Its been asked, but I'm bored. Practice routines?

[Zdrums]

Hey there. Let me start off with saying this is the coolest forum ever! I'm 23, and I've been playing on and off for years("ghetto style"/no reading etc.), and I got some rhythm. I dream to become a great jazz drummer. The reason I never took lessons is because I have severe social anxiety(scared of people/public places). If you guys could give me a good practice routine, that would help out a lot. This is what I have.
-An ok drum set
-practice pad
-bebop drumming book by Jon Riley
-Stick control by George Lawrence Stone
-Tons of time to kill
I can't think of a way to organize a practice routine that would be most beneficial to me.
Any help is greatly appreciated. thank you

[ivegottadisorder]

I have found that the best routine is not really having a routine...


When I practice, I like to warm up (rudiments, set exercises etc.) but then from there, it just what I want to work on that is done.

Jazz is by far one of my favorite styles to play. I feel that there is no real "wrong way" to play jazz. Everyone has their own style. But taking things from other drummers from Buddy Holly to even non jazz players such as Carter Beauford and making them your own is really where it's at.

Study study study styles and adapt them to make them your own.

[Wavelength]

If you can't coax yourself to even take lessons, how do you think you'll be able to play drums in a band? Jazz is all about interaction and communication, and that's going to be fairly difficult to achieve without other musicians. Not to mention gigs, which often take place in public places, pubs for short. Suck it up and take the first step -- start taking lessons. Over time, developing a good relationship with a teacher goes far beyond just the weekly lessons. A teacher becomes a mentor and a friend, not just some random person who shows you how to hit stuff.

[Abstsbtsb]

If you can't coax yourself to even take lessons, how do you think you'll be able to play drums in a band? Jazz is all about interaction and communication, and that's going to be fairly difficult to achieve without other musicians. Not to mention gigs, which often take place in public places, pubs for short. Suck it up and take the first step -- start taking lessons. Over time, developing a good relationship with a teacher goes far beyond just the weekly lessons. A teacher becomes a mentor and a friend, not just some random person who shows you how to hit stuff.

BRAVO!
2020202002020202

[Royal]

I can't think of a way to organize a practice routine that would be most beneficial to me.
Any help is greatly appreciated. thank you

The Fine Art of Practice
Written by Bart Elliott
Thursday, August 07, 2003

Anyone who has learned to play a musical instrument knows that practice plays an important role in the learning process. Unfortunately, many musicians spend time practicing without having a full grasp on how to practice. In order for the practice sessions to be effective and improve skills, one must have a goal or vision to direct towards. Without goals, the process may seem not only overwhelming but unfruitful.

*** Before You Practice ***
In order to practice well, you must know what it is that you are working towards. You need to have a clear understanding of what a truly excellent player sounds like and looks like when they play. If a musician makes it look "easy" it's probably because they are relaxed and have total control of the instrument. Having this visual and aural picture will help you aim your study in the right direction. Make the most of every opportunity to see and hear great players perform live, or take advantage of the multitude of recorded materials (video, compact disc) that are available today.

Become aware of your immediate needs or weaknesses. Is it your overall technique, sound, reading, dexterity or facility? Perhaps you are limited in your grooves, beats, fills, solo ideas, time keeping or basic musicianship? Whatever it is (and we all have something to work on), begin focusing on these areas of greatest need. If you're not exactly sure what it is you need to work on, ask a private instructor, fellow musician or bandmate. I have found that video taping (or recording) myself playing has greatly helped in my goal setting. My areas of weakness always seem to reveal themselves just by watching and listening to myself play.

With some basic goals in mind, you will begin to practice more effectively and see a tremendous growth in your playing.

