Rudiments

  1. The Four Keys to Drum Set Musicality (2021 – Updated)

    Posted in: Blog
    May 10, 2021

    Is it possible for drummers to sound musical? It’s certainly true that we create beats and set the tempo for others to follow, but there’s a lot more to our craft than meets the eye. To become a musical drummer, you don’t need a degree in music, decades of listening to multiple drummers, or several years of playing experience. There is no secret sauce, just a simple understanding of four key areas. At Drum Ambition, we like to call them… Read More

  2. What are drum fills, and how do I make them more creative? (2021 – Updated)

    Posted in: Blog
    April 12, 2021

    If you are a beginner drummer or interested in learning the drums, you will come across the terms “beats” and “fills” all of the time. A drumbeat is a generic term for the rhythmic pattern being played in a song, and this is a fairly straightforward concept to grasp. But what on earth is a drum fill, where are they used, and how do beginner drummers (and more experienced drummers, for that matter) develop them into a tasteful and musical… Read More

  3. Are the Drum Set Rudiments important for beginner drummers? (2021 – Updated)

    Posted in: Blog
    March 31, 2021

    The drum set rudiments are 26 sticking patterns that give us a comprehensive range of musical options on the drum set. Practicing them individually can help build good technique, and understanding how and when to use them can take your drumming to the next level. With that said – how important are they for beginner drummers at the start of their journey? Given as your early days as a drummer will involve practicing drum beats, drum fills, and working on… Read More

  4. What is “Sticking” in drumming, and why is this so important? (2021 – Updated)

    Posted in: Blog
    March 16, 2021

    One of the most important early fundamentals for beginner drummers is finding ways to build control on the drum set. Control is a wonderful state to achieve because it opens up so many other drumming areas, including musicality, speed, dynamics, power, efficiency, and endurance. Once you understand how all of these byproducts of control relate to one another, you’ll be able to take your drumming to the next level, and most importantly, have a lot of fun along the way.… Read More

  5. Drum Ambition adds two new modules

    Posted in: Blog, News
    April 27, 2020

    We are excited to announce that Drum Ambition is expanding its online drum lesson curriculum. Following on from the success of Module 1, which has seen Drum Ambition memberships expand to over 20 countries worldwide, we are launching two brand new modules. The first of these, Module 2, goes Live at the end of April 2020, with Module 3 following in mid-May. Fun, structure and setting attainable goals. Combined, these new modules will provide over 150 new beats, and 130… Read More

  6. The Ultimate Survival Guide for Beginner Drummers – Available Now

    Posted in: Blog, News
    March 18, 2020

    We are delighted to announce the release of our latest book, The Ultimate Survival Guide for Beginner Drummers, available now as an instant download. For a limited time, subscribers to our Pro or Rockstar plan will receive a free copy of the book. Written by our Founder, Simon DasGupta, this comprehensive, easy to read, and beautifully illustrated book is the result of his two decades of experience in teaching, and selling drums. Simon discussed the project in this short video.… Read More

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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 in… Read More