PERCUSSION
PRACTICAL STUFF FOR PERCUSSIONISTS : PART 1 | Mark Shelton
Realistic , Useful , Pragmatic , Relevant , Germane .
Yeah , I like that kind of stuff , too . We want what works and applies to our situation . People long for practical advice capable of producing results when used properly .
From my days as a percussion student to my present work as a freelance musician , I have learned many tried-and-true things that have benefited my musical journey . The practical stuff in this two-part article is still helping me and will also assist you on your percussion path . The suggestions in this two-part article are uncomplicated and applicable to any ability level .
PREP AND PRESERVE Maintain your playing chops with daily warmup sessions that include easy exercises built around fundamental skills .
According to Licensed and Certified Trainer Diana Lichtenstein , heightened blood flow and body temperature cause muscles and connective tissue to become more elastic and pliable . Whether swimming , running , or tearing off a double-stroke drum roll , elasticity and pliability contribute to better performance while decreasing the possibility of injury .
Keep a practice pad and sticks handy for chopping out on some warm-up exercises during a free moment . Invest in a few small pads and spread them around ( car , office , mallet case ) so you can make good use of downtime while on hold for customer service or waiting at the drive-thru .
Check out this easy exercise that requires just a bit of concentration : Shrink-Expand Warm-Up
This warm-up requires only one stick and neither a drum nor practice pad :
Finger Warm-Up
DEVELOP CLICK ACCURACY The ability to perform with a click has become a common requirement in many musical settings including worship services , recording sessions , video productions , and concerts . Turn on your metronome and concentrate on sharpening your click skills . The beginning of a practice session is a good time to focus attention on click precision as you warm up both physically and mentally with easy rhythms and simple movements .
LEARN RUDIMENTS Are you keeping the grace notes close to the drum head when playing alternating flams ? Are the double strokes in your ratamacues consistent ?
Rudiments such as the flam and drag , along with the single-stroke , double-stroke , and buzz rolls , are important elements in Western culture stick-drumming . Rudiments can also
be applied to a variety of hand percussion instruments including congas , cajon , and djembe .
A regular dose of rudiments will help maintain your drumming health . I highly 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 / rudiments
READ ABOUT MUSIC AND MUSICIANS The material you read , and process can have a big impact on what comes out of your hands and onto a drum . Actual effort into practicing tone , technique , and phrasing is necessary , but musical growth can also occur through studying books , magazines , and blogs on subjects directly related to your art form . Check out my short list of suggested reading material :
Percussive Notes The bi-monthly magazine is delivered as part of membership in the Percussive Arts Society and includes articles on world music , drum set , rudimental drumming , and technology along with reviews of new literature , recordings , and media .
How To Worship a King Zach Neese The writer of songs such as “ Alabaster Jar ” and “ The More I Seek You ” pours his deep study of worship into an inspiring and thoughtprovoking discourse .
The Big Gig Zoro Renowned drummer Zoro shares from a wealth of drumming experience in a book covering vocational , personal , and spiritual advice for achieving success as a musician .
Working Toward Excellence Paul Buyer Director of percussion at Clemson University ,
94 November 2024 Subscribe for Free ...