Training

Equipment: Drummers require a pair of drum sticks that they can take home, if possible a practice pad and a ring binder file in which to keep notes and music. Remember to bring these to each drumming lesson / Band Practice.

Training will take some time and effort. We would suggest practicing at home for at least 15 minutes every day and preferably much longer until you feel your ability has reached a required level. Even then, keep practicising !

Practice the exercises set by your instructor. Listen to the rhythms and sounds you make so that you can correct any mistakes. If your wrists become tired, stop and rest for a while. If you wish to become an expert drummer you must work hard and practice every day. The more you practice, the quicker you will learn and the better you will become. It is best to practice away from other members of your family so as not to disturb them. 

Use your practice pad only and do not drum on hard surfaces, especially the furniture!  Do not leave equipment lying around where it can be played with and broken by younger brothers and sisters.

Learning to Play

THE STROKES AND RUDIMENTS:

The following list, includes the basic types of strokes and rudiments to learn. Some are very easy, others are harder and will require a great deal of practice to master. There are also some advanced that you may wish to learn and others when you have become more experienced. I will include details of each of these, from these training pages in time.

• The Single Stroke 

• The Double Stroke

• The Single Stroke Roll 

• The Double Stroke Roll

• The Double Bounce Stroke

• The Double Bounce Closed Roll

• The Mamma Dadda Open Roll 

• The Multiple Bounce Stroke

• The Multiple Bounce or Buzz Roll 

• The Triple Stroke & T/Stoke Roll

• The Single Paradiddle 

• The Triplet

• The Single Stroke Four 

• The Five Stroke Roll

• The Single Stroke Seven 

• The Nine Stroke Roll

• The Thirteen Stroke Roll 

• The Flam

• The 17 stroke Roll (3 Pace Roll) 

• The Drag

Timings