Comments on: Contact Kim

By: Bennett Clifford

Bennett Clifford — Fri, 24 Dec 2010 01:58:24 +0000

Kim,
I love your website. I am a 16 year old from the United States who is a huge Macedonian music enthusiast. I already have taught myself how to play tambura and tarabukka.
I was considering buying a gajda from Risto Todoroski after a gaida player in my area directed me to his site. How easy is the gajda to pick up and play? I understand that it probably isn’t a walk through the park but do you think it’s not an impossible task for a beginner to teach himself? Do you have any tips or tricks for learning?
Best from the USA,
Bennett Clifford

Bennett,
Like any instrument, gaida is hard at first but gets easier the more you practice. It does have certain peculiarities, tho, so you do really need a teacher. Maybe your Macedonian friend could help you. There are lots of Macedonians in the US. Try dance groups – they might be able to steer you in the right direction.
If you already know Maco music you have a big head-start – you don’t have to learn the rhythms, tunes etc at the same time as learning instrumental technique.
There is heaps of stuff on the net you can access (you just have to separate the crap from the good stuff – like everything on the net!). Listen, listen, listen!
Risto does make good instruments, I can recommend them.
The problem you will have is getting the reeds to work properly – another reason why you need a teacher. Again, maybe your gaida-playing friend can advise. You have to make your own reeds, and the ratio of good ones to duds is very small, so don’t get too discouraged.
Once the instrument is playing properly (esp reeds in tune and bag not leaking) it’s not too hard. Just remember you can’t stop between notes like you can on sax or whatever, so you have to hop down to the tonic (drone) note (3 front finger-holes closed) or the 5th of the scale (6 fingers) between each note to separate them.
Good luck
Kim

By: Alanna

Alanna — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 00:36:00 +0000

Hi,
You mention you used to have a connection to the group ‘Seaweed and Wire’. When I was a child we used to own a cassette tape of the group (it had a yellow cover) and unfortunately it was lost. I am still trying to relocate one. I am contacting everyone who might have such a connection to the group. If you can help me find such a tape could you please let me know.
Many Thanks,
Alanna

Alanna,
Seaweed and Wire has long since passed into history. I really enjoyed playing with the band, but that’s the way it goes…Sadly, there are no copies of the tape available – we are all nursing our own old copies!
Some of the tunes we used to do in SWW are on Kim Sanders & Friends CDs. Sorry I can’t help more.
Kim

By: Waheed Islam

Waheed Islam — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 00:15:55 +0000

Waheed, see “Links page” on my website for links to good ney-makers I can personally recommend.

Kim
I’m looking for a set of well crafted Turkish Neys. Can anyone help? I have never played before. But want to learn. I live in Stockton California USA

By: Mike Atherton, Professor of Music, University of Western Sydney

Mike Atherton, Professor of Music, University of Western Sydney — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 07:42:15 +0000

Kim, I love your website: it reflects your unique musical journey and the
contribution you continue to make to music of the people. I can think of none other who has challenged himself over many years to explore genres and styles of traditional music, keeping music live, discovering new combinations and new sounds. You are an intangible asset!
Best,
Mike