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.
David
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Preparing to succeed is the first step. Here are some things you can do to prepare for starting online drum lessons.
1. Understanding how to use Zoom. Setting up the camera so that I can see your hands and you can see me as well. Most students set up the laptop on a table to the high-hat side of the drum set. 2. You need to create a realistic schedule for practicing. This may take longer than you realise. But with realistic thinking it is possible. 3. Organize your drum space for productive work. 4. Fully understand the costs involved. 5. Tell all your significant others of your plans so that they can support you. 6. You will need to lean on your strengths when the going gets tough and life gets in the way. I'm a learner too, you can ask me how I organize my learning. Here's to learning. 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 30 Minutes of practice for 30 seconds of Music I’m learning the xylophone. I practice daily for 20 to 30 minutes. What can I accomplish in 30 minutes? Not much it turned out. For every second of the final performance time, it takes me about 1 minute of practice time. Let me break it down.
If I can help you with your practice skills, call me. David Another lay-off is ending. Next week there is the rock band, the following week the jazz band resumes. Yes! How am I preparing? 1. I'm jamming along with the playlists. 2. I've reviewed the charts. Some of them I may redo for more clarity. 3. I play every day. Two hours of rock music takes energy. Lots of it at age 62. 4. I'm dreaming of which drum kit I'll bring along. 5. I'm charging up the GoPro camera. Video is a good quality control method. Cheers, Davi It is fun! Fun to fantasize, struggle, and dream some more. But be sure to do this in private. Public performance should be for showing off our accomplishments and progress. Not a public declaration of our intentions.
If I can help you on your drumming journey, call me. David #Junction percussion Teacher Toronto What happens when we practice drums everyday?
Obviously we improve but let’s do the math. Consider 2 students: John and Sally. Both students practice and arrive at class prepared each week. Each has done the following during the week.
You get the picture. John practices 30 minutes a day. Sally 75 minutes. What happens? If I can help you, please give me a call. David Really.
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 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 |
AuthorDavid Story, drummer, pianist, qualified online music teacher Archives
April 2022
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