Here you go!

Practice tips and thoughts to help you when you next sit down behind the kit.
PLUS a Video to help you get practice done - even if you’re busy!

Ok, let’s get started.

 What, How and most importantly WHY

I hear a lot from people “I SHOULD practice” or “I WANTED to practice but I didn’t know WHAT to do”.

Below are some suggestions of things to practice but before you pick one, ask yourself WHY?

WHY are you practicing? WHAT is it you want to get better at?

 
THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN YOU PRACTICE:

 

*Practice SLOWLY and INTENTIONALLY

If you rush the process, a few things can happen – you can learn whatever you’re studying wrong or include mistakes without realising.

It will take you LONGER! If you never get to see where the mistake or where the hard bit is due to rushing, chances are you will not realise what bit is tripping you up. It almost always isn’t the whole thing but a particular aspect. We need to find that to make it better.

 

*Count out loud

If something is tricky it can really help to find out where exactly you’re having a hard time. Counting is so valuable because you will be able to uncover what part of the bar you find hardest. Counting can also help to keep you in time.

 

*Break your practice session into chunks to keep you motivated

I don’t know about you but without a plan a practice session can just turn into a free hour of mindlessly jamming along to songs. Now, there is nothing wrong with that at all! BUT if you want to progress then you also need to include different topics to look at in your sessions.

 

*Practice shouldn’t sound good!

You are working on something you can’t yet do, its ok for it to sound that way too!

 

*Think of it as a marathon not a sprint

Keep going, be consistent and you’ll get there. It really all adds up so even 5 minutes here and there will make a difference over the space of a few months.

 

SOME AREAS TO PRACTICE:

 

Rudiments

Time Keeping

Songs

Groove variations

Co-ordination

Fill ideas and solos

Hand Speed

Feel and dynamics

Different styles

Sight Reading

Improvisation

Linear grooves and patterns

The scope of what to practice can feel limitless – and sometimes having this much choice can hinder rather than help. If you feel this way, take a break, remember why you started and your top priority in what you want to achieve.

Always follow what feels good, trust your instincts in what you want to explore, also trust and be guided by your teachers.

 

Lastly, here are 6 practice tips for busy people. ENJOY!