Image From Marvel.com
So I just finished reading a great article entitled “Brute Force Learning” on theparadiddler.com. The entire article is based on two completely different ways that drummers tend to learn their craft – either by just pushing through without lessons or any feedback, or with finesse by assessing their progress as they go.
If you can’t afford private instruction (you really should start saving for some lessons because everyone can stand to learn something new) – Omar (The Paradiddler) gives a great suggestion…. take away the kit and setup a camera.
Omar talks about how he setup a camera to record him with nothing but a practice pad.
I want to scrutinize every aspect of my playing and how I can better it. I’ll be examining my posture, how I relax, my stick technique – really fundamental stuff. Then, when I’ve done this for a little while, I’ll start putting the kit back together little by little, at each step ensuring that I only progress, and not regress.
Working with a camera is a great way to not only monitor progression of technique, but once you’ve nailed the song you can watch for other nuances such as stage presence (do you rock it out or are you just the backdrop for your band?).
If you can’t get your hands on a camera then at the very least you should be practicing in front of a mirror and making adjustments as you play. I’ve started on my journey back to the basics by bringing my practice pad and sticks into work. How do I pull this off without pissing off my co-workers? Check back later and I’ll give you the full details.
Is there an essential tool you use to monitor how well you are progressing as a drummer? Let me know in the comments.
Click Here To Jump To the “Brute Force Learning” Article on The Paradiddler.
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