Drummers News

2012-11-16T01:38:00.000-08:00

In the coming weeks I will be making some videos on my iPhone for my students. It has been a 4 year plus ongoing promise to myself to expand my website in this way and now, I will actually do it. So, the next series of videos will focus on stick holding technique, rudiments and basic fills. Thanks for reading my blogs this week.

www.westlondon-drumtutor.com

from West London Drum Tutor, drum lessons in Harrow, Greater London, UK

2012-11-15T01:42:00.000-08:00

Bass drum technique along with stick holding technique are the first and vital aspects of drumming and making real and excellent drum sounds. I teach that having the toe on the bass pedal and not 'stomping' on the pedal is what one must do. So controlling the bass drum is like standing on your toes and moving the pedal without loosing contact; much like the way a boxer moves, or a tennis player - light on the feet. www.westlondon-drumtutor.com
From West London Drum Tutor, drum lessons in Harrow, Greater London, UK

2012-11-14T01:18:00.001-08:00

As a drum teacher I feel that the four core rudiments are single stroke, double stroke, paradiddle, and buzz role. I teach how to hold the sticks then apply the rudiments; but it is buzz role that consolidates the actual correct stick holding technique. This is because it is impossible to do a buzz role until one holds the sticks correct.
From West London Drum Tutor, drum lessons in Harrow, Greater London, UK
Visit: www.westlondon-drumtutor.com

2012-11-13T01:20:00.002-08:00

Moeller Technique allows a drummer to use the drum stick with finesse, dynamics, subtlety, and all in all makes the sound ones makes 'better'. Stick holding technique in general is vital and key to how a drummer makes great sounds without stressing the muscles or tendons. Drumming must be as effortless as a bird flying. www.westlondon-drumtutor.com
From West London Drum Tutor, drum lessons in Harrow, Greater London, UK

2012-11-12T02:15:00.000-08:00

The technical exercises in Trinity Rockschool syllabus are really helpful, but I particularly like the rudiment studies on each grade. There is much to be gained from a fluid application of the snare drum rudiments in a musical way. Visit www.westlondon-drumtutor.com
From West London Drum Tutor, drum tuition in Harrow, Greater London, UK

2012-11-09T02:04:00.002-08:00

Moving through the Trinity Rockschool grades with one of my students has been a special experience owing to the genuine enthusiasm she has for learning the drums based on a high work ethic and integrity of purpose. She practiced 4 hours on Tuesday! Check www.westlondon-drumtutor.com for news and drum lesson news in Harrow.
From West London Drum Tutor, drum lessons in Harrow, UK

2012-11-08T01:50:00.003-08:00

Hers is a basic drum fill using a 'spacious' five stroke approach, where the first beat is a flam and the rest are played R, L, RL. This can then be used on the toms for variety and dynamics. Visit http://youtu.be/uyIus5y4few
From West London Drum Teacher, drum lessons in Harrow, Greater London, UK

2012-11-07T00:39:00.000-08:00

Last night I taught half of Nirvana's Smells Like Teen Spirit to my student in Harrow on the Hill. He actually got the syncopated raw punk funk groove with results I was pleased with. The other songs on Nirvana's Nevermind are also great examples of drumming in a high octane funk punk way. Visit http://westlondon-drumtutor.com/ for drum lessons on Skype or in Harrow.
From West London Drum Tutor, drum lessons in Harrow, Greater London, UK

2012-11-06T01:51:00.003-08:00

This is something I teach my drum students at about the 4th lesson. It involves a basic beat and a six stoke drum fill. https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=gVAWy68dT1s
From West London Drum Tutor, drum lessons in Harrow, Greater London, UK

2012-11-05T08:39:00.000-08:00

This video shows my students how to approach a 7 stroke drum fill. This can be used on the snare or around the toms. Have a look here and thanks for tuning in https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nyYdd-g8WU

2012-10-30T13:41:00.000-07:00

Drum videos are everywhere these days and I have decided to jump onto the wagon! Here is one video outlining a simple fill. Thanks for watching! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMvlnOeVxjs

2012-10-26T01:58:00.000-07:00

Drumming is about time keeping, feel, dynamics, stick control, bass pedal control and knowledge of how to move around the kit elegantly, and or with power. Drummers have a wide range of styles they apply and understand. As a drummer I aspire to be able to express something special and unique; something from my creative mind and something I can call my own. Drum teaching is about providing the materials and instructions to become a drummer, but I try to make my students into creative thinking drummers.
Visit: www.westlondon-drumtutor.com
From West London Drum Tutor, drum lessons in Harrow, Greater London, UK

2012-10-25T01:28:00.000-07:00

Drumming in a band feels like a way to express, communicate ideas and to collaborate with other people to form something that is greater than the sum of its parts. Some people say that drumming is a great way to release your anger, to throw a tantrum... I know that a drummer can not ever drum effectively or create if in a chaotic rage, and that drumming requires a special control that flying into a rage can not give. Drumming is more like meditating I think.
visit www.westlondon-drumtutor.com
From West London Drum Tutor, Drum Lessons in Harrow, Greater London, UK

2012-10-24T01:42:00.002-07:00

Skype Drum Lessons
Just completed my lesson on Skype from London to Sydney. It was a great lesson with my student getting used to the nature of the technology, and the structure of the lesson. I have been doing Skype drum lessons for only a month and it has spawned a new lesson structure that includes sending notes, videos and emails in between lessons.
Visit www.westlondon-drumtutor.com
From West London Drum Tutor, Drum Lessons in Harrow, Greater London, UK

2012-10-23T01:43:00.000-07:00

After some attempts at trying to restructure my website www.westlondon-drumtutor.com I have arrived closer to where I want to be with it. Have a look and it is still in its construction phase. But people are finding me and I am getting students as a result!

