Practice Pad Class FAQ

Why take a group snare drum class?
Through my experience in drum corps I learned that there are a lot of benefits to drilling exercises in a group setting:
- Learning the exercises is easier when you can watch and listen to someone else play them.
- Playing with a group forces you to execute more carefully- it's easy to tell when one player is a little bit sloppy!
- Playing with a group makes it easier to spot and fix problems with your technique.
- Let's face it, practice pad work can be very dull. Without the encouragement of a weekly class it can be easy just to practice the fun stuff, and not work on the things that will really improve your playing.

What happens at the classes?
A group of drummers will gather at my studio with their practice pads and play snare drum exercises under my guidance. I'll explain what we're going to do with each exercise and we will play them (with an amplified click track) at a variety of tempos.

When does class meet?
Sunday 4:00-6:30 - fundamentals
Monday 6:00-7:30 - advanced
Tuesday 6:30-8:00 - intermediate

What are your policies for payment?
Once you've come to the group a few times and decided it's for you, I ask you to pay for all the classes in the month at the beginning of the month.

Do I need to audition?
No auditions, but I'd like to meet with you beforehand so I can determine which group would be best for you.

What type of exercises will we play?
Exercises focused on developing strong doubles, long and short open rolls, paradiddle variations, rhythmic modulation, 16th note timing, subdivision, attacks, accents, the flam rudiments, meter-within-meter patterns and single-stroke rolls. I also take requests.

What do I need to bring to class?
Just your practice pad, stand, and snare drum sticks. I recommend a 10" Remo practice pad and Vic Firth SD-1 General snare drum sticks. If you don't have a practice pad stand, you may be able to use one of mine, just be sure to let me know in advance.

I have no sticks, pad, nothing! Where can I get them?
I usually have sticks and practice pads available for sale (just let me know in advance to make sure I have some for you). I also recommend Rhythm Traders on NE Broadway or Trade-Up Music on SE Division or NE Alberta, or Musician's Friend for online shopping.

What about books? Do I need them?
No, you can get the exercises we'll do from my downloads page. Many exercises will be taught verbally during class.

How much individual attention will I get?
I'll give a few pointers to players who can use them, but most of the class will be devoted to explaining and drilling the exercises. If you'd like more personalized instruction, I do teach individual private lessons as well.

What if the class is way too hard for me?
As I get acquainted with new students I group them with others with similar goals and skill level. But each class will be tailored to the abilities of that week's attendees, and each week's exercises will cover a range of difficulty.

What if the stuff you do is way too easy? Will I be bored?
Nothing in music is so easy that you don't have to pay attention while you do it, and even top players work on fundamentals, so if you're bored you're not doing it correctly! Still, I try to keep things moving even (especially?) when we're working on basic stuff. For pure chops and endurance, try the advanced class.

Hey, who are you?
See my bio!

Drum lessons by Todd Bishop
toddbishop@cruiseshipdrummer.com
(503)380-9259