4
2009
10 tips to get the most out of your drum lessons
An article by 
1) Be punctual
Nothing is more important than being on time for lessons, usually your lessons are 30 mins to an hour long, so do not waste precious time by being late. Time, in this case is money because you paid for lessons.
2) Listen attentively
Your drum instructor is also your coach, besides sharing with you their experiences, they are also there to point out your mistakes and help correct it, so listen attentively instead of banging on the drums. You will learn alot more this way.
3) Ask questions
If you have any questions regarding your drumming techniques or drums information, feel free to ask, any great drum instructor will be more than willing to share with you!
4) See and follow
Imitation is a great way to learn fast, watch your drum instructor and let your drum instructor guide you with the various sticking and hand foot co-ordination exercises, follow and learn.
5) Read up as much as you can
If you are truly interested in drums, read widely about it! Get drum magazines, go visit a library, search the internet, watch drum videos on youtube.com, whatever. The more you know, the more you will want to know about drums and drumming!
6) Be excited about class
You can be sure that your drum instructor will be more willing to share more with you and teach you more techniques if you show huge interest in your lessons! So…
7) Don’t be shy
Go ahead and enjoy your drum lessons! Being bashful in drum class is quite useless as you will learn alot more if you are more willing to be inventive and experimental during class!
Make as much mistakes as possible
Better make mistakes in class than on stage isn’t it? Don’t feel bad when you make a mistake during lessons, you are there to learn anyway, so feel free to make mistakes and let your drum instructor correct you and lead you into refining your techniques and foundation.
9) Join a band
You are a drummer, why not find an opportunity to join a band? It will help you overcome your stage fright if you have any, besides, actual drum performance with a band will help you brush up your drum techniques as well as your drum smart!
10) Practice whenever you can
Do I need to explain this anymore? Practice makes perfect, so make time, don’t just find time, make time to practice! You will improve by leap and bound with each practice. Practice your rudiments, hand foot co-ordination and sight-reading.