*** Setting Goals ***
Many people talk about it, but rarely reach the mark; why is that? I believe it comes from setting unrealistic goals. Consider the following three scenarios:


You want to learn a new funk groove that you heard on the radio. You sit down and immediately start trying to work it out. You suddenly realize that the technique required to play this groove is currently beyond your grasp; so you give up for the day and just "jam." Several days later, you decide to practice again and find that not only do you still lack the technique and coordination needed to play the funk groove, but you've forgotten exactly how it goes; so you just "jam."
You saw someone play this cool hand drum the other day and you want to learn to play it. You rush out and buy the drum, bring it home, and don't know what to do next. Every week or so you pull the drum out and tap around on it; then you put it away again. As the days and weeks roll by, you figure that you should put the "cool looking drum" to use, so you use it as a coffee table or lamp stand in your living room.
You've been playing drums for about 4 years and feel good about yourself. In fact, you tell everyone that you liken your drumming to the styles of Neil Peart and Terry Bozzio. One day a fellow musician (band member, or director) bursts your bubble by telling you that you don't have a good grasp of the rudiments and need to take some drum lessons. You find a local teacher and immediately try to "wow" him by playing "your version" of a Double Stroke Roll. The teacher quickly points out that your strokes are not even (in fact, they sound like lawn mower with water in the tank). Despite the encouragement of your new teacher, you have determined that he doesn't know what he is talking about. You go home and play your double strokes as fast as possible, feeling that they sound good to you . . . at least, when you play them really fast!

These three examples are true stories; do they sound familiar? There are many issues that need to be dealt with in these scenarios, but can you see a common thread? This type of thing happens every day (unfortunately) but it doesn't have to!

Here's what needs to happen:
Once you determine the "big picture" goal (like learning a beat, an instrument, etc.), you need to place it in a time frame. Your level of ability as well as the degree of difficulty of the goal will help determine the length of time needed to complete your objective. If I wanted to learn to play Tabla, but have no hand drum experience, it would be unrealistic for me to plan on learning Tabla (which by the way is truly a life long goal) in just a few days. Give yourself some time! Set a goal like: "by the end of the year, I want to know the basic techniques and strokes for Tabla. I'd also like to be able to play several cool grooves." That's a realistic goal.

After you determine the goal, break it down into "bite size pieces."

You might have a goal to eat a hamburger, but you don't just shove the thing down your throat in one enormous bite do you! How healthy is that? By taking small bites from the goal, chewing, then swallowing, you slowly devour your goal. Savor each bite and enjoy the process! If you don't take small bites, your goal will appear too big to handle and it will just sit there.

So, in regards to learning Tabla; you've set your goal for the year. Now break this large year goal into smaller monthly goals. Then break these monthly goals into weekly goals; the weekly goals into daily goals. By taking your goal and breaking it into smaller manageable pieces, you will experience and realize success.

*** How Much You Should Practice ***
In order to have a effective practice session, you will need to practice on a regular basis. Of course you can practice as often as you like, but you need to establish a set amount of time every day (5-6 days a week) in which to practice. If possible, find a time during the day (or night) that you can always practice; preferably the same time every day. Mark this time down on your calendar and make every effort to stick to your schedule.

*** How Long You Should Practice ***
The length of time you spend practicing will greatly depend on two factors:

1) your current playing level
2) the goals you have set for yourself

Most musicians seeking to become professional players will practice four or more hours every day; many of whom are also enrolled in a music program at a college or university.
I can remember practicing 8 hours a day while working on my Bachelor of Music degree. I had a full load of classes and was working & gigging to put myself through school. There's no way I could find 8 hours these days, but I'm glad I did while I was younger.

Setting goals aside, here are my recommendations based on your current playing level:


Beginner (or Junior High) should practice at least 30 to 45 minutes a day
Intermidiate (or High School) should practice at least 1 hour a day
Advanced (or college and beyond) should practice at least 2 hours a day

Once you factor in your goals, you may need to increase the length of time you spend practicing. As discussed in Part 2 of this series, be sure that you break your large goals into smaller, more obtainable goals. You should have daily, weekly, monthly and yearly goals.

The more you practice ... the better your progress will be.

*** How To Structure Your Practice Time ***
Each practice session should be divided into these four important areas; each one getting an equal amount of time and attention.


Warm-up, Technical Exercises
Coordination Studies, Technique Applications
Styles, Grooves, Fills, etc.
Play-along, Jam, Warm-down

Regardless of how long you've allocated to practice, each of these areas need to be covered every session. If you have two hours to practice each day, you would spend 30 minutes on each of the four phases.


Phase One
Warming up the body is the most important thing you can do to assure progress in your practice time. It gives your muscles (including your brain) a chance to relax and get reacquainted with the instrument and the goals for the day. The warm-up will also afford you the time to focus on the technical aspects of playing such as grip, posture, motion and sound production. Getting the blood to flow, as well as a warm, relaxed body will make or break your practice time productivity. This is a great time to be using a metronome.


