Clinic Objectives and Goals

The clinic aims to address all listed topics through practical examples and serve as a simple, practical guide for drummers. It is designed for those who may not necessarily have formal education in drumming but aspire to excel in this field.

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Like any craft, drumming requires practical knowledge and skills that every drummer must master over time with persistence and self-education to pursue this profession seriously.

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The goal of this clinic is to combine my personal, long-standing academic and practical experience in one place, essentially shortening the journey and creating a shortcut for those for whom this clinic is intended. It is not the only possible method or approach to these topics but a collection of my proven experiences and insights from my performing and teaching career.

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Clinic Topics and Processing Plan

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Day 1:

• Ergonomics of sitting and drum set adjustment: Are you positioned correctly behind your drum kit?

• Drum tuning and achieving quality tone: Different tuning and miking approaches. How to adjust and mic your drums?

• Basic principles of proper striking, stick grip techniques, pedal use, and tone production on percussion instruments: How to play loud and clear without getting tired?

• Essential rudiments: What are the four fundamental drum strokes?

• Balancing and equalizing hands on the drums: Why is this skill crucial, and how can it be achieved?

• Working with a metronome: Can we do without it?

• Practice (speed, mobility, endurance): How to achieve results efficiently?

• Alternating strokes, double strokes, single and double grace notes, and rolls: What forms the foundation of drumming?

 

Day 2:

• Dynamics and its importance: What does dynamics mean in music?

• Basic note values and the importance of learning to read music: Should drummers know how to read sheet music?

• 40 rudiments and their application in specific musical contexts: Which rudiments from this list must every drummer know?

• Understanding basic musical styles: Approaches to playing various styles and their characteristics through practical examples. What are the essential rhythms every drummer must know?

• Relationship between drum set elements and interpretation: How can a good rhythm sound great?

• Principles of playing in a band: What is the role and task of a good drummer? How to play musically and functionally?

• Fills (drum fills) and short solos: What makes a good fill, and how to create one?

• Personality: What makes a great drummer beyond technical skills?

 

What Will Participants Have Insight During the Clinic?

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Each participant will learn or gain insights into the following:

• How to properly set up a drum kit and position themselves to play effortlessly without compromising their health.

• How to get the most out of their instrument through proper adjustments.

• How to play correctly, maximizing performance while minimizing fatigue.

• How to equalize their hands and understand the importance of this skill in drumming.

• Methods for working with a metronome, principles of practicing, and the process of mastering mechanical skills.

• Understanding the essential strokes and foundational elements of drumming.

• The concept of dynamics and its practical application.

• How to read and play basic note values and understand the significance of mastering sheet music.

• Which of the 40 standardized rudiments are essential to know.

• Basic musical styles and their rhythmic characteristics essential for the drummers attending this seminar.

• The key tasks of a drummer in a band and how to fulfill them effectively.

• How to create short solos and drum fills that align with the music being played.

• The personal qualities and traits of successful individuals in the music industry, emphasizing the importance of being not only a “good musician” but also a “good person.”