This Covid thing isn’t going away, so like everyone else, I have to make adjustments.
I’m still waiting on some audio gear, but hope to offer online Zoom drum lessons soon.
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From hand technique, rudiments and chops, to timing and groove concepts, reading, or just how to get started… I’m happy to share what I’ve learned over my thirty-plus years of playing the drums.
I’ll keep you posted on when I’m up and running!
I can’t believe this record is almost twenty years old.
It’s packed with great beats by Questlove and others. The track “Heat” samples Tony Allen, Fela Kuti’s one-time fellow band member and co-founder of the Afrobeat genre.
Here are some beats from the record. – Beck
Download the free pdfs HERE.
Just a little playing and experimenting with different tunings. Enjoy.
This one’s got a latin feel.
A while ago I learned to play the cascara pattern with my left hand, so I can play open handed which frees up my right side. I’ve worked on going back and forth between both sides – inspires me to play and try different stuff.
There are lots of materials out there on different styles and drum grooves. The sheer amount of method books and sheet music can be overwhelming.
I put together a PDF to provide a basic overview of grooves that are used in different styles.
You can download it HERE for free.
Whether you are a drum teacher or are learning by yourself , I hope you find it useful.
10 Fills every drummer should know. Inspired by Stephen Taylor. I added/modified some fills, and of course, it’s more than 10 because some have variations…. “17 drum fills every drummer should know” just doesn’t sound as good. 😉
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, and develop confidence in switching beats while keeping the tempo.
Try to keep a steady quarter note pulse on the bass drum during the exercise.
If you’re wondering about the sticking of some of the variations, you can find them in my PDF Kick Start.
– Beck
Ps.: I posted both play-alongs in the educational section on my website.
Here’s a cool exercise one of my teachers shared with me, a long time ago:
For a lot of people this is a hard exercise — it definitely is for me.
Its benefits are many: improved timing, coordination, and being able to stay in the pocket while transitioning between different variations, are just a few that come to mind spontaneously.
Remember: Slow, steady, and relaxed wins the race!
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
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.
You can work through the material by yourself, but I highly recommend getting a teacher, who can help you understand the basics and fill in the blanks.
You can download it for $9.99 when you click the link below.
Happy Holidays!
– beck
