PERCUSSION
10 RANDOM THINGS TO DO AFTER READING THIS ARTICLE | Mark Shelton
Do you like lists containing handy ideas that pertain to your situation ? Tips that could make your job or hobby easier ? Hacks that will bring improvement ?
Below is my list of ten tips for growth as a worship percussionist . These ten items include gear and practice recommendations along with ideas to inspire and motivate .
A WEEKLY RUDIMENT RUN-THROUGH Rudiments such as the flam and drag , along with the single stroke , double stroke , and buzz rolls , are essential elements in western culture stick-drumming . Rudiments can also be shaped into rhythmic licks and applied to a variety of percussion instruments including congas , timbales , and drum set .
A regular dose of rudiments will help maintain your drumming health . I recommend a weekly review of all forty of the Percussive Arts Society International Drum Rudiments .
Download a free copy of the rudiments at www . pas . org .
DRUM KEYS You should own at least three drum keys . Put one on your key ring , another in your mallet case , and keep the third in your stick bag . One of your tuning tools should be a ratchet drum key . You ’ ll like it !
LEARN SOMETHING Our curiosity about a topic can often be satisfied within moments through an internet connection on a smartphone or computer . Dive into the information pool and learn something new every week . Discover hybrid rudiments , read about virtuoso percussionists , master an exotic scale , study the history of the djembe , or delve into the acoustic properties of the marimba .
ROLL ENDURANCE Develop your ability to sustain smooth rolls for an extended period . When you are asked to crank out a LONG solo roll , you do not want to sputter out early . Play a double stroke roll for one minute and a single stroke roll for at least 60 seconds once a week .
THE PENCIL IS YOUR PAL When you assemble the sticks needed for a rehearsal or performance , make sure you bring a couple of sticks that can be used for writing . Whether you are marking up your sheet music or scratching out the roadmap of a song , a pencil is a faithful friend for a musician . Make sure the pencils have erasers . A small sharpener lives in my mallet case .
CREATE Make up a conga pattern . Improvise a freeform djembe solo . Compose a variation on a melody . Give yourself permission to let your creative juices flow during a portion of your practice sessions . If you come up with a gem , write it down or record it before it escapes .
DRUM TUNING GAUGE Why did I wait for my wife to give me one of these nifty devices for a gift ? This little gizmo will change your life . These babies are available in both analog and digital versions . Go buy one before your next head replacement session and take a bit of the drudgery out of the tuning process .
LISTEN TO PERCUSSION-LESS MUSIC Bask in the beauty of a slow movement from
a string quartet . Study how bluegrass grooves without a drummer . Listen to unaccompanied solo guitar . You might find something inspiring , or you can simply enjoy the music .
SEEK COMMUNITY The world of music is vast with thousands of drummers spread across the planet . Opportunities abound for forming relationships , exchanging ideas , and collaborating with other musicians .
• Attend a gathering . The National Association of Music Merchants ( NAMM ) holds two events per year that bring together thousands of music professionals . The Percussive Arts Society International Convention ( PASIC ) is the world ' s largest gathering of percussionists . Check to see if a worship conference will be taking place in your area . Find an event and go hang out with your people !
• Join a group . Does a drum circle meet regularly in your city ? Maybe there is a drummer get-together near you . If you join the Percussive Arts Society , you will be connected to a 5000-member source of information , education , and networking for percussionists .
READ THE BIBLE Every Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching , for reproof , for correction , and for instruction in righteousness , that the man of God may be complete , thoroughly equipped for every good work . 2Timothy 3:16 WEB
© 2021 Mark Shelton Productions / Percussion For Worship
Mark Shelton Mark Shelton is a freelance musician and educational consultant based in Dallas / Fort Worth . Performance credits include North Carolina Symphony , Tin Roof Tango , Daystar Singers & Band , Gateway Worship , Wichita Falls Orchestra , Strata Big Band , TALEA , and Dallas Wind Symphony . www . marksheltonmusic . com percussionforworship . blogspot . com