MODERN STUDIES AND RUDIMENTS FOR A
NON STYLE-SPECIFIC APPROACH TO CONGA DRUMMING

A companion for life for students of any level, advanced players and teachers, containing an ever-growing collection of studies presented as downloadable pdfs and accompanying streamable videos.

Download the free "Introduction to The New Conga Lab" pdf booklet

The core content of THE NEW CONGA LAB, accessible in the subscribers' area, is regularly updated, with new studies added every month.
At present it consists of 70 written studies, 20 of which are accompanied by videos. Please visit THE NEW CONGA LAB's Youtube channel for previews.

Free study of the month

CORE A-4.2 - ORGANIC - SYMMETRIC - FOR THREE CONGAS (short version)

This is a nice study that deals with a more integrated (or indeed “organic” as we like to call it) idea of independence.
Technically, the ostinato in this particular case is the actual “melodic” part, the one played on the open tones. This remains constant and alternates between the two lateral drums, while the more "rhythmic" element (the palm-tip part) stays on the central drum and evolves as the series progresses.
The palm-tip part also swaps hands as the lateral drums alternate, and on each line the same part is covering both its right and left hand version, making this a study of the “symmetrical” type.
The second half of this study, exercises 6 to 10, is when things start becoming interesting. You may want to stop and have a look at ex.6 before venturing into the whole series, to get a first idea of what this study is about and familiarise yourself with this particular combination of triplets and quavers.
The sticking remains the same throughout, as noted in the first exercise.

DON'T TAKE MY WORD FOR IT. HEAR IT FROM THE PLAYERS:

WILL FRY, UK (Jungle, Asake, Eliane Correa. Professor at The Royal College of Music, London)

“An essential addition to the syllabus of any conservatoire and a lifelong companion for every hand percussionist.
Maurizio Ravalico expertly blends his deep knowledge of the history and vocabulary of the conga whilst continually pushing the creative boundaries of the instrument.
Rather than studying by imitation, the exercises in TNCL stimulate creativity from within, and function as internal music meditations, instinctively guiding the user to develop their own identity and sound.
In contrast, Maurizio’s unifying standardisation of notation encourages collaboration with both composer and player, enabling both to write intricately and decisively with a method that is immediately understood by all.
The New Conga Lab really is such a wonderful resource, and so eloquently written. An incredibly useful tool that I look forward to getting deeper and deeper into.”

ALESSANDRO PETRUSSA, ITALY

“I really value Maurizio’s TNCL for how the core elements of congas technique are analysed, meticulously broken down and reassembled. The exercises, often deceptively simple, have exposed bad habits in my playing, which without realising it were limiting my expressive ability. I have been using this method for about a year now, often in preparation for live performances, with an almost “meditative” approach, and I have observed over time a greater fluidity and precision in my movements, as well as a more incisive sound presence.”

MODERN STUDIES AND RUDIMENTS FOR A NON STYLE-SPECIFIC APPROACH TO CONGA DRUMMING

Free study of the month

DON'T TAKE MY WORD FOR IT. HEAR IT FROM THE PLAYERS:

MODERN STUDIES AND RUDIMENTS FOR A
NON STYLE-SPECIFIC APPROACH TO CONGA DRUMMING