As a teacher I have found that I continually get the same questions from my students. Some may seem to contain the answer within the question.
Like; why do I have set my kit up like that?
But I have found that the answer is not transparent to all…even my more advanced students.
It would make sense that if you set your kit up with drums at acute angles (like mounted toms) 12 inches apart, with the heads facing you like they were mirrors on your car, that would force you to reach and the playing surface is not adjusted for optimum execution.
That’s just one example. There are many, many more.
But the one question I find to be universal with the majority of students is:
Why do I have to work on the practice pad as much as you want me to?
Again the answer seems to be in the question.
Way too many teachers allow their students to slide on this very important development tool, because they want to keep them happy so they will continue to take lessons.
In this case I can see only one reason for that; keep the money flowing!
They want to keep the bucks coming in.
All the while short changing the students.
I know how difficult it is to put in time on the pad.
I will say though, if you do your homework on the pad it will directly impact your playing at the kit.
Compare this if you will. I’ve had students who have a natural ability towards drums…so they feel they do not have to practice, especially on the pad.
They feel they know it all.
Now look at the student that has a desire to succeed at drums, but not the inherent talent.
He/she works at it applying the lessons to the pad as well as the drums.
I think we know where this is going?
Talent will get you only so far…you think you are the greatest, and you may be at the stage you are now…but what happens a few years later?
You are playing the same way using the same tricks you had then.
You were the big fish in a small pond, just to wake up one day being the small fish in an ocean of great players.
Give me the student who follows direction, learns and applies the lessons any day!
Sure it’s difficult to sit down and work on the pad.
It’s fun to mess around at the drums, but where do you want to go with it?
Garage band or something better?
If you only realized that your drum lessons are a valuable tool as you go into life.
“Do what you must to get where you want to go”. Or not..just allow the world pull you along and pass you by.
I often tell people “practice is difficult for me”, and it is, but when I sit down to play it’s easy.
I got that way because I worked at it.
You know, doing all the stuff that you think is boring!!! That stuff is exactly what gives you the ability to play with ease!

Change your outlook about practice; give yourself every opportunity to succeed.

_Joe