Chops, technique, rudiments are super important but...

#1 Play along with recordings is the key ingredient.

Why?

• Groove
• Time
• Feel
• Learning to interact with a band. "All the answers you seek are in the recordings" Jamie Aebersold
• Learn the language of drumming by playing with the same recordings over and over and over.
• Learning tunes. "They that know the most tunes, wins" David Story
• Drum orchestration through the modeling the recordings. 
• Imitation is the key to mastery. 

Thanks, Quincy for sharing. Now off to practice.

Thank you, Deyan. 

​David

1. Learning to play with a metronome takes some preparation. Start by playing quarter notes, alternating hands (RLRL) with one click per stroke/note, then 2 notes per click. Vary the tempi. Count aloud. 1-2-3-4 then 1&2&3&4&. 
2. Then work on a single isolated section of one of your etudes.  Start slow, count aloud, not in your head. 
3. Then connect the chunks together. 
4. Repeat daily. 
5. Later apply to other rudiments.

​If I can help you, call me. 

David

Really. 
​

1. Make a play-list of ten simple pieces. Play it day and night. Immerse yourself in the sound. 
2. Day 2, sit at the kit and start playing along. After you warm-up of course. 
3. Day 3, chart the tunes out. Write out the form: Intro, verse, chorus, solos, endings. Mark in salient details like where the fills are and changes of orchestration. Write on your notes the lyric at the beginning of each section. Keep listening. 
4. Day 4,5,6,7 back to the kit. Keep listening.
5. Day 7, show up to rehearsal and play. 
6. Repeat.

If I can help you speed up your ability to learn tunes, call me. 

David

When you join a band with a set list and meet regularly with a group of musicians who share the same desire, you will improve rapidly. Guaranteed. 

Two stories

1. Your teenager is making mediocre progress at lessons. Their commitment is low and lethargic. You know what I mean. Junior joins the school band or drum line. What happens? Bang, they now practice at school 3 times a week or more under supervision and the pressure of their peers. They discover the rush of making music in a group. By Christmas they can read music, play in an ensemble, play dynamically and much more. Works every time.

2. Adult takes up the drums. They are having fun, playing with tracks at home, playing their rudiments, plugging along. One day they overcome their fear and anxiety and join a group of bangers in a basement in Mississauga or in my case the local concert band 12 years ago. What happens? Bang, they are practicing their pieces at home nearly everyday, because they've got to play in front of their peers next week. Drums are front and centre, unlike the 2nd clarinetist sitting quietly in the back of the band. By Christmas they can read music, play in an ensemble, play dynamically and much more. Works every time. The rush of playing music together is overwhelmingly positive. 

If I can help you get ready to play in an ensemble, call me. 

David

Some thoughts on eliminating the gap between our current skills and our aspirations. Click on the photo for the whole story from Ira Glass.

​David

The school bands are returning soon. One of my students, in anticipation of resumption is getting ready. We are working on his rudiments, coordination, and repertoire from his school text. He'll be ready. 

Does your child need the same support and encouragement? Call me. 

David

This question recently came up at lessons. "What is pocket?"

My definition: Pocket is the skill to synchronize with the bassist in such a way that the resulting beat/groove fills the dance floor with smiling faces. 

It has many prerequisites.
 
1. Basic drum technique and coordination. Super chops, though helpful, are not necessarily required.
2. An equally skilled bassist. Pocket is a team effort.
3. Sophisticated aural skills: If you can't hear it in the playing of others you are unlikely to be able to hear it or create it in your own playing.
4. A desire to please others. "Drum sport", another branch of drumming, is more concerned with flash and visual magic over Pocket. In short pleasing oneself and/or showing off. Pocket is about inspiring movement and joy in a listener, in short pleasing others. 

David

Truth be told, this beat will work on almost every pop song for the last 4 decades! Try it. 

Have fun. 

Now after you've played along for awhile have a closer listen and you will hear variations of this beat within each video. Billy Jean has half as many bass drum hits. Think Boom Chuck Boom Chuck with the bass drum and snare drum. Another instance of variation is found in  Seven Nation Army starts with just the bass drum and floor tom. Then it gets all crashy on the chorus. 

I can help you sort it out. 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