Phase Two
Now that the body is warmed up, it's time to start putting the limbs together. 4-way coordination studies as well as applying rudiments, stickings, etc., to the drumkit is one example of what can happen during this time. Apply the techniques you worked on in Phase One. This is another great time to be using a metronome.


Phase Three
During this time you will work on specific styles, grooves or fills that fulfill your predetermined goals. It may mean you that you take items from Phase Two and apply them or simply come with something totally new and unique. Resist the urge to jam at this time; you get to do that later. Use this time to extend your percussive vocabulary. Oh, you guessed it ... it's yet another great time to be using your metronome.


Phase Four
Now is the time to apply Phase 3 by playing along to albums, loops or music-minus-one CDs. If you are working on developing solos or specific compositions, you'll want to work on that now. If you just want to jam or use the time to warm-down, go for it.

For this type of regimen to work, you've got to adhere to the guidelines to see consistent progress. When your time is up for Phase One (30 minutes in on a 2 hour practice session), stop and move on to Phase Two. Do this until you've made it all the way through the four phase areas. If you suddenly find some extra time in the day, you can go back and pick an area that you would like to concentrate on ... or ... start the cycle again. If you only have an hour to practice, you would devote 15 minutes to each phase.

All of this may sound too strict, but don't knock it until you try it. Making slow steady progress over numerous days is the key .... far better than cramming 4 hours into one day, making that your only practice time for the week.

Remember, you set your own goals; you set the pace. If you want to meet your goals in the time allotted, you've got to stay on target by meeting each day as it comes. Dropping phases or practice sessions will only cheat yourself ... and keep you from meeting your musical goals.

[Hercraft]

Royal, excelent!!
Very good information!

[Ian Ballard]

Hey there. Let me start off with saying this is the coolest forum ever! I'm 23, and I've been playing on and off for years("ghetto style"/no reading etc.), and I got some rhythm. I dream to become a great jazz drummer. The reason I never took lessons is because I have severe social anxiety(scared of people/public places). If you guys could give me a good practice routine, that would help out a lot. This is what I have.
-An ok drum set
-practice pad
-bebop drumming book by Jon Riley
-Stick control by George Lawrence Stone
-Tons of time to kill
I can't think of a way to organize a practice routine that would be most beneficial to me.
Any help is greatly appreciated. thank you

I think if you have "severe social anxiety", you're going to have problems playing music for people. Even if you are in a studio, you have to "deal with people", sometimes several people.

I think, before you take any steps towards your goal of becoming "a great jazz drummer", you'll have to get the biggest obstacle out of the way first.

There is no advice I can give you, until you learn to "get out there".

I used deathly afraid of driving and had social anxiety issues at one time as well. I had to find a good counselor and get my fears under control by attending open jams with veteran musicians. I also started going out more and meeting people and *VOILA* I started meeting musicians (some of them were actually pretty good) and I started getting gigs and improving.

[Zdrums]

Wow! Thanks for all the great info. Let let me make something clear. My anxiety is kind of selective, when it comes to something I love, I can muster up the ability to go for it. I jam with some people once in a while. It just takes me a while to build their trust. Maybe I will just suck it up and take some lessons. I am starting to take drumming a little more seriously because it builds confidence in me, which in turn combats my anxiety problems. Thanks for talking some sense in me.

[jimmyC]

Hi, This morning was a good example for me of making the most of half an hour. Dropped my wife off at work then bfore going in myself I swung back by the house with a little over 30 minutes or so to drum. Today I thought of a few things I was itching to work on as well as couple that I struggle with severely. I sat down, set my digital timer that I have next to my hihat pedal on the floor for 2 minutes then started the metro at a slow bpm and went at it, relaxing and trying match up exactly with the click. I was doing a linear beat around the drums and focused on melodic quality as well. When the timer sounded, I turned off click, reset timer for 2 minutes, increased metro bpm one notch then started up again.

I find that the time it takes to reset timer and adjust metro is a good little micro break for me. I did this several times. Often I will give myself a micro break to reset timer but keep the bpm constant. For example, Gavin Harrison posted a very nice exercise he himself works on that is especially focused on accuracy rather than speed.

