Lessons for Violin

Posts Tagged ‘Drums’

Many people want to learn to play the drums, but can’t afford lessons, or don’t have time in their schedule.  One option is to teach yourself using drum lessons DVDs and books.  But do they work, or are you wasting your money?

As a drum teacher to students starting at age 4, I get asked if these will really work.  The answer is yes, provided you get something that you can really use.  Here are a few tips on what to look for.

What is Your Level?

You want to look for a DVD or book that starts where you are at.  If you are a rank beginner, look for something that shows you how to set up the drum set, hold the sticks, and hit correctly.

A lot of people who learn on their own use improper technique.  This can lead to slow playing, pain, and possibly injury.  If you use poor technique, your playing won’t improve as quickly as it might, and you’ll get frustrated and quit.  You won’t sound as good, either.

This is where having a teacher is perfect.  A teacher will correct your mistakes early, so you learn good habits from the start.

Almost every drum instructional DVD or book out there will start with rock and roll grooves.  It’s what you hear all the time in the music on the radio and tv.  If you already know those basics, look for something that will give you more grooves, like jazz, swing, reggae, or hip hop.

Look Around You

Don’t limit yourself to what you hear on the radio, or what is popular.  Explore other genres.  Look at different cultures and countries.  Try soca, polka, or klezmer for some upbeat, sweat-inducing fun.

Once I began to listen to world music, I was hooked.  I love using odd time signatures.  We are used to hearing music with four beats.  Some Bulgarian songs go up to 11, 13, or 22!

Don’t Be Illiterate

If you don’t already know how to read music notes and drum notation, make it a point to learn.  It’s not as hard as you think, and it will open up the whole world to you.  If you want to be a working drummer, you’ll need to know how to read charts and music.

Most drum instructional books are written in drum notation.  Find something that will explain it to you, then dive in and go slowly.  You can do this!

Give Yourself a Fighting Chance

Of course, no matter whether you get books, DVDs, or music lessons, you won’t learn very much if you don’t set aside time regularly to practice.  How much time?  Start with ten minutes a day.  Everyone has ten minutes a day to spare. That’s two commercial sets during your favorite tv show.  The next time commercials come on, pick up your sticks and practice the groove on your leg.

Most kids can learn to play drums because they don’t censor themselves like adults do.  If you’re an adult wanting to learn, be easy on yourself.  Get something to learn from, go slowly, and realize this is hard to do.  After all, you’re playing four instruments at once: your left hand, your right hand, your left foot, and your right foot!

Give yourself a pat on the back for each accomplishment, no matter how small.  With persistence, you too can learn to play drums from DVDs and books.

Is it possible to teach yourself to play the drums? I used to play the violin and I can play the piano a little. I’m getting a drum pad soon too. I’m also fairly good at keeping rhythm and drumming on different surfaces if that matters lol. thanks!!

www.electricviolinshop.com On October 6, 2008, Daniel Bernard Roumain (DBR and the Mission) and Earl Maneein (Resolution 15) came to the Electric Violin Shop to give a demonstration on the alternative styles and techniques they have cultivated for playing the violin. Here DBR demonstrates percussive playing that can only be acheived on an acoustic violin, that is, an acoustic violin with a pickup or transducer bridge. visit DBR and Mission’s band site at www.dbrmission.com or visit DBR’s own page at www.dbrmusic.com

A lot of parents dream of seeing their children play a musical instrument. Piano, guitar and violin are on their list of musical instruments. For parents, drums will certainly be at the end of the list.

Why? There are a few reasons for this. First, Rock music and heavy metal genres are associated with drums for a lot of parents. The noise and loud banging may be associated with rock music. Next, wild things are connected with rock music. Who wants to raise a wild child? Finally, Parents and children may differ in music genres preferences because of the generation gap.

After giving it some thought, should parents motivate their children to learn and master drums? Why not? Consider these benefits in letting your children learn drums:

1. Drums are cool musical instruments. A lot of hip musical instruments will motivate children to learn. Parents won’t have difficulty prodding their children to learn how to play drums. The passion to learn how to play drums will come from the children themselves.

2. Drumming requires a lot of energy. Playing the drums needs physical involvement and a lot of sweat. The children will be kept active.

3. Drumming is entertaining. Banging to the beat will overcome boredom. Learning to master drums is made accessible through technology. Parents do not have to go for private lessons. There are learn drums DVDs that may teach children right in the comforts of their own homes.

The drums may be associated with rock music and outrageous things. However, this stereotype should not alarm parents. Drums are the life of any band. The drum beat gives depth to rock music and jazz music. Parents should encourage their kids to learn and master drums. Music will lead children to be creative and goal-directed.

To really learn how to play the drums, read these reviews of play drums dvd

Other sites:

Should Parents Motivate Their Children to Play Drums?
Should Parents Motivate Their Children to Play Drums?

Watch this performance of a drum solo to see how you can put together various drumming techniques in this free online video music lesson on how to play the drums for beginners.