A new drum student got her first drum kit today. An Alesis Nitro Kit. She is eager and ready to rock. We started by getting the kit set up at the correct height for her. Previously we had started with some drum pad work, so she has a basic knowledge of how to hold the sticks. Her years of piano lessons had prepared her for this adventure.

​We worked on Believer by Imagine Dragons. 

Next week we start with the Hal Leonard drum book for kids. Plus, each week we will address her musical interests. This will be fun. After she is hooked and has acquired some basic skills, we'll start in on more sophisticated snare drum work. 

​David

Good question.

We all play like we practice. So, if we practice carefully, thoughtfully, and methodically our odds of playing expressively, confidently, at a steady tempo go up significantly. Alas the opposite is true too. 

Let's consider one aspect of this: Slow practice.

1. Starting slowly allows us to consider our motions at the drumkit.
2. Slow allows us to play steadier while learning. Remember playing quickly and stumbling about may make our stumbling get imbedded in our playing. 
3. Speed up bit by bit as your skill with the rudiment, beat, or song increases.
4. To play fast, you will have to practice fast. It is good practice to have your moves together before sprinting through the music. 

David

Practice Tip: The power of exploration

Students who practice, diligently practice the “notes,” struggle with rhythm and continuity trying to get it “right.” This is all important. But I’d like to add a new idea.

Experimentation.

A short story in which I’m the hero. I’m learning to play the jazz xylophone. I started at Christmas; I practice every day. I’ve got a 100-year-old textbook, a stack of tunes I want to learn, video recorder and oodles of desire. Here is the process I usually follow.

1. I have all my materials ready at hand. No searching for my “stuff”.
2. I decide on the goal of today’s practice. The goal is rarely more than a single minute of music. In other words, I don’t try to practice everything. I focus on one small thing a session.
3. I start the video recorder.
4. I start slow and work out the stickings.
5. I experiment with the stickings, dynamics, phrasing, licks, rolls etc.
6. I slowly speed up the repetitions.
7. I try out another set of approaches.
8. I occassionally bang the sticks in frustration.
9. I keep at it until I’ve got something I’m proud to post online.
10. I’m done for the day.

The video below is an unedited version. Notice it took just a brief period of time to accomplish something because I didn’t try to do everything at once.
 
David
 

Level 1: Fun is guaranteed. Just show up and play your part. Playing in a community concert band or playing at the family Christmas party would be in this camp. On the lesson front, level 1, is leisurely and steady. Ten thousand hours spread over decades. 

Level 2: You are going to perspire. Lessons are intense. You audition to play in community groups. Your rock band plays in pubs at open mic sessions. Your concert band has professional guests performing. Standards are enforced. Lessons require an hour a day or more of preparation. Think of it as a marathon level of commitment. 

Level 3 is going to hurt, tears will be shed. But, you are all in. Your daily focus is drumming. You have multiple lines of attack. You put yourself out there. You are preparing to be an Olympian. Many dream, few make it. But this doesn't deter you. Large amount of time and money is spent. 

Weekend athletic parallels
1. Weekend running group
2. Marathon preparation
3. You might die.

Let me know where you stand. 

David

What an inspiring night of dance and music. From mallets to drum kit, contemporary music to ragtime. Mallets and tom in the World Premiere of "Skyward" by Alysa Pires. We heard the music of Nico Muhly, Honstein, Dessner, and Lang.

In "Elite Syncopations" 40 minutes of Ragtime music, played at danceable tiempi instead of the usual frantic pace. 

I'm inspired. Off to hit the drum pads and my trusty xylophone. 

Concert attendance is one of the main ways I stay inspired as a musician and teacher. If your inspiration is lagging a little bit, buy a concert ticket and sit up close. It might be just the ticket. 

David

How long does it usually take to prepare for a class when we focus on the task at hand? A student with a history of unpreparedness showed up today all prepared. I asked her, "how long did it take to prepare to this level?"

“Not very long” We both started laughing. Procrastination often takes up more time than the time needed for the task.

If I can help you learn to practice effectively, call me. 

​David