From West London Drum Tutor, Drum lessons in Harrow, Greater London, UK

2012-10-19T02:20:00.000-07:00

As a drummer, the two drum stick grips have their definite contexts and place. French grip, where the thumb is on top gives more subtlety to the playing and sounds a drummer produces, where German grip, stick held with palms placed downward, gives more power, and is generally a more dynamic impressive stick holding technique. The U.S method aims to take the best from both worlds and is literally held with the hand at a 45 degree angle.
Visit: www.westlondon-drumtutor.com
From West London Drum Tutor, drum lessons in Harrow, Greater London, UK

2012-10-18T01:19:00.001-07:00

Bass drum technique, as with all aspects of drumming is vitally important. Without proper bass drum control, the sound, feel, and expressive potential is greatly lessened. The important elements of bass drum control are to
1. Keep the toes on the bass pedal around 5 C.M from the bridge of the bass pedal.
2. Move the bass drum beater elegantly with the toes remaining in contact
3. Do not stomp on the bass pedal and again keep the toes on the bass pedal
Visit www.westlondon-drumtutor.com
This will enhance your bass drum control.

From West London Drum Tutor, Drum Tuition in Harrow, Greater London, UK

2012-10-17T01:19:00.002-07:00

Playing the single paradiddle over the hi-hat, snare and bass is a great way to turn a rudiment into a groove. Simply place the right hand on the hi-hat, the left on the snare and place a bass drum on the first of every eight beats. You can place the right on the ride cymbal and do fills all around the kit... There are many possibilities.
Visit: www.westlondon-drumtutor.com

From West London Drum Tutor, drum lessons in Harrow, Greater London, UK

2012-10-16T01:38:00.000-07:00

Roger Taylor, the drummer from Queen said that he never did hours of practice, he just played in the band and invented his feel, groove and fills in the studio and on tour. Oh, so it is not everyone that plays at the level of Super Band, but there is a point here; you get amazingly excellent results from touring or playing gigs that you can not get practicing alone. But still, I do practice alone, and with my band. www.king-with-no-throne.com

Visit www.westlondon-drumtutor.com

from west london drum tutor, drum lessons in Harrow, Greater London, UK

2012-10-15T01:58:00.000-07:00

Teaching children under 8 how to play drums is a very delicate thing; I have found that they to learn in a way that accesses their way of thinking and remembering. As their mind body connection is not fully formed, they find it stressful to do the regimented training required to become competent at the basic technical skills needed as a developing drummer. None the less, I have the most interesting lessons with under 8 year olds. They say the most extraordinary things and have amazing flashes of creativity and insight.

So come along all you young and old, drums lessons are for all...
Visit www.westlondon-drumtutor.com

From west london drum tutor, drum lessons in Harrow, Greater London, UK

2012-10-12T01:44:00.001-07:00

The new Rockschool Drum Kit Grades are excellent; though the format is very much the same, it does have a few innovations to assist learning. In grade 1, the 'Drum Voices', are placed in their respective sections. That is snare, floor, bass drum, hi and mid tom are in one section and the cymbals and hi-hats in another... The issue of layout is what is essentially improved with the new Rockschool Drum Kit grade syllabus and materials. What a relief!

From west london drum tutor, drum lessons in Harrow, Greater London, UK
Visti www.westlondon-drumtutor.com

2012-10-10T03:37:00.001-07:00

I have found that the fact of stick control and the lack of simple competency let alone mastery, is something that always needs work when I sign up a new student. I spend weeks just breaking down bad habits arising through laziness or poor instructions. But the results are very pleasing when the student and I smash the shackles of poor stick holding technique.

So, hold your stick very gently in the middle of your hand, grip the stick with the side of your thumb and index finger with the other fingers hanging very relaxed underneath the stick.

I will be publishing videos to elucidate these simple but important instructions.

Check www.westlondon-drumtutor.com for more information and excellent drum kit articles.

from west london drum tutor, drum lessons in Harrow, Greater London, UK

2012-10-09T02:47:00.001-07:00

The difference with Rockschool Grades for Drum Kit and Trinity Guildhall Drum Kit Grades is there is more emphasis on a variety of contemporary styles with Trinity Guildhall. Rockschool curriculum is written with an emphasis on rock in the way it is approached today. Having said that, rock as a genre contains strands and elements from wide range of musical genres.
www.westlondon-drumtutor.com
From westlondon drum tutor, drum kit lessons in Harrow, Greater London, UK

2012-10-08T02:00:00.002-07:00

Teaching grade 8 drums is one of my favourite things, but not before seeing my students jamming on the classics and appreciating the contemporary musical output from both commercial and 'hidden' artists. I raise my glass to my students' efforts and the masters that came before us.

Learn drums from www.westlondon-drumtutor.com

from west london drum tutor, drum kit lessons in Harrow, Greater London UK

2012-10-05T05:32:00.001-07:00

I offer Skype drum lessons - from West London Drum Tutor. I have been living and working in London and teaches drum kit in my private studio. I also teach periodically in Sydney Australia.
Check www.westlondon-drumtutor.com for more details.