There's a reason why your Kas sound wimpy. Unless you've played a string instrument, you may have never asked your ring finger on your non-dominant hand to do anything more cumbersome than carry your rings around. And now you're asking it to play Kas on your doumbek or framedrum.
In addition to your regular practice on your drum, you can build up your strength and endurance by playing Kas in your car.
When you find yourself waiting for a stoplight to change, put your non-dominant hand on top of the steering wheel at about 12 o'clock.
Start playing Kas at as fast a tempo as you can while maintaining good form (if your turn signal's on, work on your timing, too - can you play one Ka per click? Two?). Check for unnecessary tension (are you trying to hitchhike inside the car?) and relax.
In the beginning, you may not even hear your Kas - but this isn't about practicing good sound, but building strength.
You will soon start to "feel the burn" as your muscles become fatigued. You may feel your finger and forearm become tired. Keep breathing, and keep going a little longer (or until the light changes), then rest until the next stop light.
Start with one or two sets per drive for a few days. Then do two or three sets. How much longer you can go in one set? Can you increase your tempo? Are you beginning to hear your Kas? Maybe you hear them more at the beginning of the set more than the end? Do you notice any difference when you play your drum?
-- tara severns
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