Auditions are nerve-wracking, we all know this. You spend weeks rehearsing a few pieces of music, just to have all of your time and commitment judged on one given performance. The circumstances leading up to the audition might not always be fair either. In any case, here are a few simple ways to help ease the stress of an audition so you are prepared to nail it with confidence!
1. Practice, practice, practice I know this is common sense, but you can't ever expect to go into an audition and actually be successful if you never put the any time or effort into rehearsing. Diligent practice is absolutely a necessity for every audition. Here's why... No matter how skilled you think you may be, or how prepared either, the pressure will always be a factor. When you are right there in that moment, it is imperative that you receive as much training prior to this opportunity as possible. You will need to reference every bit of rehearsal you worked out, but luckily if you have practiced correctly, muscle memory and your inner soul will take over.
2. Get a good night sleep Another obvious one, sure. But the anxiety and stress will leave you prone to staying awake all night before the audition. My advice? Practice and work extra hard TWO DAYS before the audition. That way, you are a little more tired the day before and once you have finalized your audition, you will be ready to sleep through the night and rock the audition the next morning.
3. Eat healthy A balanced diet is another necessity to a successful audition. Whether you want to accept it or not, what you eat is in fact what you are made of. Proper nutrition, including: whole grains, protein, fruits, vegetables, and abundant hydration will keep your body in tip-top shape. The largest strategic advantage this has is that by having the proper nutrition, your mind can think quicker and sharper. This allows you to perform in ways that you did not think were possible when under pressure!
As you can see, these three basic tips for preparing for an audition are incredibly elementary. However, they are absolute necessities to performing a successful audition. Each of them are important in order to feel as comfortable as possible during the audition. The last bit of advice I would like to tell you is to believe in yourself. Confidence is the most crucial ingredient, but by properly adhering to these tips and tricks, it will come to you naturally.
Friday, July 10, 2015
Three New Learning Materials!
For all you snare drummers out there, I got some new pieces of material that should be a great help in practicing snare drum.
The first link provided below will direct you to a video that includes Mr. Bill Bachman. Bill has been a Vic Firth representative and instructor for over a decade now and really does provide some great insight for drummers of all ability levels. Bill goes into great detail surrounding three major areas to snare drumming, including: stick heights, velocity, and double stops. Any great marching snare drummer must master these concepts and have full control over how your stick moves. Check out this great learning resource to learn more!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_H55gIwQDE
The second link I have provided is a transcription, audio, and video representation of a piece of music from the 2015 Madison Scout snare line. The music is for advanced players, but it also includes some tasty licks. This piece of music has more of a snare "spree" to it. In any case, take the time to study this music. It's great fun and sounds really cool when you perform it! Not to mention it will give you a run for your money with the good 'ol flam drag rudiment.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SA4AtWNQMzA
Lastly, I have one more learning material for you to master! This last link will direct you to a simple piece of music that focuses on building your snare chops, more specifically, singles. Singles are very popular in advanced drumming. They require great muscle control and sound really impressive when played cleanly. Rehearse this exercise to nail down your singles on the snare drum so you are ready to throw down!
http://www.snarescience.com/exercises/32nd-note-singles1.pdf
Thursday, July 9, 2015
Helpful Hints for Starting Your Own Rock Band!
Us drummers have always fantasized about forming our own rock band and taking the big stage one day. Well let me tell you, it's actually not all that difficult to achieve! I have toured across the country and recorded an EP with my own band, so I know what it takes. But really it all comes down to just a few things. Follow these guidelines to successfully start your own rock band!
1. Practice
Before you go center stage with a rock band, you need to make sure your own skills are up to par. The more versatile you are as a drummer, the broader reach you will have to work with different musicians. Everyone has a different ear and style of music, practice diligently in order to make sure that you are equipped with the right tools to play with different people. Also, it is difficult to be successful in a band if you can't keep up. Often times, cover songs are a great way to start together as a band in order to focus in on a genre you want to sound like. Just don't forget to make sure you are solid with your own abilities first!
2. Spread the word!
Musicians love to make other new musician friends. Most of the time, they just don't know that you rock, or that you want to form your own band! Tell your friends, family, and teachers that you are interested in forming a band and the word will get out. Soon enough the talent will be seeking you! You just need to take charge, be a leader, and organize. Step up and take the initiative, and the others will find their way to you.
