What is a metronome? I cannot emphasize enough of the basic role of the drummer, which is to keep time and provide the rhythm base for the music. A drummer who cannot keep time properly, cannot grow technically in skill. The basics of simple “1n 2n 3n 4n” is so important that most beginning drummer neglect it. I know it is cool to play the drums, but if the music doesn’t sound right because the [...]

Speed comes with practice. Forcing speed on your playing will tense up your muscles, which slows you down even more. I have seen my students get frustrated with the progress they are making and they try to get speed by tensing up more! The way to faster drumming is quite simple, here’s how: 1) Correct Technique – Learn the correct techniques required to play the drums,  incorrect techniques will slow you down, stagnate your speed [...]

Always practice your strokes on a good practice pad. I have seen and heard beginning drummers practicing on the floor, on the table, on any available hard surface. That might give you the sound of the strokes, but it will not help you achieve a good bounce when you play on actual drum. On the contrary, you might end up hurting your wrist because the vibrations caused by this method of practicing travels up your [...]