Mel Bay Publications
by Tomas Cruz with Kevin Moore, Mike Gerald and Orlando Fiol
Level : Beginning

In Volume I, Tomasito reveals the time­-tested conga method which he himself studied with "Changuito" and other master congueros at the ENA conservatory in Havana. Volume I starts at the absolute beginning and is designed for the person who has never touched the congas, but is also of great value to the advanced player who wishes to understand the foundation and rudiments of the approach that has allowed the ENA and the other Havana conservatories to consistently turn out so many world class congueros each year.

Volume I begins with simple exercises to develop technique and systematically works its way through rudiments and “recursos” for use in solos and fills and basic rhythm patterns such as Salsa, Cha-Cha and Bolero. These are presented using the unique Step by Step DVD Method, which enables the student to learn the patterns by watching the DVD and imitating Tomasito as he builds the patterns stroke by stroke. This, combined with a special type of notation designed to be simple for those who don't read music.

Part 1: Introduction to the Series
Part 2: Basic Hand Position and Posture
Part 3: The Five Basic Strokes
Part 4: Exercises
Part 5: Rudiments and Soloing
Part 6: Marcha Exercises
Part 7: Marchas
Part 8: Recursos
Appendix 1: Clave
Appendix 2: Marchas Written in 8th Notes
Appendix 3: Tomas Cruz - Selected Discography

• The Tomas Cruz Conga Method Volume 1 
• The Tomas Cruz Conga Method Volume 2