classes can be tailor-made to fit your specific interests and goals. Whether you want to focus on a single instrument or explore a variety of styles and traditions, we can customize the lessons to ensure you're learning exactly what excites and inspires you. You'll have the freedom to discover the instruments that truly resonate with you while developing your skills in a way that suits your personal journey.

If you're interested in creating your own music, this class is perfect for you. I’ll introduce you to the fundamentals of music production and guide you through the world of Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs), with a special focus on Ableton. Whether you’re looking to produce electronic music for short films, your own projects, or simply want to explore the creative possibilities of music production, this class will equip you with the essential skills to get started.

I offer the class in a fully equipped studio with a professional sound system, ensuring you have the best environment to learn and create. You’ll need to bring your own laptop with your preferred DAW installed, especially Ableton, to get the most out of the sessions.

Introduction:
This class will introduce you to the world of djembe and its rhythms. In this basic course, you’ll learn the fundamental sounds, rhythms, and simple compositions of djembe and West African music. We’ll focus on exploring the djembe’s unique sounds, repeating exercises until you master that perfect djembe slap. And of course, we’ll have plenty of fun exercises to help you appreciate the beauty of the djembe sound.

Intermediate:  
In the intermediate course, we’ll focus on a few traditional West African rhythms on the djembe, such as Kuku, Yankadi-Makru, Tiriba, and more. There’s nothing better than playing together and releasing your energy in the vibrant world of rhythms.

Advanced: 
After mastering and internalizing West African rhythms, it’s time to explore the possibilities of improvisation! You’ll learn important phrases that create that beautiful, expressive drum sound. We’ll play together, pushing the limits of our creativity while having fun with the djembe.

In addition to mastering various percussion instruments, I've also produced electronic music for short films and my bands. In this music production lesson, I'll share the basics of creating your own music and guide you through the world of Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs), with a particular focus on Ableton.

I offer Cajon classes designed to help you explore the world of rhythm through this versatile percussion instrument. In these classes, you'll learn fundamental techniques and rhythms, discovering the full range of tones the Cajon can produce—from deep bass notes to sharp, crisp slaps. We’ll dive into hands-on exercises and engaging practice sessions that will open up the expressive possibilities of the Cajon. Whether you're just starting your rhythmic journey or looking to enhance your percussive skills, this class provides a solid foundation and a fun, interactive way to connect with the music. Exploring the Cajon is a fantastic first step into the broader world of rhythm, setting the stage for your growth as a percussionist.