3. Designate a practice space!
If you want to have your own band, you have to have your own practice space to rehearse together. Maybe it's your garage, the school band room, or in the basement... but wherever it may be, you need to find a place big enough to store all your equipment. Most importantly however, make sure it's a space you are comfortable in. Remember, this is where you will bring your creative vision to life! Give the space some good vibes with decoration and various furniture if possible. A positive work environment is the most productive one when forming a band!
The most important thing to remember in forming your own band is never to lose sight of the goal. Stay motivated, stay determined, and stay excited! The band mates will appear soon enough, and you will make the best friends of your life with this experience. But if you don't let people know, you won't have the opportunity.
Don't be afraid, go after it!
1. Practice
Before you go center stage with a rock band, you need to make sure your own skills are up to par. The more versatile you are as a drummer, the broader reach you will have to work with different musicians. Everyone has a different ear and style of music, practice diligently in order to make sure that you are equipped with the right tools to play with different people. Also, it is difficult to be successful in a band if you can't keep up. Often times, cover songs are a great way to start together as a band in order to focus in on a genre you want to sound like. Just don't forget to make sure you are solid with your own abilities first!
2. Spread the word!
Musicians love to make other new musician friends. Most of the time, they just don't know that you rock, or that you want to form your own band! Tell your friends, family, and teachers that you are interested in forming a band and the word will get out. Soon enough the talent will be seeking you! You just need to take charge, be a leader, and organize. Step up and take the initiative, and the others will find their way to you.
3. Designate a practice space!
If you want to have your own band, you have to have your own practice space to rehearse together. Maybe it's your garage, the school band room, or in the basement... but wherever it may be, you need to find a place big enough to store all your equipment. Most importantly however, make sure it's a space you are comfortable in. Remember, this is where you will bring your creative vision to life! Give the space some good vibes with decoration and various furniture if possible. A positive work environment is the most productive one when forming a band!
The most important thing to remember in forming your own band is never to lose sight of the goal. Stay motivated, stay determined, and stay excited! The band mates will appear soon enough, and you will make the best friends of your life with this experience. But if you don't let people know, you won't have the opportunity.
Don't be afraid, go after it!
The Four Necessary Fundamental Exercises Every Drummer Needs to Know!
Fundamentals are the building blocks for every drummer’s style and interpretation. Some of us prefer to drum with a stronger marching background, while others drum with jazz influence. In any case, there are several exercises that all that drummers should practice to help shape their sense of time. After all, it is our job…we are the driving force behind any ensemble. Therefore, brush up on these fundamentals on the snare drum to maintain a well-balanced structure to your drumming.
8s Exercise –
This one is elementary, but it's one of the first fundamental drumming exercises you learn for a reason. Eighth notes provide a more consistent sense of time by breaking down the quarter pulse, providing twice as many references for time. Practice marking time to the quarter note, half note, and whole note. This fundamental exercise will force your whole body to interact with the rhythm. Lastly this exercise is great to practice technique, as well as understanding the mechanics behind the muscles you use.
Triplet Grid –
Triplet grid is a triplet-based pattern that focuses on the accents of each triplet-partial and how they relate to the beat. This is a great exercise for drum set players. Lots of drum fills can be dressed up with triplets and variations of accents. By marking time to this exercise you will be able to feel more comfortable with the bass parts. In short, this is a great one to further your triplet-timing skill set.
Double Beat –
Double beat is a consistent eighth note exercise with diddles on the down beat and off beat, alternating between the two in equal segments of time. Double beat should be an exercise that focuses on a drummer’s diddle control and quality. Start slow, around 100 bpm…and slowly get faster. Doing this everyday is also a great way to build chops!
Paradiddles –
Paradiddles are very common rhythmic patterns that show up in all forms of percussion. They also put into perspective alternating stickings. Practice paradiddles by placing the partials on different toms while on the drum set. This allows you to make new fills. Additionally, paradiddles are an excellent pattern to hone in on stick control.
Fundamental exercises can be tiresome, but they are necessary to every drummers routine. These fundamentals will build muscle, and they will also help improve your sense of time. If you really want to test yourself, practice these fundamental exercises with different dynamics too!
Good Luck!
