When you’re learning drums, it’s essential to practice between lessons in order to improve. Even if you’re super passionate about music, however, practice can be repetitive and monotonous. Here, Brooklyn, NY drum teacher Chris G. shares his tips to make drum practice fun and effective…
Are you struggling to get excited about your drum practice routine? It can be tough to stay motivated when it feels like a chore. But don’t worry – we’ve got some tips to help make drumming more fun!
Read on for five simple ways to make practice more enjoyable. You might be surprised at how much easier it is to stick to your routine when you’re having some fun.
What is the Best Way to Practice Drumming?
As any drummer knows, practice is essential for becoming a skilled musician. But what is the best way to practice? Here are some tips to help you make the most of your practice time:
- Set aside a regular time for practice, and stick to it as much as possible. Consistency is key.
- Start with the basics. Don’t try to learn too many things at once. Master the basics before moving on to more advanced techniques.
- Practice with a metronome. This will help you develop a sense of timing and rhythm.
- Listen to music. Not only will this help you better understand drumming, but it will also give you ideas for things to try in your own playing.
- Get a teacher. A good instructor can give you feedback on your playing and help you progress more quickly than you would on your own.
By following these tips, you can make the most of your practice time and become a better drummer!
Again, drumming lessons are the best way to learn the ropes. You’ll learn everything you need to know. Just check out the video below for more inspiration!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwKF7LiXW3I
What Should I Practice as a Drummer?
As a drummer, you have a lot of ground to cover when it comes to practicing.
Drums are a very physical instrument, and it takes a lot of coordination and stamina to play them well. You need to be able to keep a steady beat, while also being able to switch up the rhythm and add in fills and other embellishments. This can be a lot to juggle, but with practice, it will become second nature. In addition to working on your coordination and stamina, you should also focus on your listening skills.
Drums are often described as the backbone of a band, and it is up to the drummer to keep the rest of the group on track. This means being able to listen closely to the other instruments and reacting quickly when something goes off course.
With some dedication and practice, you can develop the skills needed to be a great drummer.
Drum Practice Tips for Even More Fun
Playing drums is supposed to be fun, but sometimes drum practice can get a little boring. This is especially true when you’re practicing technical or repetitive exercises. While not every practice session can be super exciting, playing music should be enjoyable. Plus, having fun while you practice will help you stay focused and motivated, and this will help you improve. Here are five ways you can make drum practice more fun.
1. Play Along to Music
Whether you’re practicing a new groove or just playing rudiments on a practice pad, playing along with your favorite band is a great way to make drum practice more fun. Instead of just playing a figure over and over, you’re adding it to your favorite song. Playing along to music will also make you a better listener while you play, which is really important if you want to play in a band!
2. Develop Your Own Ideas
You don’t have to rely just on storebought drum practice sheets to practice!
After you work out a new groove or sticking, try and put your own spin on it. What would it sound like if you added some accents or played it on more than one drum? Instead of just doing your homework, have some fun; be creative and add your own style. Your teacher will love to see you take an exercise and make it your own (just make sure you practice the original exercise, too!)
3. Focus on the Details
Sometimes, we overlook how much we can learn from a simple exercise. For example, practicing paradiddles isn’t just about playing the right stickings—you also want to make sure you’re playing in the center of the drum, that your hands are playing at the same volume and stick height, and that you can play paradiddles at different tempos and volumes. Try to focus on all the details of a simple exercise; you’ll find that it’s more challenging and less repetitive.
4. Don’t Be Afraid to Take a Break
Whenever I start to get bored or frustrated with practice, it’s usually because I’ve been practicing for too long without a break. There’s actually science behind it—our brains work more productively when we take breaks every 90 – 120 minutes. If you take a break and come back, you won’t get as bored or frustrated as you would if you force yourself to keep practicing.
5. Remember the Big Picture
Let’s face it, some exercises are downright boring, and unfortunately, these are usually the most important ones. Remember that you’re practicing these things to get better, and that the more you focus and work on them, the faster you’ll improve! Instead of thinking that practicing a single-stroke roll is boring, think about all the cool, super fast stuff you can play with better wrist technique. So make sure you practice the fundamentals and the basics, but don’t forget to have fun!
How to Practice Drums Without Drums
One of the great things about drums is that they can be played anywhere, anytime. However, this can also be a bit of a downside, as it’s easy to make too much noise and annoy your neighbors. If you want to practice your drums without making too much noise – or if you don’t have a practice drum set – there are a few things you can do.
Use Drum Sticks on Pillows
First, try using drum sticks instead of actual drums. This will allow you to get the feel of the drums without actually making any noise. You can also try playing on a pillow or other soft surface. This will help to muffle the sound of the drums and allow you to practice more quietly.
Use a Drum Practice Pad
One of the great things about drum practice pads is that they allow you to practice your drums without making a lot of noise.
This is ideal for apartment dwellers or for anyone who doesn’t want to disturb the peace. Drum practice pads come in a variety of sizes and prices, so you can find one that fits your budget and needs. Many practice pads are made from rubber or silicone, which makes them very durable.
You can also find practice pads that are designed to mimic the feel of an actual drum set, complete with cymbals and hi-hat stands. This can be a great way to get the full drumming experience without having to invest in an expensive set of drums. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned drummer, practice pads for drumming are valuable tools that can help you perfect your craft.
Wear Headphones
Finally, you can try using headphones. This way, you’ll be able to hear yourself clearly without disturbing anyone else.
How Many Hours a Day Should You Practice Drums?
How many hours a day should you practice drums? This is a question that is often asked by aspiring musicians.
Unfortunately, there is no simple answer. The amount of time that you should devote to practice will depend on several factors, including your skill level, goals, and available free time. However, most experts agree that it is important to practice regularly in order to improve your skills. With that in mind, here are a few general guidelines to help you determine how many hours a day you should practice drums.
If you are a beginner, it is generally recommended that you practice for at least 30 minutes a day. As you become more proficient, you can gradually increase the amount of time that you spend practicing. However, even if you are an experienced drummer, it is still important to find time for regular practice sessions. Otherwise, your skills may begin to atrophy.
When setting aside time for practice, it is also important to consider your goals. If you are simply hoping to maintain your current level of proficiency, shorter Practice sessions may suffice. On the other hand, if you are aiming to dramatically improve your skills, longer and more frequent practice sessions will be necessary.
How Do You Practice Drums at Home?
Again, one great way to practice drums at home is by using a drum practice pad. A drum practice pad is a flat, round surface that you can use to mimic the feel of a drumhead. This is a great option for practicing rudiments, sticking patterns, and other technical exercises.
Another way to practice drums at home is by using a metronome. A metronome is a device that produces a steady beat, which you can use to keep time while you play. This is a great tool for developing your sense of timing and accuracy.
Finally, it’s also important to make sure that you have a good set of headphones. This will allow you to hear your playing clearly, without disturbing others in the house. By following these tips, you can set up an effective practice routine that will help you reach your musical goals.
Drum practice doesn’t have to be a drag. In fact, there are plenty of ways to make it more enjoyable. If you’re looking for some ideas, consider giving one or more of these methods a try. Who knows? You may even find that you enjoy drumming more than you thought possible!
Remember, the best way to learn drums is through private lessons. Find a drum teacher near you, and make sure to ask your teacher for more suggestions to make drum practice more fun and effective.
Chirs G. teaches drums and bass guitar in Brooklyn, NY. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Drum Set Performance from the Berklee College of Music. He has been teaching private lessons since 2008. Learn more about Chris here!
Photo by David Miller
Maile Proctor