| Break it down | Whenever you are learning something new, it's slow going at first. A new pattern, or rhythm is jam-packed with all sorts of coded information, such as; relationship to the pulse (timing), coordination of limbs, rhythmic complexity, and all of the subtleties that make the music 'swing.' For this reason, it is essential that you break things down into smaller, easier pieces. Generally, there are 3 ways of breaking things down: 1. Slow the tempo - this is often the best way to learn. If the tempo is slow enough, your brain will have more time to absorb information and respond, giving you a better chance of executing the pattern accurately. Don't be afraid to go r-e-a-l-l-y s-l-o-w. You'll waste time practicing too fast, and can often reinforce the mistakes. Once the example is played correctly a few times, it will be natural to gradually speed up to a desired tempo. 2. Shorten the example - some patterns, particularly on the drumset, involve a different combinations of hands and feet on each note (more like chords than notes, actually). When this is the case, it's good to focus on just a few notes at a time. Try to play the first 4 notes perfectly, then stop and do it again. Repeat this process until the 4 notes feel automatic. Then add the 5th note, then the 6th, and so on. 3. Simplify - Often we try to do too much when we practice. When we do this we're usually setting up an unrealistic expectation and judging ourselves harshly. We hear a perfect performance on recording, or see some amazing drummer, and it's natural for us to want play that good. In fact, it's great to have an end in mind while practicing, but not if it's getting in the way of YOUR development. So, for instance, before you try to play every single fill in a song, it's good to make sure that the beat is rock-solid. Maybe the beat itself is tricky - focus on the hands alone, or the feet alone. Find a way to make the music come to you. That's the key. |
| Unfamiliar, not difficult | Most of what we call difficult is actually just unfamiliar, and what we call easy is familiar. Instead viewing things as easy or difficult, try to see your relationship to the thing as familiar or unfamiliar. Familiarizing yourself with a new musical concept is like learning a language. It requires listening, learning, trial & error, and repetition. But once you go through that process, and familiarize yourself with the new concept, you'll never have to do it again! For sure, there will always be something else to learn, and somewhere deeper to go, but generally, your playing will only get easier with time. |
| Habits | To me, good habits are fun habits. There is a reason they call it 'playing' music. When a musician becomes one with their instrument and begins to play forth, the feeling is one of ecstasy and great joy! In my view, this is the highest goal of making music, but all music students know how easy it can be to lose their way. There's nothing worse than when practice feels like a chore. One way to help overcome this is to make your practice time as fun as possible. The environmental aspect is a big one. (Parents can help out here.) I advise creating a 'drumspace' somewhere in the house, be it a corner of a bedroom, or the basement, or the garage. It should be a shrine to playing and practicing! Complete with the basics things like: music stand, throne, practice pad, drum kit, metronome, end table. It should also be decorated with cool posters of your favorite band, a black & white printout of Buddy Rich, a copy of Sgt. Peppers (LP), etc. Make it as inviting as possible to sit down and PLAY! I also suggest dividing up your playing into 3 parts. Part One is practicing for lessons. This means completing the assigned homework every week, or at least giving it your best shot. Part Two is simply playing your instrument. This may sound obvious, but every musician should be encouraged to explore their instrument and stay to connected to their own inner music. If Part One is the more 'left brain' (thinking, calculating) oriented side of things, then Part Two is the 'right brain' side. (creative, free) Ideally, there should be no 'left brain' in your playing, and no 'right brain' in your practicing. Part Three is maybe the most important, maybe even more important than taking lessons - it's playing with other musicians. Drums and percussion are instruments that were meant to accompany. For this reason, I encourage every student of mine to take advantage of all musical opportunities, whether it's playing in the concert band, a jazz band, a drumline, a garage band, or jamming with a friend who plays guitar. The real situations will give direction to lessons and provide meaning and opportunity for musical growth. Hand in hand with live playing is going to see live music and listening to as much as possible. |