The introduction on this page breaks down the process of starting snare drum into seven days. Don't worry if you don't get through all seven days before your first lesson. It's better to take your time with these steps and get them right the first time!

Day 1

Set up your drum pad so that it is waist high, even with your belt (see picture below).

While watching the following videos with a parent, try to complete each step with each video. Remember it is okay to pause the video while you try each step.

Towards the end of Video #2, Mr. Wessels talks about playing with a metronome. If you don't have a metronome at home, you can use the one embedded below. You can also download a free metronome app for your iPod, iPhone, or iPad on the App Store. Or on your computer, Google the word "metronome" or just click here.

Day 2

Day 3

DAY 5

DAY 6

For the exercises in today's video, you'll need to know about eighth notes. There are two eighth notes in each beat.

Also remember to repeat sections that are between the dots:

DAY 7

Step 1:

If you have not done so already, head over to my page with instructions for getting signed in to Essential Elements Interactive (EEi). EEi is an amazing resource that's included as part of the Essential Elements book, which you've already purchased - so there's no additional cost. Once you've gotten signed into EEi, head back here for Step 2.

Step 2:

Open your Essential Elements book to page 9A and try songs #33 and #35 on that page. Only play the TOP notes on each staff. Use the features in the "Music Studio" section of EEi to hear a professional musician play them first. You can then also play along with various accompaniment backgrounds for each song. Have fun with it!