Learning to drum

Learning to Drum

*Written by Cat Harvey  (http://www.copycatwriter.com) 

Note: Did you see yesterday's post on teaching drums?.

There are a variety of grip styles that can be used on the drumstick when playing the drums. Some constants are that they should be held between the thumb and index finger, about a third of the way up the stick. It's important that the sticks be balanced and allow for a good swing. Finding the balance is tricky at first, but becomes second nature as playing progresses. We'll look at the two main grip distinctions here.

Traditional Grip

This style grip is very common in jazz drumming and in corps drumming. Corp drummers carry their drum on their hip. It's difficult to use a matched grip, where the stick is held the same in both hands. Also, the traditional grip is a softer tap. Rather than gripping the sticks, they rest in the pocket of the thumb and index finger. Find the balance, and rest the stick on your last two fingers.

Matched Grip

This is the style grip that's popular in rock drumming, and is now accepted for most kinds of drumming. It simply means that both hands are holding the stick the same way. The stick is gripped with the thumb and index finger directly. Find the balance, and close your grip with the other fingers. You get a lot more power in playing with a matched grip. That's why it's more popular in rock drumming. Most drummers use the matched grip now, but older drummers feel that it's important to know how to use the traditional grip.

Practicing Basic Rhythms

Depending on the age of the child, it's recommended that they practice in shorter, more frequent sessions. Going for a marathon practice session may make them lose interest. If the noise gets to be too much, invest in a drum pad for the child to practice on. They get the simulation of hitting a drum head, but without the noise.

Speaking of noise, make sure that the child has some form of ear protection when playing on the drum set to avoid damaging the hearing. You can use foam ear plugs, or noise blocking headphones.

When the child is starting out, consider using a metronome mastering the beat. It will serve as a guide and will ensure that the beats are even. Probably the most important thing to practice, especially for the beginner, is rudiments. These include:

• Single Stroke Roll

• Double Stroke Roll

• Single Paradiddle

• Double Paradiddle

• Flam Tap

• Multiple Bounce Roll

These are just a few of the rudiments that drummers will become familiar with. Practicing rudiments is the equivalent of practicing scales on a piano, or with a vocal coach. Every sticking pattern, and every rhythm, will be made up of these rudiments, and mastery is essential.

The child should be spending about half their practice time on rudiments, and the other half playing whatever they want. They need a combination of both activities to advance as a young drummer.

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