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
 

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.

1. I was familiar with the piece of music; so, I knew my musical goal.
2. I started the video recorder.
3. I played through, noting the problem spots. 
4. I practiced the 1st measure after I figured out the stickings. Four correct repetitions and I went onto the next measure.
5. Every 4 measures, I would glue it together. The final passage took most of my time.  
6. I considered the dynamics from the start.
7. I stopped 3 times to watch the video.
8. The results are below. 

 
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.

1. Listened daily to professional recordings of their pieces.
2. Diligently practiced  their etudes, repertoire, theory, ear training, and technique.
3. Recorded themselves daily for quick feedback.
4. Explored topics related to their studies on YouTube for alternative perspectives.

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. 
​

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

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