Drummers!

[Marky]

Hey!

Hoping that the title will get the attension of some Drummers...

Following on from my thread about a month ago on what the deal is with finding a band and whether or not I'm ready etc.

I've decided that to give myself a good kick in the right direction, I will get a Drum Tutor

The guy I've spoken with has said that it would be best to have a free assessment lesson to determine what lessons I need and what skill level I am at etc. (Since I've already been playing tutor-less for over a year now).

However, I was wondering if any drummers out there could give me a good idea on what I can expect in this assessment lesson? Will he just say "Show me what you can do" and I be expected to bust out a solo ? Or will it be a case of "Are you good at this? How about this?" sort of thing?

Any advice would be great Never had a music teacher (One on one) before, so not sure what to expect
It'll be my first time using acoustic drums, quite excited

Thanks,

Marky

 

[bloodiedathame]

He'll probably take you through some routine 4/4 stuff, maybe get you to play the odd 3/4 time sig beat. My guess is that he'll play something and you copy. That's what I would do if I were trying to assess someone.

 

[timbob]

When I assess new students (I'm talking woodwind here, but the principles are the same), I'll normally play through a simple 5 minute warm up of long notes and scales with the student, and then get them to play me two things - a piece they know, and are comfortable playing, and the latest thing they were working on.

The first piece gets them settled in, and lets them show off the extent of their technique on a piece they are happy with, and the second will show me a few stumbling blocks and limitations.

It really only takes a minute or so of listening to a student's playing (talking of students in their first year of learning - as you are) to assess what their strengths and weaknesses are.

After that (10 minutes tops, after setting up), I'd pick up on something pretty simple on the technique side that needs touching up and work on that for the lesson - the aim being to show some form of definite, simple improvement by the time you go.

So - go along with a couple of things to play, and have an open mind about having any bad habits you've developed whilst self-teaching being corrected - don't take offence!

 

[Merlin5]

Will he just say "Show me what you can do" and I be expected to bust out a solo ?

Hey Marky, yes for part 1, no for part 2.

I just like to see what new students are capable of. I generally say to them 'sit behind the kit and play whatever comes to mind. As if you were by yourself, just you and the kit. doesn't matter what you can or can't play'. All I want to do is see where they're at with regards to timing, sense of rhythm and coordination. Absolutely no pressure whatsoever. And I can take it from there. If it's rock beats a student wants to learn, that's what we learn. If it's more than that, example, grades, we do that. I can assess you and teach you if you're in the london area.

 

[Marky]

Thanks for the replies guys

Hey Marky, yes for part 1, no for part 2.

I just like to see what new students are capable of. I generally say to them 'sit behind the kit and play whatever comes to mind. As if you were by yourself, just you and the kit. doesn't matter what you can or can't play'. All I want to do is see where they're at with regards to timing, sense of rhythm and coordination. Absolutely no pressure whatsoever. And I can take it from there. If it's rock beats a student wants to learn, that's what we learn. If it's more than that, example, grades, we do that. I can assess you and teach you if you're in the london area.

I did see you were a drum teacher in another thread - but unfortunatly, I live too far away from Finchley Central Thanks anyway though!

Hoping the lesson is tomorrow - he hasn't got back to me yet though He had a cancellation