|
Just ONCE Drums for Busy People
Class Description
Have you ever wanted to learn to play the drums but simply find it difficult to find the time? In just a few hours even an absolute beginner can learn to play basic drum set patterns and have years of musical enjoyment, and you won't have to take private lessons to do it. This crash course will teach basic technique, hand exercises, basic rock patterns, drum fills and get you playing along with your favorite songs right away. Bring your drumsticks and practice pad or purchase a set at the workshop. Class limited to 15 students. For ages 10+. Additional Required Materials fee of $29 will be collected in class by the instructor for a workbook and practice DVD.
Topics include:
- How to hold the sticks
- How to pick a good drum set
- Basic stick exercises
- 3 limb independence
- Basic Rock patterns and grooves in 4/4, 3/4 and 6/8 time
- Basic drum fills
- How to play in the "groove"
Class Fee
There is a registration fee collected by the sponsor (college or recreation) program ahead of time. This fee varies from location to location. For the exact fee contact the class sponsor listed on the "enroll in a class" page on this website.
Materials Fee
Additionally there is a $29 materials fee for the workbook and practice DVD collected in class by the instructor. Everything covered in the class is also covered on this DVD which is designed for home practice and study. (Sometimes these 2 fees are combined and collected by the sponsor. If you have a question about the materials fee be sure to ask your sponsor about this fee.)
Informational Videos
Watch these short video clips to learn more about "Just ONCE Drums":
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to know before coming to your class?
Absolutely nothing. This class is designed for a beginner with no training. Any experience you have with music or other instruments will only help you excel faster.
What is the format of the class?
Much of the class is hands-on. About 30% of it is lecture and instruction. 70% is actual playing and hands on experience. There may be some extended times of standing while we play on our drum pads; you will want to wear comfortable shoes.
What do I need to bring to the drum workshop?
Absolutely nothing. It's possible that a student may have sticks, a snare drum, or a complete drum set at home. But many students begin without any of these and so can you! Each student will be loaned a set of drumsticks and a drum pad for use in class. These items will be available to purchase and take home if you should so desire, but this is not required.
How can you teach drums to groups, especially without a drum set for each player?
You can actually play drum set patterns and grooves without a drum set! Each student is loaned a drum pad that they can use to practice stick control and the sequence of the drum set pattern. One or two drum sets will be setup in class and students will rotate in on this actual kit so they can get hands on experience and feel it in action.
Does a person need to have taken private drum lessons first before attending the "Just ONCE Drums"class?
Many people who attend "Just ONCE Drums" have had some experience with piano, guitar or other instruments first. Many have never had a lesson before. A method of notation has been developed specifically for this course that is comprehensive and also very accessible for an untrained musician. If you can read this sentence and walk in time, then you can learn the notation for the course. Fully notated drum patterns are included in the end of the book for those who want to continue to learn additional patterns.
What can I realistically expect to do after taking your course?
This course has three objectives: 1) Establish good stick holding technique. 2) Teach a few beginning drum set grooves. 3) Provide you with the tools and training to continue to learn more grooves after you leave. The coordination of the drum set patterns is the most difficult part. Even so, most leave the workshop successfully completing this. Everything in the class is in the workbook and on the practice DVD you will take home with you. This method is all based on hearing and imitating not note reading, and you will be able to perfect your techniques using these materials.
I play guitar, bass or piano/keyboard. Is there any benefit to me in coming to your class?
All of those instruments are considered to be in the "rhythm" section and work as a team. Having even a beginning level of understanding of what the drums do will help you in your main instrument as well as in general musicianship. You will learn how drummers think, what obstacles they have, and how to speak "drum-ese".
I'm in the market for purchasing an instrument. What's a good starting point?
Again, drums and percussion are unique in that you can practice and learn on any surface: a stool, pot, or upside down trashcan. Drum pads are helpful because they keep your countertops from getting marred or dinged-up. (Practice pads will be available for purchase at the class). You will need a good set of sticks. I suggest Vic Firth or Pro-mark 5a drumsticks, which are available at any music store and will likely be available at your workshop. Purchasing a single snare drum is often the next drum purchased. There are many "student" packages that include a case, stand and snare drum. Or you can purchase a beginning drum set. We suggest visiting your local music store and looking for a beginning 5-piece drum set.
|
