What now...?

[BsHollywood]

Hey all. I've been drumming for just over a year, probably 6 months seriously. I had lessons in the beginning and have a lot of the basic tech. down. But being the terribly poor college student that I am, lessons are no longer an option. I've basically hit a wall. I really don't know what I should be working on. I am terrible at transcribing songs, but I have plenty of people to jam with, so I can keep a solid beat. My fills on the other hand are quite terrible. So if anyone could help me with what I should work on, that would be great.

I know this is a terrible question being that I have no way of getting a video up for you guys to check out, but any tips are welcome.

Thanks.

[byronand]

Fills are over-rated! Keeping a solid beat is much more important, and greatly appreciated by fellow musicians and audiences alike.

As always if there's some specific fill that you want to learn and perfect, just T-A-K-E....I-T....S-L-O-O-O-O--W.........

Can you make friends with other drummers on campus? We can learn a lot from others, just informally sharing ideas, showing how something is done, talking about drumming....

Formal lessons are great, but you can learn a lot by listening, watching DrummerWorld videos, and hanging with other drummers and musicians.

Have fun and congratulations on keeping a solid beat... that's actually a very big deal... ask Kenny! :)

http://www.drummerworld.com/Videos/kennyaronoffmakingabeat.html

[Deltadrummer]

Hey all. I've been drumming for just over a year, probably 6 months seriously. I had lessons in the beginning and have a lot of the basic tech. down. But being the terribly poor college student that I am, lessons are no longer an option. I've basically hit a wall. I really don't know what I should be working on. I am terrible at transcribing songs, but I have plenty of people to jam with, so I can keep a solid beat. My fills on the other hand are quite terrible. So if anyone could help me with what I should work on, that would be great.

I know this is a terrible question being that I have no way of getting a video up for you guys to check out, but any tips are welcome.

Thanks.

Nowadays you can learn a lot from videos, here at Drummer world, as suggested; or through the host of videos that are available from basic to advanced.

If you don't read music, I would suggest enrolling in a college course on music. There are even videos to help you with that. Then get a few basic books that can help you to learn basic beats and musical ideas in a variety of styles. This way when you do get to a teacher, you have a basis on which to grow.

Even if you are lacking funds, a few lessons here and there with a qualified instructor can help you to move forward. If you have skills, computer or even lawn mowing, you may be able to make out some kind of trade.

[Alex949]

As well as the find advice listed above, why not just meet up with friends and Jam? Personally, I never was fortunate enough to take lessons, I pretty much was influenced and inspired bye the bands and drummers from the late 80's/ early 90's era. I would play with my buddies in the neighborhood and try to throw in a Matt Cameron fill and/or tom beat hear and there. It wasen't always pretty but it gave me various ideas to work and practice on as well as just getting the feel of playing with an actual band, which can be quite awkward when starting out. all the best.

[ceckha]

yeah i've got to agree with bryonand on this one. when you're wanting to get good at fills its best to start out slow with it and then increase speed. then once you mess up you slow it back down. push yourself a little further every time.

[mikei]

Play as much as you can with others. Your ability will grow so fast.

I took lessons, but never really jelled with a teacher. Tried 4 of them.

Part of the problem is obviously me. Can't be that they are all bad teachers.

Anyway, I learn from videos and just listening to music on my iPod and learning it.

Also, try different genres. I am playing with a second band now that plays completely different stuff than my other band.

I am getting so much better by expanding my horizons. And, like you, I play for the song.

My guitarist came to my our last practice and told me how "awesome" I am. And believe me, I am not awesome. The drummer in his last band was incredible. Anyway, because I hold a beat and do not do drum fills ever measure, it is a much more stable environment for all the other guys.

Learn to groove and you will be loved.

Mike

[Class A Drummer]

Listen to alot of Rush and Led Zeppelin. The fills are pretty good.

[burnthehero]

I am terrible at transcribing songs, but I have plenty of people to jam with, so I can keep a solid beat.

Man, I would KILL to have people to jam with. Having people to jam with is a great teaching tool. Keeps things fresh and interesting. Have fun for now and worry about your technique later when you can afford the lessons. You don't have it as bad as you think you do!

[BsHollywood]

Thanks for all the great advice guys. I do jam with one 1-3 different guitar players a day. (the group of people i met when i moved to college ALL play interments) But I find my self doing the same beats and same fills all the time.... playing along with my Zune would probably help that. but like i said i do pretty bad at transcribing anything.

thanks again

[ceckha]

another thing i think you could do that helps is to just watch every instructional video you stumble upon when you're browsing youtube.

cause sometimes i'll be listening to a song, and the drummer will do something really cool sounding and i wanna learn it but i can't really tell how hes doing it by listening, then i'll just click some random instructional video by chance and they'll explain how to do that certain thing.