It’s all in the fingers!!!

Mr. Rogers never could have followed this!

Quick Tip for High School Students

A quick piece of advice for you high school folks in the drum line. Researching Afro-Cuban and Afro-Brazilian rhythms can be a powerful resources for finding ideas for grooves to build a cadence on. Rhumba Yambu for example is very effective for cadences. So is the Maracatu.  So start researching more world rhythms and you’ll never run out of good ideas!

Best age to start drum lessons

In my opinion the best age to start drum lessons would be between ages 5 through 8.  At this age range, kids are young enough to not have been exposed to many of the counterproductive routes to learning how to play the drums like bad advice from school band directors or sloppy online lessons and other pitfalls.  Also, at this age range kids will be old enough to retain the information given to them in lessons….and another benefit is that at these ages, parents will have an easier time helping their kids to practice at home…it will be a nice activity for the family!

Practice!

Remember, 15-20 mins of consistent practice 4-7 days per week is always better than a 2 hour cram session once or twice per week. Also, try to spend some time practicing softly…playing softly develops control and helps you to play smoother. Plus it will help you concentrate better while you play…

Ed Shaughnessy!

“There’s no substitute for a private drum teacher.  They will help you to learn faster” -Ed Shaughnessy

Guitar Center Drum-Off starts today!

Guitar Center Drum Off starts today!  Good luck to all of the contestants!  I’ll be judging again at Monroeville and I’m really looking forward to it!