Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
Drums practice
Here is how
Drum practice is most effective when you divide your time between technique, timing, coordination, grooves, and musicality. A structured routine will help you improve much faster than just playing songs.
45-Minute Drum Practice Routine
1. Warm-up (5 minutes)
- Single strokes
- Double strokes
- Paradiddles
- Finger control exercises
- Start at 60 BPM and gradually increase
2. Technique (10 minutes)
Focus on one area each day:
- Stick control
- Moeller technique
- Finger control
- Heel-up/heel-down bass drum
- Hi-hat foot independence
Practice with a metronome.
3. Timing & Coordination (10 minutes)
Practice:
- Quarter notes
- Eighth notes
- Triplets
- Sixteenth notes
Then work on:
- Bass drum independence
- Left-foot independence
- Four-way coordination
A metronome is essential.
4. Grooves (10 minutes)
Choose one style:
- Rock
- Funk
- Blues
- Jazz
- Latin
Play the groove for several minutes without stopping, aiming for consistency and feel rather than speed.
5. Fills & Songs (10 minutes)
- Learn one new fill.
- Practice moving it around the kit.
- Play along with a song.
- Record yourself and listen for timing and dynamics.
Weekly Schedule
Monday: Technique + Rock
Tuesday: Rudiments + Funk
Wednesday: Independence + Jazz
Thursday: Groove + Fills
Friday: Speed + Endurance
Saturday: Songs and recording yourself
Sunday: Review and free playing
Rudiments to Master
- Single Stroke Roll
- Double Stroke Roll
- Paradiddle
- Double Paradiddle
- Flam
- Flam Accent
- Drag
- Five-Stroke Roll
- Seven-Stroke Roll
- Nine-Stroke Roll
Best Habits
- Practice with a metronome every day.
- Record yourself weekly.
- Play softly as well as loudly—control matters.
- Focus on making the groove feel good before increasing speed.
- Spend at least half your practice on timing and consistency.
Since you've mentioned you're interested in jazz drums, dedicate 10–15 minutes each day to:
- Ride cymbal swing patterns
- Feathering the bass drum
- Hi-hat on beats 2 and 4
- Comping with the snare and bass drum
- Trading fours over a jazz standard
For jazz, the goal isn't just technical accuracy—it's developing a relaxed, swinging feel and listening closely to how great drummers shape the music.
Performance Opportunities
We provide our students with numerous opportunities to showcase their musical talents. From recitals to competitions, we help our students build confidence and gain valuable performance experience.