Rockschool Drums Grd 4 2018+ Bk/Aud

Synopsis

Music book distributed in the UK by Music Sales Ltd

Summary

Chapter 1: Drum Setup and Tuning

* Explains the basic setup of a drum kit, including hardware, cymbals, and drums.
* Provides step-by-step instructions on tuning a drum, using a drum key and a tuning gauge.
* Real example: Student tunes a snare drum by adjusting the tension of the batter head and resonant head, aiming for a specific pitch when struck.

Chapter 2: Rudiments

* Introduces essential drum rudiments, such as single strokes, double strokes, flams, and rolls.
* Provides exercises to develop coordination and control.
* Real example: Student practices double paradiddles, alternating between left and right-hand strokes in a specific pattern.

Chapter 3: Basic Timekeeping

* Covers fundamental time signatures and rhythms.
* Teaches how to keep a steady beat on the hi-hat, snare drum, and bass drum.
* Real example: Student plays a simple 4/4 groove, maintaining a consistent tempo and rhythm.

Chapter 4: Fills

* Demonstrates various fill patterns to bridge sections of a song.
* Includes open fills, closed fills, and polyrhythmic fills.
* Real example: Student creates a two-bar closed fill, incorporating a triplet figure and a grace note.

Chapter 5: Grooves

* Introduces different groove styles, such as rock, funk, and jazz.
* Explains how to interpret and play drum patterns from drum charts.
* Real example: Student plays a basic rock groove, consisting of a hi-hat pattern, snare drum backbeat, and bass drum accents.

Chapter 6: Dynamic Control

* Emphasizes the importance of controlling volume and articulation on the drums.
* Teaches techniques for playing softly (PPP), moderately (MP), and loudly (FFF).
* Real example: Student demonstrates dynamic control by playing a crescendo and diminuendo on the ride cymbal.

Chapter 7: Drumming for Songs

* Explores how to interpret and play drum parts in various musical contexts.
* Includes examples of fills, breaks, and transitions that enhance the overall performance.
* Real example: Student plays along to a backing track, adapting the drum pattern to fit the song structure and melody.

Chapter 8: Practice Techniques

* Provides tips on effective practice routines, including warm-ups, exercises, and cool-downs.
* Emphasizes the importance of regular practice, patience, and persistence.
* Real example: Student incorporates a 15-minute daily practice routine, focusing on rudiments, grooves, and fills.

Chapter 9: Performance Skills

* Prepares students for live performances.
* Covers stage presence, communication with bandmates, and dealing with performance anxiety.
* Real example: Student performs a short drum solo in front of an audience, demonstrating confidence and stagecraft.

Chapter 10: Drumming Technology

* Introduces electronic drums, drum software, and recording techniques.
* Explains how to use technology to enhance drum performances and expand creative possibilities.
* Real example: Student uses a drum machine to create a programmed drum track and then overdubs live drums to complement the rhythm.