Today I had very little time, was itching to play a bit before work, and really feel like I used the time efficiently and that I am better for it. Rather than just play a long drum solo and "excerise" for 30 minutes, I had fun but also made some headway in a very short time. Sometimes it feels like a psychological battle when you either have way too much time (feel bored or without direction) or like me right now having very little time, mostly short windows of opportunity that open up for me - God forbid if during one of those I'm not exactly in the mood or feeling good enough to sit down and "practice". I struggle with turning my creativity on/off as if it were a light switch and for that reason I respect the professionals that have persevered and who are so consistent with the way they approach their craft. I hope you find one of those professionals that shares and inspires you (a real teacher) to organize your efforts while doing what you love to do.

Wow, I LOVE this forum! So many amazing and generous people here. Take care and good luck.

Jim

[Matty G.]

I would find a therapist and then a drum teacher. Dealing with anxiety, and I know about this because I used to have intense anxiety attacks in High School, is actually a relatively simple process, once you gain some perspective on it. It's not always comfortable, but it is simple. I say "uncomfortable" because you will have to confront your anxiety, step outside your comfort zone, and do things that you may fear; performing, meeting new people, asking girls out, etc.. but one of the little known truths about anxiety is that PUSHING THROUGH this type of fear is LESS INTENSE than the fear that comes from LIVING WITH DAILY ANXIETY. But find a therapist, they will help teach you techniques, and can provide crucial support while you make this change. Most important about a therapist is that they can provide objectivity that sometimes family and friends can not.

Then I would find a drum teacher, one who is known to be a good jazz player, and then go from there. Hope that helps, and good luck to you!

[Zdrums]

Wow, thanks for the input Matty. I am trying to get health coverage from kaiser right now, then I'll eventually have a therapist. For now, I'm working on getting a job, and playing more drums to build my confidence. I started organizing my practice routines, and I make sure to practice ever night. thanks dude

[ddamm27913]

i dont like to organize my practicing but i have a few different techniques i use to get better.

one way is to play along to music. this way you can try out your fills, follow a steady tempo, and have more fun. anything with a drum machine works well beacuse it keeps the same pattern and doesnt really get creative but anything will work.

the best practice technique i've ever picked up, one that is always guaranteed to make you better by the day, is learning a new lick daily. this i ssort of what i base my practice around and is the goal of each day.
what i do is i look for video drum lessons on the internet. Then i watch the video and learn the pattern then take it to the drums and figure it all out. it can be a new fill, a cool trick, a latin groove, whatever. I just make sure that by the end of the day i have an understanding of it and cna play it comfortably.
how cool is it to learn something new everyday? it really builds my variety and is definitely the best practicing style ive used

as for finding good video lessons to follow the internet is filled with them. youtube has some great drum teachers such as my personal favorite, Mike Johnston, who has many intermediate lessons. freedrumlessons.com has videos that are just too easy unless youre a beginner.

[Zdrums]

Yah, so I finally organized my practice routine. I've practice with The holy book Stick Control(first page, each exercise about 25-30 times) for the past 5 nights. Wow! this book unlocked my hands. All I need to do now is get my hands on a metronome.

[Unevil]

As far as actual drum SET practices, I am not sure how to improve, but I am in marching band at the moment, and aside from actual music played, general warmups help improve quite a bit.

( comma = eighth notes, 2 grouped = diddle (double stoke), capital = accent (12 inches), lower case = tap (3 inches))
Warmups Remembered: (by the way, play with metronome)

8's: R,R,R,R,R,R,R,R,L,L,L,L,L,L,L,L,R,R,R,R,R,R,R,R,L, L,L,L,L,L,L,L,R
just eighth notes played on each hand. Can always imrpove hand speed if you keep bumping up the tempo...nice basic exercise/warmup.

Diddles (played at 6 inches) : RR RR RR RR R,R, LL LL LL LL L,L, RR LL RR LL R,L,R.
increases diddle speed + accuracy, common to slow down on the eighth notes, therefore helps to keep you staying up to speed while drumming.

Accent Tap: R,r,R,r,R,r,R,r,L,l,L,l,L,l,L,l,r,R,r,R,r,R,r,R,l, L,l,L,l,L,l,L,R

there are others, but a little rough typing out in a post...these are some basic warm-ups we played (not meant to be difficult) that help build definition between accents, taps, wrist speed, rebound control, etc.