8s Exercise –
This one is elementary, but it's one of the first fundamental drumming exercises you learn for a reason. Eighth notes provide a more consistent sense of time by breaking down the quarter pulse, providing twice as many references for time. Practice marking time to the quarter note, half note, and whole note. This fundamental exercise will force your whole body to interact with the rhythm. Lastly this exercise is great to practice technique, as well as understanding the mechanics behind the muscles you use.
Triplet Grid –
Triplet grid is a triplet-based pattern that focuses on the accents of each triplet-partial and how they relate to the beat. This is a great exercise for drum set players. Lots of drum fills can be dressed up with triplets and variations of accents. By marking time to this exercise you will be able to feel more comfortable with the bass parts. In short, this is a great one to further your triplet-timing skill set.
Double Beat –
Double beat is a consistent eighth note exercise with diddles on the down beat and off beat, alternating between the two in equal segments of time. Double beat should be an exercise that focuses on a drummer’s diddle control and quality. Start slow, around 100 bpm…and slowly get faster. Doing this everyday is also a great way to build chops!
Paradiddles –
Paradiddles are very common rhythmic patterns that show up in all forms of percussion. They also put into perspective alternating stickings. Practice paradiddles by placing the partials on different toms while on the drum set. This allows you to make new fills. Additionally, paradiddles are an excellent pattern to hone in on stick control.
Fundamental exercises can be tiresome, but they are necessary to every drummers routine. These fundamentals will build muscle, and they will also help improve your sense of time. If you really want to test yourself, practice these fundamental exercises with different dynamics too!
Good Luck!
Friday, July 3, 2015
Check These Out!
I came across a couple helpful resources that I think a lot of you beginners might find appealing, so I thought I would share them with you today!
1. Drum Building Secrets
2. Begin Drumming System
1. Drum Building Secrets
- The link I have provided will direct you to a website that offers a tutorial, specializing in putting together your very own drum set! Some people buy complete sets, others will purchase the individual pieces and shape an original drum set themselves. In either case, this guy can help you every step along the way! He gives tons of great pointers in what to do with specific parts, and how to adjust your drum set for maximum performance capabilities.
2. Begin Drumming System
- The link associated with Begin Drumming System will direct you to a website that offers a complete DVD collection set that provides you with practical drum lessons via video, audio, and text/graphic format. It includes over four hours of video instruction, 52 pages of printable materials, and 198 audio files. Jim McCarthy, the instructor, also has a very deep and extensive resume of credentials to back up his lessons and rationale. I am endorsing this DVD collection set because it truly is the most efficient and effective beginners learning tool I have encountered. If you want to pick up the sticks and fast, here's how you can do it!
Why I Recommend Every Drummer Should Audition for Drum Corp International
If I were to bring down my reasoning for auditioning for Drum Corp International, I would sum it up with one reason, and one reason only...
It opens up your mind.
Everyday we choose to interact based on our own personal experiences that shape who are today. So I can't help but recommend this life-changing experience to everyone. Auditioning for a drum corp pushes you mentally and physically. It requires memorizing extensive pieces of music and drill spots, dedicating time everyday to progressing as a musician, and being in top physical condition. But more importantly, it forces you to learn in ways that you didn't previously understand. With the help of instructors and mentors that have had the same experience on the national and global stage, you find yourself pushing beyond your breaking points that you didn't previously deem possible.
I guess what I am trying to say is that when you sign up to march in a drum corp, you are thereby dedicating a portion of your life to one single musical show. A show that you will constantly strive to perfect, as well as come to love inside and out. The music you perform represent the messages and ideas that are expressed. The theatrical and marching aspects of the show bring the visual representation of the emotions portrayed, and by the end of the season, you will have successfully brought a story...
To Life.
It is a matter of being apart of something that is larger than any physical world around you. It's about influencing others in emotional ways, and chasing the pursuit of perfection. A process that you will never again endure with such devotion and support from hundreds of other new family members that you come to love. This activity opens your mind because when you are finished with your first season, you come back to the real world with a learning experience that taught you how to learn. You are the only person that will ever hold you back.
So what are you waiting for already? GO REGISTER!
http://www.dci.org/
It opens up your mind.
Everyday we choose to interact based on our own personal experiences that shape who are today. So I can't help but recommend this life-changing experience to everyone. Auditioning for a drum corp pushes you mentally and physically. It requires memorizing extensive pieces of music and drill spots, dedicating time everyday to progressing as a musician, and being in top physical condition. But more importantly, it forces you to learn in ways that you didn't previously understand. With the help of instructors and mentors that have had the same experience on the national and global stage, you find yourself pushing beyond your breaking points that you didn't previously deem possible.
