Drum Lessons Approach

There are many directions that drum lessons can take and there is much flexibility that I bring depending on my students desires and learning style.  To develop a strong foundation I want my students to understand the importance of technical development, how their movement and physical approach to the drums effects not only the sound produced but technical ability.  Likewise, I want my students to be able to analyze music both through musical notation and the learn-by-ear approach. Concurrent to the above aspects is stylistic development which includes songs my students know and like along with broadening their knowledge and understanding of the many musical styles from around the world.

Technique

Learning correct technique is primary and ongoing.   Whether through listening to songs or observing myself or other drummers play,  students often ask "how do I do that?".   It is this ongoing question which propels development of one's technique.  Frequently I will draw students attention to the look and feel of their movement, having them pay close attention to one or more limbs and the sound being produced.  Next, we would closely compare how I'm moving and the sound I'm producing.  Having the student mirror back what they see and hear, refining their movement, helps the student to stay focused on their technique and the resulting sound, an essential habit which will allow for self-learning into the future.

Reading/Analysis

Another of my main goals when teaching is to help my students develop strong analytical skills as it relates to understanding musical notation.  I want my students to be as comfortable reading rhythmic notation as they are reading the English language, where they can quickly read and comprehend a rhythmic phrase as they can an entire sentence.  If I can lead my students to this level of understanding of notation then they will be that much more capable of self learning via the many great drum instruction books available.

Along with strong reading skills I want my students to be able to learn-by-ear.  Essential to the understanding of both reading and hearing rhythmic phrases is the ability to count and to subdivide the count.  Counting out loud is fundamental to connecting the mind and the body, to bringing awareness of the structure of a rhythmic or musical phrase; Counting provides a road map to what we are hearing or reading.  If my students can confidently count and subdivide then they can successfully translate what they hear, or read, to what they play.

Play-Along/Performance

Alongside establishing the above mentioned aspects is for me to discover and nurture the musical interests of the student by finding out what music they like.  Some students are open to just about anything while others have very particular tastes in music and I adjust the lessons for that.  Beginning with easily accessible songs and progressing to more demanding ones I am able to lead my students through varying styles and the technical demands required.  Once my student has gained good control of a song we make a video performance of the song,  I've found that once a student gets a song or two under their belt, the fire has been lit; Success has been tasted and the learning accelerates.

Outline Of Drum Lessons Approach

This list includes some of the aspects of the above discussed approach to drum lessons.  This list grows longer the longer I teach as it is obvious to me that while I'm teaching my students drums, my students are showing me how to teach; their continued interest, development and success points the way!

Technique

• Holding the sticks (Grip)
• How and when to use the wrists, fingers and arms.
• The how of dynamics (range of volume)
• Methods of movement across the drums
• Incorporating the feet with the hands
• Using the natural rebound of the drums and cymbals
• Rudiments (relatively small patterns which form the foundation for more extended and complex drum patterns) and their application on the drum set.

Reading

• Develop an understanding of rhythmic notation whether for a single drum or a complete drum set.
• Realize the importance of counting and subdividing as a tool for problem solving and self learning.
• Playing Duets to sustain concentration while another drummer is playing an accompanying part

Play-Along

• Reading and analyzing drum charts
• Develop the ability to learn by ear
• Develop the ability to listen closely to the music while playing their part
• Notice and realize how the drums work with and complement the other instruments in a song
• Develop self control in order to support the song
• Broaden musical horizons through exposure to different styles

Lesson Material

• Alfred's Snare Method Book 1 is recommended to develop reading and rudimental skills on the snare drum
• Snare Drum Duets are used to supplement reading and develop concentration
• Drum Study Publications.  I draw from a wide selection of tried and true publications for drum study including:
• Syncopation For The Modern Drummer
• Groove Essentials
• The Art of Bop Drumming
• Stick Control
• Complete Modern Drum Set
• The New Breed
• Riddim: Claves of African Origin
• Future Sounds
• Sticking Patterns
• Linear Time Playing
• Advanced Funk Studies
• RSL Awards Rockschool is a graded system for play-along with which I've had much success motivating students
• Drumistry is an online resource for play-along songs that many students enjoy
• Custom Drum Charts of your favorite songs.  If a drum chart does not exist already I can make one for you.

Performance

• Video Performance. On a regular basis I make videos of the student's performance of a play-along song, snare drum solo or drum set solo.  This gives the student a definite goal and a reason to refine their part.
• Band Coaching.  I always encourage my students to form a group with their musical peers and I offer coaching to those who want it.