CURRICULUM

Students can focus, more or less, on a given subject based on interest and time it takes to develop each skill, so each track may vary. We want learning to be engaging for students. Being a well-rounded musician is important, but we believe that enjoying the learning process is key to long term commitment to any musical instrument.

Below is a condensed version of topics that will be covered based on any students’ given stage in learning. Many other resources will be used in addition to those listed here, including audio, video and web resources.

Beginner Topics

Below is a condensed list of some of the topics covered with students who are brand new to the drumset.

MOTION & FORM

Sitting behind the drums, proper grip, grip variations and efficient stick motion.

STYLE PRIMERS

Development and understanding of basic rock and jazz patterns, as well as stylistic fill concepts.

ESSENTIALS

Intro to the 40 Rudiments, intro to reading essential rhythms.

FIRST CONCEPTS

Intro to drum history, what it means to play “musicially”, the concept of “pocket”.

Intermediate Topics

Below is a condensed list of some of the topics covered with students who either have are familiar with the drumset and want to progress to the next level.

LIMB DEVELOPMENT

Intro to hand/foot interplay, ghost note development, intermediate drum fill development.

FLUENCY IN READING

Expanding and refining knowledge of reading rhythms.

RUDIMENTAL SKILL

Expanding knowledge of the 40 rudiments, exploring how to creatively utilize the rudiments.

MORE STYLES

Enhancing development of rock and jazz, intro to other styles, intro to double bass drumming.

Advanced Topics

Below is a condensed list of some of the topics covered with students who are relatively experienced and want to explore and develop more difficult concepts.

ODD METER & MORE

Odd meter, polyrhythms, beat displacement, rhythmic modulation, linear patterns and more.

SPEED DEVELOPMENT

Focus on effective methods for increasing speed in both hands and double bass.

STYLES ON STERIODS

Further develop complex jazz, latin and rock styles, explore other lesser-known styles. 

THE KITCHEN SINK

Study brush techniques, freehand technique, stick flips, twirls and more.