1. Call local teachers of other instruments. Ask them to connect you with students who match your level of accomplishment and enthusiasm. 
2. Ask at your local music store. If they know you and trust you they will offer some suggestions. 
3. Go to a local jam session and sit quietly in the corner for the first week or so to get the lay of the land. Then get up there and participate week after week. Make friends. Talk it up. It won't take long. 
4. Online is cool, I guess. But, without some human intervention, you might just meet crazies. 

If I can help, call me. 

​David
 

Expertise is a process that happens over time. How much time depends on the learner and the circumstance. Plus of course how difficult the task is. Learning to ride a bike won't take 10,000 hours. Becoming a professional musician will take more than that.

None the less the 4 stages are a model that is helpful. 

Unconscious incompetence is making beginner mistakes without knowing it. Unless this is addressed early the activity will become boring and we will move on. Or worse, show up to play with other more competent musicians and make a fool of ourselves. 

In conscious incompetence we make similar mistakes, but we are aware of it. Thus, learning can take place. This is where the guidance and encouragement of a teacher comes in. 

Conscious competence allows us to play, make music with others, but we are working hard to keep it together. This is a great place to be. 

Unconscious competence is proficiency. We play what we hear, it's appropriate to the musical situation, we can execute without thought. We are free. 

Professionals explore the earlier stages to evolve and move forward by seeking out areas to improve. We seek guidance from Experts. in short, lifelong learning, the secret to longevity as a musician. 

If I can help, call me. 

​David

For further information please read this. The Stages of Learning: How You Become More Competent at Skills – Effectiviology

​The prime time for me to watch a YouTube tutorial videos is first thing in the morning. For some reason, the information just sticks better. I follow it up with 30 minutes on the drum kit or piano putting the new information into my hands.

Later in the day I will score all or parts of the tutorial to paper. I find that the visualization/transcription process helpful. Then I teach the content to the appropriate students. This further integrates the lesson into my own hands.

Try this.

1. Pick one video to watch.
2. Spend some time on your instrument working with the material.
3. Score it out.
4. Record the process as an audio file. Listen to your progress.
5. Spend at least 2 hours practicing with your score.
6. Explain it to another musician or your teacher.
7. Spend more time with it.
8. Over the following weeks repeat this process.

If I can help, call me.

David

​Some examples

This was inspired by the video below. Creativity comes from limitation. Doing more with less, moving the accents, and exploring the idea for 2 hours. JoJo's advice. Have fun. 

​David

School bands will be starting up later this year. My students will be ready. Along with their kit studies, the kids are learning play a chart/part on the snare drum.

Band directors are always on the hunt for musical well-rounded drummers. I know I was a band director. Reading drummers who groove, play the part, have confidence are rare and treasured. 

We are working diligently in our studio preparing the kids to be that rare drummer. The one who can lead, participate and succeed. 

Call me, I can help. 

​David
​