News and Blog

  1. How do I hold my drum sticks?

    Posted in: Blog
    August 5, 2019

    Why is it important to hold our drum sticks in a certain way? Simply put; we need to develop full control of our playing if our goal is to play the drums competently, and how we hold our sticks is a big part of that. But most importantly, you will have a lot more fun with this instrument when you spend time on this, because control is the key to musicality, dynamics (how hard, or soft we play), speed and… Read More

  2. How do I play a smooth drum roll?

    Posted in: Blog
    June 18, 2019

    I remember the first time I developed drum roll anxiety. I didn’t study drums at school, and I didn’t have a good teacher to point me in the right direction until I was in my twenties. Yet some time in the mid 1990’s, I was playing a residency on a cruise ship, and as part of a game show, I was asked to play a drum roll. With no time to think about it, and somewhat terrified, I took the… Read More

  3. How do I spin a drum stick? This short video will get you started!

    Posted in: Blog
    May 16, 2019

    How do I twirl a drum stick? Whether the term spinning or twirling is used, we are essentially talking about the same thing. This question comes up in most beginner drum lessons. It may not be essential to playing, but it’s a lot of fun! Showmanship definitely has its place in drumming, and in this video, we show you how to spin your drum sticks. Simon also references drummers that tastefully blend showmanship with the most important task of all -… Read More

  4. Are practice pads good for learning drums?

    Posted in: Blog
    April 13, 2019

    You’ve had your first drum lesson, and are itching to get home and practice your first beat or rudiment. Or perhaps you just watched an online video and are ready to get to work! The problem is, you have nothing to practice on. It’s too soon to run out to the music store, or make a potentially expensive online drum set purchase, so your teacher has suggested a strange little device called a practice pad. It’s a curious rubber pad… Read More

  5. Video Blog Episode 12 – How long does it take to learn the drums?

    Posted in: Blog
    March 19, 2019

    How long it takes to learn the drums depends very much on your personal goals. If your goal is to play basic beats and fills, and play along with slow to mid-tempo songs, then just 5-10 minutes of focused practice per day will get you there after a few weeks of playing. Like any musical instrument, you get out what you put in, and your practice time, and the quality of practice will ultimately lead to the fulfillment of your… Read More

  6. Video Blog Episode 11 – How do I drum faster?

    Posted in: Blog
    February 28, 2019

    We all want to play fast beats and fills, and play along to uptempo songs, but the reality is that speed is just a byproduct of control. In order to build speed, we have to practice slowly and more precisely, with gradual, incremental advances as and when we feel completely comfortable. In this video blog, Simon discusses the hobbyist drummer’s obsession with speed, and why it is essential to manage your expectations, and build a strong foundation.   Helpful related… Read More

  7. Video Blog Episode 10 – What is Sticking?

    Posted in: Blog
    February 11, 2019

    The key to drum set control is understanding and implementing sticking concepts. In this video blog, Simon explains how sticking concepts can lead to better control on the drum set, including creative drum fill orchestrations, musicality, dynamics, and of course, speed. If you aspire to play fluently, confidently and musically on the drum set – this video blog is a must watch!   Helpful related articles. What is “sticking” and why is this so important?  (Written Blog) How do I drum… Read More

  8. Jargon busting! Understanding drum terminology

    Posted in: Blog
    January 30, 2019

    The world of drums and percussion, and music in general, is filled with many weird and wonderful words. A drum head is the new accepted term for what we once called a drum skin. You tighten your drum heads by adjusting the tension bolts, and you fit the head onto the bearing edge of your drum shell. Just this one paragraph has multiple drum terms that can be confusing to beginner drummers, and we haven’t even touched the really weird… Read More

  9. Video Blog Episode 9 – What is a click track?

    Posted in: Blog
    January 14, 2019

    A click track is essentially a metronome that plays a role in developing good time keeping, and also has uses in studio recording and live production. In this video blog, Simon examines the practical use of the click track in each of these areas, and discusses why developing good time keeping is the Number One priority for all drummers.   Helpful related articles. 5 Tips to developing good time keeping. Why time keeping is the Number One priority for all… Read More

  10. Video Blog Episode 8 – Should drum sticks break?

    Posted in: Blog
    January 1, 2019

    Aside from natural wear and tear, the most common cause of breaking drum sticks is a simple gap in technique. How you hold your sticks, how tight you grip them, and how hard you hit can affect their lifespan. With the average cost of a good pair of sticks being around $15, accidentally breaking them can become expensive. In this video blog, Simon discusses how being aware of technique can prolong the life of your favorite pair of sticks. Be… Read More

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