Virtual Drum Lessons are a great way to begin learning or improve your skills while we all stay safe during this global pandemic. Lessons are conducted through FaceTime, Skype or Zoom. Contact Angie to set up a FREE TRIAL lesson.
Connect: you will need a device such as a computer or tablet (recommended), or a smart phone with an internet connection and a video conferencing applicaiton such as FaceTime, Skype or Zoom. The device will need to be set up so you do not need to hold it.
Tools: If you don't have a drum set, you can still get started with drum lessons. You will need a pair of drum sticks (see below for recommendations). You will need a notebook and pencil to log lesson assignments. Within the first few lessons, you will need a metronome (either a physical device or a free app on a diffferent device then the one we use to vieo conference). Eventually, you will want a music stand for your lesson materials.
Setup: the device should be set up so I have a good view of the snare drum, hi hat and bass drum knee. Often, just over the hi hat to the LEFT of the player is a great placement.
Other: Once we begin learning songs, you will need to have a speaker that can play a recording of the song so that you can hear it while you're playing, and I can hear it via our video call. Often a bluetooth speaker pleaced near the comunication device works fine.
Sticks: For small to medium sized hands, I highly recommend Vic Firth 8D. They are similar to a 5A, but slightly smaller. For larger hands, a 5A is a great all-purpose sized stick. As you progress, it's often a good idea to have a slightly larger stick for working on hand technique. If your main stick is an 8D, go with a 5A. If your main stick is a 5A, try a 2B. Other sticks I recommend are the Vic Firth Bolero and SD1 General.
Practice Pad: I really like to use a practice pad for hand technique. Also, since it doesn't make nearly as much noise as the drums, I can keep practicing after hours!
Metronome: I love the TAMA RW30. It is portable, has a dial to change tempos quickly, and has a handful of useful features such a subdivisions and meter options. It's also reasonable priced.
Drums: Since new kits are coming out all the time, it's difficult to provide specific recommendations. That said, it's a good idea to buy a well known brand (one of the "big 5") so it will be much easier to sell when you're ready to upgrade! Buying a used kit is a great way to get a little more bang for your buck. If you have special needs (electronic kit, smaller footprint, noise concerns), send me an email and I'll be glad to provide suggestions.