I guess what I am trying to say is that when you sign up to march in a drum corp, you are thereby dedicating a portion of your life to one single musical show. A show that you will constantly strive to perfect, as well as come to love inside and out. The music you perform represent the messages and ideas that are expressed. The theatrical and marching aspects of the show bring the visual representation of the emotions portrayed, and by the end of the season, you will have successfully brought a story...
To Life.
It is a matter of being apart of something that is larger than any physical world around you. It's about influencing others in emotional ways, and chasing the pursuit of perfection. A process that you will never again endure with such devotion and support from hundreds of other new family members that you come to love. This activity opens your mind because when you are finished with your first season, you come back to the real world with a learning experience that taught you how to learn. You are the only person that will ever hold you back.
So what are you waiting for already? GO REGISTER!
http://www.dci.org/
Thursday, July 2, 2015
Cafe Products Available!
When I first developed the concept for this
blog, I knew I wanted to provide an effective resource to help drummers further
their skills, despite peoples’ individual accessibility to the right instructors.
I had a vision of creating a community where drummers can come together online
to help one another, as they too embark on the same journey of music. However,
this goal requires a lot of time, capital, and commitment. To enhance this
website and deliver more helpful material to everyone, I came up with a
fundraising idea that ties everything together…
The fundamental component, the key to make this
whole project work, is the network of musicians. With that said, if you also
share this same vision and want to contribute to the process of the community I
have outlined here, I am pleased to announce that you can support the cause by
purchasing EDP apparel and accessories now online!
EDP online store consists of three products:
1. T-Shirts
2. Mugs
3. Coasters
Prices and images can be seen by following the
link below. These products promote our name and logos. So, if you want to be a
part of a team that includes talented, ambitious percussionists...show your
support with our merchandise to help spread the word! All of the proceeds
will go directly to creating new videos, hosting live performances, and tons of
other great ideas that I hope will help inspire others.
Thank you in advance to everyone who chooses to
support the cause by picking up our merchandise.
Friday, June 26, 2015
Metronome App Review
Every drummer absolutely needs to have a metronome in order to practice effectively. We are the individuals responsible for keeping time in the ensemble, driving the production to the end of the song. To do this correctly, practicing with the metronome is a must. That is why I am reviewing the Pro Metronome application from the iTunes store.
For starters, this application has a terrific layout making it incredibly user-friendly. The format of the application is structured to make switching between accents, tempos. and note breakdowns very easy. Also, it includes flashing lights and vibrations for musicians who learn better when engaging multiple senses while they practice. In case you were wondering, Pro Metronome allows you to practice under quarter note timing, eighth note time, triplet timing, and quarter-note triplet timing.
This application is entirely free with multiple options for learning music of any kind. In the three years I have used Pro Metronome, I have encountered very few application crashes. It is a reliable tool, with an easy-to-use format, and tons of options to help you accomplish whatever you wish to perform. The only complaint I do have is that the application volume is kind of low, making it difficult to use without earphones. Although I always practice with earphones so I don't particularly mind.
To conclude this review, I give Pro Metronome a 4.5/5 rating. I personally think having a metronome is a necessity for every musician, and what better way than to integrate this tool than utilizing it on your phone, on the go! This is a great tool for every drummer and is available in both the Apple iTunes store and the Google Play store!
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pro-metronome-tempo-keeping/id477960671?mt=8
For starters, this application has a terrific layout making it incredibly user-friendly. The format of the application is structured to make switching between accents, tempos. and note breakdowns very easy. Also, it includes flashing lights and vibrations for musicians who learn better when engaging multiple senses while they practice. In case you were wondering, Pro Metronome allows you to practice under quarter note timing, eighth note time, triplet timing, and quarter-note triplet timing.
This application is entirely free with multiple options for learning music of any kind. In the three years I have used Pro Metronome, I have encountered very few application crashes. It is a reliable tool, with an easy-to-use format, and tons of options to help you accomplish whatever you wish to perform. The only complaint I do have is that the application volume is kind of low, making it difficult to use without earphones. Although I always practice with earphones so I don't particularly mind.
