Hi everyone,
Here are your practice assignments for this week:
Will
Recommended minutes to practice: 15-20 minutes per day
What to practice: Review the four drum beats from last week as well as the two new ones.
How to practice it most effectively: Remember to count the rhythm before you try to play it. This will help you to get it right on the first try rather than being unsure on the first attempt. After you have played the beat a number of times in a row correctly, then try to remember how the beat sounds and close your book. Try to play the same beat again but by ear rather than by reading it.
How parents can support practice: Encouraging your child to practice regularly and helping them develop a routine is the best way to be supportive.
Alexy
Recommended minutes to practice: 15-20 minutes per day
What to practice: Keep working on the 16th note beats, specifically # 5, 6, 7, and 8.
How to practice it most effectively: It is important that you can hear the rhythm of the bass drum and snare drum parts and how it relates to the 16th notes played on the hi-hat. In order to do this, make sure that you are counting in your head or out loud and maintaining a steady pulse. If you don’t keep a steady pulse then the rhythm won’t sound right to you. Also, remember to keep your left arm relaxed and play softer on the hi-hat.
How parents can support practice: Encouraging your child to practice regularly and helping them develop a routine is the best way to be supportive.
Daniel
Recommended minutes to practice: 20-30 minutes per day
What to practice: Snare drum rudiments, Xylophone lesson #2, and major scales up to 6 sharps and flats.
How to practice it most effectively: With Lesson #2, pay close attention to the rhythm of the different exercises as well as the sticking that is suggested. Ensure that all double stops are together, even if it means playing very slowly. With each exercise, start slowly, but then after doing it a few times, increase the tempo and see how fast you can play it while still maintaining accuracy. Also, remember to continue practicing your rudiments too.