Drum Lessons

DRUMS

"If you can walk, you can dance. If you can talk, you can sing" - old Zimbabwean proverb

Well, if you can swing a stick at something, then you can drum!

The drum is the only instrument to have made its home among every one of the world's ancient peoples. From the Scottish Highlands to the jungles of the Amazon, to the fields of Southeast Asia, to the plains of the Serenghetti, the world's oldest instrument is a part of the fabric of humanity.

Anyone can be a drummer. And with the right training, they can be a really good drummer!

"Drumming" can mean many things. Some think of a percussionist playing a snare drum in a symphony or marching band. Others might think of a conguero in a latin ensemble. Many think of a drummer behind a kit in a rock band. Regardless of the musical style or type of drum, one thing remains consistent: you hit it.

A drummer is a scientist -- a student of the art of whacking things to make them sound nice.

Beginning Drum Scientists will learn proper stick technique through the application of the classic Rudiments. Hand-drumming students will learn and practice proper, basic strokes. While developing proper technique can be a tedious, lengthy process, it's essential to a drummer's ability to play as freely as possible. When a drummer has total control over his or her sticks, that drummer can play as quietly, loudly, slowly, quickly, groovily, powerfully, delicately -- as anythingly as he or she wants! Control is the name of the game.

Drumset students will leave their first lesson grooving. Beginners will learn the simplest of beats, then gradually build upon their vocabulary of rhythmic phrases. Most are suprised at how quickly they learn to play fairly sophisticated (and cool sounding) beats! Not only that, but they'll be able to read and write them too!

More advanced students can work on improving their existing style or exploring new genres and influences to expand their horizons. Some might wish to get their feet working faster for mindblowing double-bass work, while others seek to develop more interesting, innovative fills. Others might need help with their sense of time or meter. Whatever the case, lessons always focus on the student and her/his interests and goals.

All students are encouraged to listen to and learn from jazz, R&B, latin/afro-cuban, rock'n'roll, funk, metal, punk, fusion, and other ethnic styles. Over the course of their exploration, students will discover the history of the development of our common drumers' language.

Other Elements of Drum Study:

* Reading/Writing Drum Notation

* Understanding Odd Meters

* Improvisation

* Four-Limb Interdependence and Independence

* Selection of Drums, Heads, Cymbals, Sticks, Hardware, etc.

* Tuning

* History and evolution of Drums, Cymbals, etc.

* Tools and ideas for collaborating with other musicians

* Song Structure and Analysis of Musical Forms

* Biomechanics/Stretching

* Self Discipline, Fitness, and Heightend Self-Esteem

Lessons are offered Sunday through Thursday in two locations:

Ballard's Loyal Heights neighborhood, and at Capitol Music Center in Seattle's Ravenna neighborhood (North of the U-District)

Many lesson times are still available! Call for more information on scheduling, policies, etc.

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