FYI: I am raising my prices for in-home lessons, starting 7/1/2019: $70 for a 60 min session $35 for a 30 min class. Kind regards – BeckMore
Rates & 16th Note Variations
As a drum teacher I’ve noticed that one of the most difficult things for beginner drummers is to switch rates, e.g., to go from triplets to 16th notes, and moving between different 16th note variations. This short exercise is designed so you can play along with me (or the click only), get comfortable with counting,…More
Sugar Soul Wednesdays @ Hawaiian Brian’s
In January, The Project (@jaykeyzproject) started to host a weekly Neosoul/Funk/HipHop flavored jam session at Hawaiian Brian’s, in Honolulu. We usually open the night at 10 PM with a short set, and then invite people up to jam and improvise. It’s a great opportunity to hang, vibe, network, and play with some of Hawaii’s top…More
Get a Grip
Other drummers have asked me about my (default) grip. Just flip a stick and catch it. That’s it: The brilliance of simplicity. Note: I use a middle finger fulcrum as my “home position,” the index finger comes in to close the hand, add control and pressure, only when necessary (fast doubles, press rolls, etc.). This allows…More
Brush It Off
I love playing the brushes. There’s a meditative, soothing quality to it. Playing brushes can assist you in developing better timing and flow (because of circular/elliptical stroke patterns) — which will also show when playing with sticks. All time great brush players include Papa Jo Jones, Clayton Cameron, and Jeff Hamilton. A little history on…More
16th Note Hi-Hat Variations Loop
Here’s a cool exercise one of my teachers shared with me, a long time ago: You play 14 different 16th note variations on the hi-hat, one per measure, while keeping a continually repeated pattern (ostinato) on the bass drum and snare. The bass drum syncopation includes a note on the “a” and “&” of the…More
The Loop
Often, the most simple exercises prove to be the most effective. I call this one “The Loop.” Here’s the sequence: 2 measures of 8th notes 2 measures of 8th note triplets 2 measures of 16th notes 2 measures of 8th note triplets It will improve your timing and transitions between the rates. Practice it with…More
Play As You Are – Holiday Discount
For a limited time only you can get my Kindle ebook Play As You Are for $2.99! Here’s a short interview by takelessons.com, where we touch on the book. As always, I remain deeply grateful for your support. Wishing you all a very happy new year… Beck More
KICK START – Get Ready To Play!
Aspiring drummers and drum set instructors! I updated my instructional drumming PDF “Kick Start” (40 pages). It covers basic reading skills and coordination exercises, and helps the beginning drummer to master her first beats, fills, and gain confidence on the drum kit. I’ve used it successfully in my teaching practice for almost two years now.…More
Rebound Comparison – Practice Pads
Testing the rebound/stick response of three different drum pads: Vic Firth 12″ Pad Reflexx CP1 10″ E-Pad 12″ I’ve been using all three of them, but if I had to pick one, it’d be the Reflexx Conditioning Pad. Simply because it gives you two rebound options (two sides) to play on, is super quiet,…More
