Cultivating Good Habits For Young Percussionists

 

To Begin (Matched Grip Is Suggested)

 

  1. Mark, with masking tape, the fulcrum point on both sticks.  The fulcrum point can be found by going slightly behind the balance point of the stick

  2. Mark the center of pad or drum with tape

  3. Adjust pad (or drum) to waist level and music stand to eve level (top of it at the nose)

 

Holding The Sticks

 

  1. Lie stick across the palm of hand; should follow life line

  2. Close thumb and 2nd knuckle of index finger around tape (fulcrum point)

  3. Close remaining fingers around stick.  Fingers must remain on stick for control, but not tightly.  Keep the thumb space closed

 

Preparing To Play

 

  1. Stand with feet shoulder width apart

  2. Pre-position the sticks 2” above playing surface

  3. Beads together in the center of head

  4. Be sure that the beads are even with your hands and not hanging above or below!

  5. Sticks at 80 degree angle

  6. Shoulders relaxed, fingers, wrists, and arms in a natural position

  7. Keep the backs of your hands facing upwards – not your thumbs!

  8. Keep your arms in a natural position near your side

 

Guidelines For Playing

 

  1. Shoulders, elbows, and wrists should be relaxed.  The only slight tension is in the fingers

  2. When not playing with one or both of the sticks, they must remain 2” above the head

  3. Strike the drum perpendicular at a right angle to the head

  4. Both hands must achieve a balanced sound

  5. Always count out loud

 

NOTE: All guidelines must be reinforced constantly, not just in the beginning stages!

 

General Practice Rules

 

  1. All materials should be practiced starting with a slow, strict tempo, once material is familiar, then speed it up.  Remember, no matter what speed we play at, it is expected to be very steady

  2. Always be patient

  3. Practice everything the same way you would perform it.  EXAMPLE: Do not bat left-handed in practice and right-handed in the game

 

Students Should Have The Following In Their Home Practice Area

 

  1. Mirror

  2. Practice pad or drum

  3. Good lighting

  4. Music stand

 

REMEMBER: Practicing means you are making something better, not playing things that you can already play.  That is performing!!