To conclude this review, I give Pro Metronome a 4.5/5 rating. I personally think having a metronome is a necessity for every musician, and what better way than to integrate this tool than utilizing it on your phone, on the go! This is a great tool for every drummer and is available in both the Apple iTunes store and the Google Play store!
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pro-metronome-tempo-keeping/id477960671?mt=8
Check Out The Paradiddler!
One of the reasons I was inspired to make this blog is because I came across some readings from another blog actually called, "The Paradiddler". In my opinion, the greatest thing about living in this day and age is our ability to be connected anywhere in the world, at any time, thanks to the internet. In my first visit alone I had found several things to be useful for myself, which is what I am sharing with you today.
Firstly, The Paradiddler has a broad spectrum of resources available to drummers of every skill level. The blog is presented by a man with great expertise and is sponsored as well. He posts several times a week, and whether you are looking to listen to a podcast to educate you on traditional grip technique, or you are looking for a product review on the newest double-bass pedal, The Paradiddler has it all. Among his wide variety are some of my favorite learning materials I have ever found. These include: a drum cover of Girl Gone Bad by Van Halen, Mike Michalkow's "Drumming System" instructional course, and the Thomas Pridgen drum clinic. In addition, nearly everything that is posted on this blog is free and incredibly helpful. It's essentially your one stop, digital shop for all of your drumming needs.
A list of materials on this website are as follows:
- News
- Articles
- Videos
- Reviews
- Podcasts
- Education
- Drum Directory
In all honesty, this blog is a wealth of information, so give it a look and checkout the resources he independently open sources for the rest of the world. The topics that have generated some interested are the drum covers he has listed, as well as the product reviews. If you like what you see, you can subscribe RSS on the blog itself.
Thursday, June 25, 2015
Product Recommendation #1: Yamaha SFZ Marching Snare Drum
The Yamaha marching snare drums have always been widely popular across high school marching band, college marching band, and even... "Marching Music's Major League", Drum Corp International. I've been a member of each of these platforms, and in a majority of the marching ensembles I have been apart of, I have used the Yamaha SFZ snare drum. Therefore, I thought I could relay my own experience with you all!
For starters, this drum is moderately durable. I have toured all across the country, unloading and loading this instrument. In all of my experience, I found this instrument to hold up fairly well. The snares that come with this drum will serve you well, and the screws/miscellaneous parts will remain in good shape with proper service. However, I do prefer Pearl's 16 snares, in comparison to Yamaha's 10. Mostly because the more snares you have to work with, the wider range of sounds you can produce.
Personally, I think the different sounds that resonate from the core of this instrument are warm-sounding, and full. The shell of the drum is made with birch wood. This is important because this particular type of wood provides for a frame that is more manageable in the marching environment. More importantly, this frame is designed to harness the resonance of the sound waves, allowing for a rich sound to be portrayed. In contrast, I will say I prefer Pearl's maple wood selected for their snare drum series.
However, this snare drum does have it's weaknesses... The chrome feature that is included on most drums is thin and will wear out easily. Cracks and scrapes will emerge if not taken care of with diligence and rust will occur frequently if moisture is allowed to seap into the drum. The Yamaha SFZ also lacks with regards to its usability. The harnesses that are required to carry this drum have been modified to ease the pressure from solely the lower back, to a more proportional amount throughout an individuals entire body. Unfortunately, these same harnesses rely on the dependability of its "whale-tail", or the supporting back-plate on the device. These plates are much too lightweight
and break easily. If this feature gets damaged, it calls for an entire re-fitting of the harness to adhere to the user's body.
All in all, for an average price of $700, the Yamaha SFZ will give you a terrific run for your money. It is long-lasting, while having the ability to produce a terrific, memorable sound. Not to mention that Yamaha will allow you to customize your drum with colors that reflect your personal preferences. If you are looking for a all-purpose marching snare drum with outstanding performance capabilities at an affordable price, look no further!
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/marching-band/yamaha-sfz-marching-snare-drum
For starters, this drum is moderately durable. I have toured all across the country, unloading and loading this instrument. In all of my experience, I found this instrument to hold up fairly well. The snares that come with this drum will serve you well, and the screws/miscellaneous parts will remain in good shape with proper service. However, I do prefer Pearl's 16 snares, in comparison to Yamaha's 10. Mostly because the more snares you have to work with, the wider range of sounds you can produce.
