SETUP & POSTURE

setup

1. Ensure your snare drum or practice pad is level on its stand.

2. Place your music stand in front of the drum so that the music is comfortably at eye level. In class, you should still be able to see the conductor just above the music!

3. Adjust the stand so that the head of the drum is about four inches below your belly button.

Posture

• Stand in alignment and balance, about a foot away from the drum. Not too tall and tense, but not slouching, either!

• Your arms should be relaxed when you go to playing position.

• Think about balancing your head above your shoulders (not too far forward or tilted to one side), with your neck relaxed.

• Your feet should be aligned below your hips.

Playing Position

The point of contact when striking the drum can vary, but generally speaking, aim for an inch or two away from the center of the head. The right and left stick placements should be symmetrical. Striking the drum close to the center produces a louder, brighter sound, whereas striking closer to the rim produces a softer, duller sound.

The drumsticks form an upside-down V, at about a 75-degree angle. The thumbnails should be facing each other.

The stroke technique is discussed further in the first lesson of this website's playing exercises.