Tag Archives: drumteacher

Zoom Drum Lessons

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.  ••• From hand technique, rudiments and chops, to timing and groove concepts, reading, or just how to get started… I’m happy to share what…More

Common – Like Water for Chocolate

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.More

A Latin Feel

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. More

STYLES

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…More

10 Fills Every Drummer Should Know

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. 😉 Use a metronome for the exercises and notice the spots where you tend to speed up/or slow…More

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

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

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