Personally, I think the different sounds that resonate from the core of this instrument are warm-sounding, and full. The shell of the drum is made with birch wood. This is important because this particular type of wood provides for a frame that is more manageable in the marching environment. More importantly, this frame is designed to harness the resonance of the sound waves, allowing for a rich sound to be portrayed. In contrast, I will say I prefer Pearl's maple wood selected for their snare drum series.
However, this snare drum does have it's weaknesses... The chrome feature that is included on most drums is thin and will wear out easily. Cracks and scrapes will emerge if not taken care of with diligence and rust will occur frequently if moisture is allowed to seap into the drum. The Yamaha SFZ also lacks with regards to its usability. The harnesses that are required to carry this drum have been modified to ease the pressure from solely the lower back, to a more proportional amount throughout an individuals entire body. Unfortunately, these same harnesses rely on the dependability of its "whale-tail", or the supporting back-plate on the device. These plates are much too lightweight
and break easily. If this feature gets damaged, it calls for an entire re-fitting of the harness to adhere to the user's body.
All in all, for an average price of $700, the Yamaha SFZ will give you a terrific run for your money. It is long-lasting, while having the ability to produce a terrific, memorable sound. Not to mention that Yamaha will allow you to customize your drum with colors that reflect your personal preferences. If you are looking for a all-purpose marching snare drum with outstanding performance capabilities at an affordable price, look no further!
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/marching-band/yamaha-sfz-marching-snare-drum
5 Protips for Beginner Drummers
Everyone who begins their venture into the realm of percussion will generally have a few things in common... They are excited to get hammering away to their favorite music. They want to jump right into the flashiest combinations, playing loud and fast. Learning how to spin your sticks becomes an imperative. And most novice level drummers tend to think once they bought their new drum kit, they are on the road to their very own, predestined 'rockstar' status.
This energy is good. It's a good thing that you have goals and newfound ambition, but there are a few things every drummer should think over before jumping the gun. The following protips are lessons I've learned along my own career and am passing down to you. These will help guide you in the right direction to focus your motivation and develop a sound foundation (no pun intended) to work from whatever direction you take your creative talents!
1. Take care of your equipment
- This may seem a bit elementary, but in order to make good sounds from your instrument, you need to love and respect your craft. This isn't your new Xbox video game, or a hammy-down-sweater from grandma, it's a prized possession. One that is capable of expressing your soul. So treat it well, and you will have all the more appreciation for the art that you create.
2. Focus your energy
- Before each and every rep, you should determine a manageable goal and how it connects to the bigger picture further down the road. Achieving smaller objectives will accumulate to accomplishing the ultimate goal with time and patience. For example, maybe you have a big performance coming up that you're nervous about. Try breaking down the music into smaller sections, or rehearsal letters, and practice them individually. Next, focus on the spots that give you the most trouble. Once you are comfortable with them all, then tie them together one at a time.
3. Consistency breeds success
- When you practice, one should always rehearse with the same emotional and physical expression that you would exert if you were in front of an audience. You need to put yourself in that moment, and ALWAYS approach your instrument with the intent to deliver exactly what you envision. This helps develop consistency, and when the time to shine finally reveals itself, you will be prepared.
4. Learn how your instrument produces the sounds it does
- This is kind of another obvious one... but more often than not, a beginner drummer just wants to make some noise. But it isn't just noise; the beats your perform are rhythmic patterns subject to a given interval of time that resonate various overtones of pitch. Take the time to understand how you make the sounds you do, you'll be amazed at what you come up with.
5. Keep pushing forward
- The first obstacle most beginner-level drummers encounter, is a sense of uncertainty. The euphoria of a new instrument and your dreams of being a rockstar begin to fade, while the excuses begin to build. But just remember, anyone can find a reason not to do something. Maybe it wasn't everything you thought it would be at first, or maybe it just seems overwhelming. In any case, you need to fight through and give it a full year. By the end of your first completed year and practicing on a regular basis, you can decided if it is worth your time to continue. But if you can reach this milestone, I promise you...the fun really begins. The foundation will be set and you will finally begin feeling confident in displaying your new musical talent.
No matter what, don't ever give up. You are the only thing that will ever hold you back.
This energy is good. It's a good thing that you have goals and newfound ambition, but there are a few things every drummer should think over before jumping the gun. The following protips are lessons I've learned along my own career and am passing down to you. These will help guide you in the right direction to focus your motivation and develop a sound foundation (no pun intended) to work from whatever direction you take your creative talents!
