PercussionPlayer.com
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Drum Set Instruction
• Beginning instruction includes basic snare drum technique: technical exercises
(rudiments), etudes (studies on specific concepts) and coordination exercises for hands and feet (simple movement and basic beats).
• As each student advances, s/he works with recorded music. Basic beats are taught,
variations of the basic beat are presented, and the student learns how to transition from the original beat to the variations and back again. We also learn drum fills, with
consideration for the particular style being studied at the time. Transition work is done back and forth from the original beat, to the variation beats, and to the drum fills.
Once this foundation is established, a student begins playing transcriptions (the actual drum part) of recorded music.
• Basic song forms (ex: 12 bar blues and AABA), rhythm reading, and understanding
drum set notation skills are emphasized.
• Advanced-level instruction is a continuation of the above as we explore more complex styles, beats, fills and advanced song forms. “World” percussion instrument skills may also be introduced.
Snare Drum Instruction
• At out first lesson, each student is advised to purchase a drum pad, sticks, a metronome and a music notebook. After the first or second week, we will determine which method book(s) will be purchased.
NOTE: Bring your sticks, method books and music notebook to your lesson each week. Beginner-level instruction includes proper grip, hand positioning, three basic strokes (tap, rebound, buzz), and posture. Technical exercises (rudiments), counting exercises, etudes (studies on specific concepts) and coordination exercises for hands are begun immediately.
• Intermediate-level instruction includes working with method books that are in keeping with the student’s level, and learning/practicing solo and duet exercises with an instructor.
Auxiliary percussion instruments (cymbals, triangle, tambourine, so on) are introduced.
• Advanced-level instruction may include multiple-instrument percussion study; this involves reading and playing music written for several percussion instruments at the same time.
Keyboard (Mallet) Percussion Instruction
• Through a series of fun exercises and songs, beginning-level instruction introduces each student to the marimba, bells, and xylophone keyboards. Fundamentals are covered: the music staff; the recognitions of notes, clefs, and key signatures; and basic song form. To solidify the student’s foundation, we then learn the major scales, arpeggios, roll exercises and beginning sight-reading.
• Intermediate-level instruction includes a method book that contains melodies and
technical challenges appropriate for the student level of ability (ex: duet studies by J.S. Bach). If a student is a member of a youth orchestra, basic symphonic repertoire is
incorporated.
• Advanced-level instruction may include the study of playing with four mallets. If a
student is concentrating on symphonic percussion, more sophisticated repertoire may be studied. The vibraphone is presented, music that includes jazz standards is studied, andimprovisation is explored.
Timpani Instruction
• Beginning-level instruction introduces a student to the timpani through a series of
exercises emphasizing how we produce a good sound from the drums. We also study stroke, roll technique, tuning, and ear training.
• Intermediate-level instruction is a more in-depth study of the above. Methodology is a primary focus, including hand-crossing exercises.
• Advanced instruction includes multiple (four) drum set-ups, which are integrated into the instruction described above.
West African Percussion Instruction
• Instruction includes introduction to particular cultures and their drumming. Instrument techniques are taught for types of shakers, bells, hand drums and frame drums.
• Given this type of drumming is best taught in a group setting, we give each private student the recordings of drums songs that contain rhythms segments s/he may play along with; this develops the ability to play ones own rhythm part within a more complex structure of multiple rhythms being played simultaneously.
• Cues and calls are also taught.
Afro-Cuban Percussion Instruction
• Instruction focuses on the rhythms and instruments from Cuba and surrounding islands within the Caribbean. Clave’, conga drums, bongos, guiro, timbales, maracas, and many other instruments are studied. Patterns within these song forms include Son Montuno, Cha-Cha, Mambo, Rhumba Columbia, Bomba, Merengue’, Mozambique, and others.
• Given this type of drumming is best taught in a group setting, we give each private student recordings of patterns for the various song forms that include many rhythms passages to play along with; this grows the ability to play one’s own rhythm part within the larger structure of multiple rhythms being played at the same time.
• Cues and calls are also taught.
Drum & Percussion Lessons for All ages!
Our music Studio is proud to offer private lessons on all manner of drums, percussion and timpani. Our individualized music program meets each student’s needs, level and learning style. Whether you're a beginner seeking first-time instruction or an advanced student looking to improve your skills, you've come to the right place. Through opportunities for playing music at private lessons you will explore the world of rock, jazz, classical, and world music. Private weekly instruction is offered year round for the beginning, intermediate and advanced students.