News and Blog

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. Do I have time to learn the drums?

    Posted in: Blog
    July 17, 2018

    If you are considering online drum lessons, or classes in-person with a local drum teacher, then you have most likely wondered if you have the time to learn. We all lead very busy lives. Our down time is usually a premium, and often at the cost of another endeavor. Not having time is one of the most common objections when undertaking a new hobby or interest. What if I told you that you could learn the drums on your schedule?… Read More

  9. How do I get rid of snare buzz?

    Posted in: Blog
    June 13, 2018

    The drum set is indeed an interesting sonic instrument; from the low boom of the bass drum and floor toms, the abrupt attack of the snare drum, to the high frequencies of the cymbals. For such a barrage of sound events, all of the components of a drum set play very well together, like the perfect musical percussive family. There is, however, one small feature of the snare drum that has caused drummers, band mates and sound engineers everywhere a… Read More

  10. Yamaha EAD10 Review – An easier way to record drums and publish videos

    Posted in: Blog
    May 7, 2018

    Recently, more and more Drum Ambition subscribers have been reaching out for recommendations on how to record their acoustic drums. Their goal might be to record drum practice sessions or a band rehearsal, do a drum cover of a popular song, or have a simple way to upload video to social media platforms that features good quality sound. The problem is, drums are a hard instrument to record. From the deep lows of the bass drum and lower toms to… Read More

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