1. Take care of your equipment
- This may seem a bit elementary, but in order to make good sounds from your instrument, you need to love and respect your craft. This isn't your new Xbox video game, or a hammy-down-sweater from grandma, it's a prized possession. One that is capable of expressing your soul. So treat it well, and you will have all the more appreciation for the art that you create.
2. Focus your energy
- Before each and every rep, you should determine a manageable goal and how it connects to the bigger picture further down the road. Achieving smaller objectives will accumulate to accomplishing the ultimate goal with time and patience. For example, maybe you have a big performance coming up that you're nervous about. Try breaking down the music into smaller sections, or rehearsal letters, and practice them individually. Next, focus on the spots that give you the most trouble. Once you are comfortable with them all, then tie them together one at a time.
3. Consistency breeds success
- When you practice, one should always rehearse with the same emotional and physical expression that you would exert if you were in front of an audience. You need to put yourself in that moment, and ALWAYS approach your instrument with the intent to deliver exactly what you envision. This helps develop consistency, and when the time to shine finally reveals itself, you will be prepared.
4. Learn how your instrument produces the sounds it does
- This is kind of another obvious one... but more often than not, a beginner drummer just wants to make some noise. But it isn't just noise; the beats your perform are rhythmic patterns subject to a given interval of time that resonate various overtones of pitch. Take the time to understand how you make the sounds you do, you'll be amazed at what you come up with.
5. Keep pushing forward
- The first obstacle most beginner-level drummers encounter, is a sense of uncertainty. The euphoria of a new instrument and your dreams of being a rockstar begin to fade, while the excuses begin to build. But just remember, anyone can find a reason not to do something. Maybe it wasn't everything you thought it would be at first, or maybe it just seems overwhelming. In any case, you need to fight through and give it a full year. By the end of your first completed year and practicing on a regular basis, you can decided if it is worth your time to continue. But if you can reach this milestone, I promise you...the fun really begins. The foundation will be set and you will finally begin feeling confident in displaying your new musical talent.
No matter what, don't ever give up. You are the only thing that will ever hold you back.
Friday, June 19, 2015
A Look at Then, and Now...
As I have mentioned, I was a member of the Colts Drum and Bugle Corp! Under this organization, I have performed as a snare drummer throughout the entirety of my career. For my first three years, I marched with the Colt Cadets, the junior organization. Once I acquired the necessary skills, I auditioned and graduated to the senior group, the Colts.
To give readers an idea of my marching experience, I think it is important to see the transformation. The first video is of the drum break from a summer as part of the Colt Cadets, and the second video being the last year I marched with the Colts. Take a look!
To give readers an idea of my marching experience, I think it is important to see the transformation. The first video is of the drum break from a summer as part of the Colt Cadets, and the second video being the last year I marched with the Colts. Take a look!
Colts 2011 Drumline @ Cavalcade of Brass
(June 26th, 2011)
Colts 2014 Drumline @ Indianapolis Semi-Final World Championships
(August 11th, 2014)
Tutorial to Help Tune the Drumset
My buddy bought a new pair of drum heads the other day. The kit looked so pretty with a white finish, on a black and chrome set with hefty Sabian cymbals and a new pair of drumsticks on the snare drum. We were locked and loaded to try these news heads out! Only problem was...once we got them on to play the first beat, they didn't sound too good.
I've always struggled with getting the right sound from my kit, until I found this video...If you are looking for a painless, insightful tutorial on how to tune your drumset, look no further!
I've always struggled with getting the right sound from my kit, until I found this video...If you are looking for a painless, insightful tutorial on how to tune your drumset, look no further!
Drum Tuning Tutorial - How to Tune Drums the COOP3RDRUMM3R Way!
About Myself
Allow me to formally introduce myself...
My name is Matthew Stine. I am in my final chapter at Illinois State University, as I will receive both of my undergraduate degrees this upcoming Fall! I love drumming, considering I have been doing it for almost a decade. I currently work as an advertising manager for The Black Sheep, where I negotiate advertising contracts with the local businesses on campus. Aside from my priorities, I also like to snowboard and go boating when I have the chance. I am 22 years old, with a lot of ambition. As an upcoming graduate, I am excited to see just how I will leave my mark on this world. I have always wanted to focus my music and college education in a direction that would help others. My developing this blog, I was able to do exactly that!
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