Tag: technique

The Resonance Spectrum (includes Two Snare Drum Etudes)

James Christian

Resonance is a big buzzword in percussion today. Unfortunately, it is often discussed as if there is only one proper style and technique to achieve it. In the process, a great deal of music is ignored. Today I want to dismantle it a bit and show that there is a full spectrum of resonance. On one end, you have crisp, articulate playing. On the other end, you have open, resonant playing. Both approaches are necessary for different musical situations. This video showcases two snare drum etudes played with different approaches to demonstrate the variety of techniques.

You can download the etudes for your own enjoyment below. Read more “The Resonance Spectrum (includes Two Snare Drum Etudes)”

How to Play Marching Tenor Drums, Part 5 of 7: Sweeps & Scrapes

James Christian

It’s time to work on sweeps and scrapes! Check out the newest video:

 

Sweeps, scrapes, split doubles–whatever you prefer to call them, this video breaks them down in detail.  You’ll find a lot here. Learn the differences between adjacent sweeps, non-adjacent sweeps, spock sweeps, outward sweeps, inward sweeps, and push-pull sweeps.  A full transcript of the video is below, along with links to the solos mentioned.

I would really, really like to hear your feedback on this particular video.  I think the terminology descriptions have the potential to revolutionize the Read more “How to Play Marching Tenor Drums, Part 5 of 7: Sweeps & Scrapes”

How to Play Marching Tenor Drums, Part 1 of 7: Basic Movement

James Christian

Over the years, many of my students have wanted to learn how to play marching tenor drums. As much as time allowed, I would work with them individually and share the resources I had. Unfortunately, I was limited by space and time. Some of the existing resources were helpful, but students still struggled to know how to go forward on their own. Well, I saw a need and decided to do something about it. In order to multiply my impact and provide a ton of new material, I Read more “How to Play Marching Tenor Drums, Part 1 of 7: Basic Movement”

Two Drumming Myths that Are Probably Hindering You from Appreciating a Lot of Music

James Christian
two-myths-pic
“Fight between Satyr and a woman,” a sketch of Augustin Hirschvogel

This past week, I have seen several Internet comments that have made me realize just how brainwashed… um, “preconditioned” some of us are in our understanding of performances, especially as related to technique and sound quality.

I grew up in the American rudimental drumming scene, just like many of you who are reading this article.  I always enjoyed hearing other drummers’ thoughts on technique, sound quality, practice strategies, etc.  However, I did not simply listen to those from the drum & bugle corps/marching band world.  I also enjoy learning about fife drumming, pipe band drumming, Basel drumming, etc.  I have found the more you are aware of how other people do things, the less adamant you are that your way is the only right way.  (Though sometimes, a certain way is the best way for what you want to accomplish—and that is the key.)

In this article I would like to dispel two myths about percussion commonly found in American percussion education.  If you can Read more “Two Drumming Myths that Are Probably Hindering You from Appreciating a Lot of Music”