Drumming For Kids :
PERCUSSION
Chris Lesso is a drummer , speaker , and educator based in Toronto . He is endorsed by Sonor Drums , Sabian Cymbals , Evans Drumheads , and Vic Firth Sticks . To see Chris at a location near you , go to www . chrislesso . com and follow Chris on Twitter @ ChrisLesso .
Drumming For Kids :
By Chris Lesso
The Five Standards
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The concept of LTR ( Life Through Rhythm ) is to work on who we are as people , both behind the kit and in everyday life . The rhythm of good habits done repeatedly over time creates huge results ! With this approach , let ’ s think of the drum room as a dojo . In there , it ’ s not just about the martial arts , but about who you are once you step outside the door and into the world .
The Five Standards was born from having so many young drummers come through my studio and realizing they needed these qualities to get the most learning and fun out of the lessons . Whether you ultimately become a drummer , lawyer , or athlete , the Five Standards will arm you with some great tools for getting the most from anything you put your mind to . Many kids that want to check out drumming only do it for a short time before exploring the next adventure , and that ’ s okay ! Not everyone is a lifelong drummer ; however , I feel confident in a young student ’ s future knowing that they will take the Five Standards into everything they do , and live it both behind the kit and going forward towards all their future endeavors .
Learning these at a young age creates habits that affect an entire lifetime of success ! I have my young students memorize them , say them back to me unexpectedly – “ Quick ! Name the Five Standards !” – and teach them to three people they know , because “ when you teach , you learn twice !”
1 . Focus We live in the age of dramatic distraction , so this is a challenging one ! Turning off your irrelevant technology while you practice is so important . When our brain is distraction free , we can slip into alpha state , also known as “ the zone .” This is where your inner genius lives . Don ’ t let an addiction to distraction kill your best ideas and insights !
2 . Listen When I was a young drummer , I couldn ’ t wait to play . Sitting behind a drumset with a pair of sticks in my hand , it was irresistible – tap tap tap … tap tap tap . Next thing I knew , I was being yelled at by a very annoyed guitarist : “ I ’ m trying to tune !” This is where I learned about the importance of when not to play ! Behind the kit , listen to the band more than yourself . Beyond the kit , be someone that listens more than they speak .
3 . Try Your Best I always tell my students that mistakes are good ! You will learn something by failing , and if you ’ re giving 100 per cent , sometimes that mistake can sound better than what you intended ! This is called “ wrong and strong ,” but is also about having a standard of giving all you have in everything you do , even – and especially – when you don ’ t feel like it . This becomes a valuable habit and grows a reputation of someone that brings their best game to anything they do .
4 . Don ’ t Waste Time Bruce Lee said , “ If you love life then don ’ t waste time , for that is what life is made of .” We need to be in the habit of not wasting a second of the time we have to practice , and in all we do . Focus is a big part of not wasting time . The Five Standards are all connected and enable one another ! Not wasting time also means staying in the present moment , not regretting the past or worrying about the future .
5 . Positive Attitude Always keep your PMA – positive mental attitude ! There are so many challenges we face on this instrument and in life . The habit of staying positive will help in all areas . Think of your favourite drummer . The attitude and intensity they play with makes them who they are ! There will be tough times ahead , but always keep your PMA . Many top athletes are my inspiration to find the positive in any challenge .
Having high standards in everything you do is a great lesson to learn early . The way you do the little things is the way you will do the big things ! Drummers both old and young are working on and living the Five Standards every day . It ’ s a never-ending journey of improvement !
For an accompanying video lesson , visit www . bit . ly / The5Standards .
28 • CANADIAN MUSICIAN