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Drum & Percussion Lessons |
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Here are a few questions that I receive about drum lessons from new students: WHAT DO YOU NEED TO GET STARTED WITH DRUM LESSONS? Students will need to purchase a Keeney Bros. Music Center "Percussion Pack" which is a discounted grouping of drumsticks, practice pad and a stick bag. They will also need a dedicated 3-ring notebook. Additional supplies for the advancing student include a metronome, snare/bell kit, drumset, brushes, drumset sticks and assorted drumming books. WHAT AGES AND LEVELS OF STUDENTS DO YOU WORK WITH? Age and experience matter less than interest and dedication. I have experience working with students from as young as four years old to adult and of all ability and experience levels. WHAT ABOUT PROTECTING MY HEARING? You can take two approaches. The first approach is to muffle or reduce the amount of sound your drums produce, the second is to wear some sort of hearing protection device. You can find hearing protection information at EAR.com and hearnet.com. Some great hearing protection devices are at Vic Firth and Etymotic Research. HQ Percussion makes some great drum mutes. HOW LONG ARE THE LESSONS? I recommend a minimum of one 1/2 hour drum lesson per week. Students can schedule longer lessons if desired. Having lessons less frequently than this makes it very difficult for most students to progress in their studies. HOW MUCH DO THE LESSONS COST? Drum and percussion lessons cost $25.00 per half-hour lesson. HOW MUCH SHOULD I PRACTICE? You should only practice on the days that you eat! I recommend a minimum of 15 minutes a day. As the student collects more materials in their lessons, this time will naturally increase. It is better to practice a little everyday than a lot every few days. Try to schedule the same time of day and always practice in the same place. This way you can make practicing a natural part of your life. SHOULD I BUY A DRUMSET RIGHT NOW? A student need not own a drumset to start lessons. The purchase of a drumset is a considerable financial commitment and should only be made when you are ready personally, musically and financially. The biggest concern that clients voice to me is "What happens if we buy a drumset and six months later (student's name) isn't interested?" If you share this concern, wait on the purchase of a drumset until the student has shown regular dedication to practicing for a couple of months. Of course, I am always happy to to advise you on the pros and cons of any percussion purchase, so please don't hesitate to ask my input if you feel it would help. WHAT IS YOUR LESSON PHILOSOPHY? I believe that students will become successful lifelong drummers by introducing them to the fundamental techniques of all of the instruments in the percussion family. Student's can then apply this knowledge to the pursuit of any style of music and achieve great success. Lesson topics have included all styles of drumset, snare drum, mallet percussion, hand drumming, timpani, concert percussion and marching percussion to name a few. If a student expresses interest in another area of drumming and percussion, I would be more than happy to offer what guidance I can. ANY OTHER QUESTIONS? Please contact me with any other questions you might have regarding drum and percussion lesson curriculum, availability and rates. |
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