News and Blog

  1. 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

  2. Video Blog Episode 7 – Which drum sticks should I use?

    Posted in: Blog
    December 16, 2018

    The drum stick classification system can be a little confusing to hobbyist drummers. Finding out which drum sticks suit you best is a matter of experimentation, but understanding the basics in terms of weight, composition, tips and brands can help point you in the right direction. In this video blog, Simon discusses the most common stick types, and what sets them apart. They are the 5A, 5B, 7A, and 2B. The 5A is considered the “average” weight, and is always… Read More

  3. Video Blog Episode 6 – Is ear protection important?

    Posted in: Blog
    December 2, 2018

    Whether you are playing acoustic or electronic drums; being mindful of the volume, and taking the appropriate precautions to protect your hearing is highly recommended. Simon shares some insight on what causes hearing damage, the longer term effects, and the importance of paying attention to this factor when learning the drums.   Helpful related articles. How do I make my drums quieter? Sound Control – Practical means of controlling drum set volume. Electronic vs Acoustic drums – choose what’s right… Read More

  4. Video Blog Episode 5 – How much should I practice?

    Posted in: Blog
    November 18, 2018

    Did you know that 5-10 minutes of focused practice per day can give you some great results over time? We all lead busy lives, and finding time to practice, and understanding what to practice, can be a source of frustration. In this video, Simon discusses the difference between focused practice time and “noodling”, and why both can be equally important. Small, manageable, and fun practice sessions are the key to success for busy people!   Helpful related articles. How much… Read More

  5. Video Blog Episode 4 – How do I tune my drums?

    Posted in: Blog
    November 7, 2018

    Tuning drums is a skill that can take a long time to develop, and it really is a case of trial and error, experiments and tinkering. In fact, there are many books and DVDs dedicated to this subject alone. We recommend checking out the DVD “Drum Tuning” by Bob Gatzen. In the meantime, our Special Feature Video on assembling a Yamaha Stage Custom drum set will give you some good fundamentals, and there are a few tips in this video blog that… Read More

  6. Video Blog Episode 3 – Should drumming be painful?

    Posted in: Blog
    October 29, 2018

    Most drumming related aches and pains are a result of bad technique. The good news is that attention to grip, posture, bass drum technique and drum set ergonomics can help you stay healthy! In conjunction with this video blog, we strongly recommend that you watch Special Feature Video Part 1, which covers all of the above areas of development in detail.   Helpful related articles. Should drumming be painful? Blood on the snare drum – The Whiplash myth. 10 bad drumming… Read More

  7. Video Blog Episode 2 – Are the drum set rudiments important?

    Posted in: Blog
    October 15, 2018

    Conventional drumming wisdom will tell you that mastering the drum set rudiments is an essential step in becoming a solid and proficient drummer. But how does this view relate to beginner and hobbyist drummers who mostly want to focus on drum beats, fills, and playing along to music? Simon discusses the merits of applying the core-four rudiments, how they will eventually embellish your drumming, and why you shouldn’t lose sleep over them in the early days of your drumming adventure.… Read More

  8. Video Blog Episode 1 – Why is reading music notation important?

    Posted in: Blog
    October 8, 2018

    Understanding basic music notation will make your learning experience much more productive, and set you up for longer term success. Drum Ambition has been designed for both students that want to learn music notation, and equally for those who do not. With that said, Simon is a huge advocate for learning basic music theory, because in his opinion, it makes the experience better, quicker, and more comprehensive. It is highly recommended that you watch all 10 Music Notation videos.  … Read More

  9. Do Skype drum lessons work?

    Posted in: Blog
    September 25, 2018

    It’s wonderful to see more and more hobbyists leveraging modern technology to get access to drum lessons. Video lessons and online instruction have solved some of the biggest obstacles for students, particularly in terms of cost, availability and the logistics of attending lessons. Video instruction is fast evolving as a practical alternative to visiting a teacher, and many students are using Skype, FaceTime, Zoom, and an ever growing number of other conferencing platforms to interact with teachers. It seems a… Read More

  10. The Four Keys to Drum Set Musicality

    Posted in: Blog
    August 27, 2018

    In this blog, we examine what exactly makes a musical drummer. You don’t need a degree in music, you don’t need decades of listening to multiple drummers, and you don’t need years of playing experience to attain basic drum set musicality. There is no secret sauce, just a simple understanding of four key areas. At Drum Ambition, we like to call them the Four Keys to Drum Set Musicality, and they are: Understanding Rhythm. Developing Control. Adding Dynamics. Applying Rudiments.… Read More

newer posts
older posts