DrumKit for Percussionists

DrumKit for percussionists

Ever wanted to expand your knowledge of percussion and learn how to play in a band?

DrumKit for percussionists is a new concept in percussion tuition utilising your personal percussion instruments to give you the knowledge to bring your collection together in your own unique set up. Through hands on learning you will develop the skills to enable you to play with almost any band or with practice, even solo performances.

This course is tailored towards the individual and sessions are delivered one to one or in small groups.

We will explore how your instruments can be used together to create a unique and adaptable repertoire that can accompany most bands, DJ sets and styles of music. We will develop drum kit style technique and rhythms fused with Latin, Cuban, Brazilian and African percussion instruments to enable participants to develop their own personal flavour and feel. This is an excellent course to help develop limb independence and greatly improve your overall knowledge of rhythm and technique.

What experience level is the course aimed at? We can provide tuition for beginner to advanced / professional percussionists. (some experience of percussion is essential – this course is not suitable for complete beginners).

Example instruments / percussion set ups could be:
Bass Drum, High Hat, Conga, Shaker and Pandeiro
Cajon, Conga Bongo and Bell
Timbales, Conga, Shaker, Bass Drum

Just about any instrumentation can be used and we will work with you to create a personal development programme tailored exactly to your needs.

How do I know this course is for me?
We will be happy to discuss the course with you in detail and offer a free initial consultation to give you an idea of what is involved. Through this process you can make your own educated decision. If we / you feel the course is not suitable for your needs we will try to signpost you to a more suitable course run by us or a recommended training company.

What if i do not have the instruments available?

We have a large stock of professional instruments available for hire or for sale from Bass Drums and high hats to Cajon's and Congas to help you on your way to playing in bands and improving your percussive style.

Is this course only for people wanting to join a band?
No! This course is an excellent way to develop your overall skills and musicality as well as learning new approaches to making music and playing drums.

Who teaches the course?
After an initial meeting to discuss your requirements (via telephone or in person) we will identify the areas that you would like to develop and one of the Global Grooves team will be assigned to you as a personal tutor.

How long is the course?
After your development route and needs have been identified we will suggest several options to suite you. You may choose to have intensive development workshops over 2-3 weekends to kick start your journey, weekly short classes to suit your learning style or even 1-2 weeks intensive tuition. We can even arrange for you to play some gigs in your local area with other musicians in your chosen style.

Do you offer any other one to one courses?
Yes! We offer one to one tuition in almost every percussion instrument!

Example course fee’s, content and time scales.

Example of an Intensive weekend course.

Stage one
What?: Initial meeting and consultation.
Time Scale: Two short meetings - 30minutes - 1hr each.

Content: Through discussion and a series of informal questions we will talk about your current experience, your budget, what you would like to develop during the course, where you want to get to in few years time and what instruments / styles you would like to work with. This will inform the course content and suggest development models tailored exactly to your needs and ability.

Stage two
What?: Course development
Time scale: 1-3 days

Content: Drawing upon the information collated in the initial meeting and consultation our tutors will design 2-3 suggested development routes for you to look over and agree. During this process we will also suggest extra equipment (if deemed useful) and rehearsal venues in your area. Home learning can also be arranged. The suggested courses are not set in stone and our flexible and experienced tutors will continually review your progress and course content throughout the process and carry out an evaluation / appraisal after each hands on class. We may contact you with any additional questions or suggestions via phone or email and we will keep in communication throughout this process.

Stage three
What?: Instrumental Technique
Time scale: One day, 6-8 hours

Content: We will explore your chosen instruments over a full day studying technique, background and traditional context. Several rhythms and styles will be learnt to start to build your library of patterns and flavours. By the end of stage three you will be able to play and practice different rhythms and styles on each of your chosen instruments. Classes will be recorded along with examples played by the tutors to aid future personal practice. Notes will be provided in a format of your choice (eg grid format or traditional scores). Our tutors will continually evaluate the programme and your progress throughout the day and an informal evaluation / chat will be delivered at the end of the day to inform the next phase.

“Great material, well established and trusted tutor and support team” - Global Grooves course participant 2009

Stage four
What?: Percussion arrangements for your chosen setup
Timescale: one day, 6-8 Hours

Content: Drawing upon the rhythms, styles and techniques learnt in stage three we will put together several creative arrangements using all of your chosen instruments. Left and right hands playing different instruments and introduction of foot work for bass drums, Cajon’s etc. There will be a focus on limb independence and understanding the relationship between the chosen rhythms and styles. Throughout the process our tutors will suggest good practice tips and exercises to try after the course.

Stage five
What: Over to you
Timescale: 2-3 weeks (and ongoing practice)

Content: This is one of the most important areas of your personal development. Practice, practice, practice!! Using your notes, recordings and suggested practice tips you will be encouraged to learn the repertoire to the best of your ability so you can recall the arrangements without prompt. This will also give you opportunity to explore your new percussion style and set up to get creative and start to develop your own arrangements and flavours. Our tutors will be able to support you through this process via email and telephone should you need any help recalling any of the techniques or rhythms.If you need it we can also arrange a rehearsal venue local to you if you have neighbours who don’t appreciate percussion as much as you do!

Stage six (optional)
What?: Performance
Timescale: One day and one evening 3-5 hours.

Content: Drawing upon the rhythms learnt in the hands on classes we will bring together musicians to fit your chosen style. You will have the opportunity, supported by the musicians and your personal tutor to use your arrangements as part of a group. After rehearsals have finished and you are confident with your role within the ensemble a live performance (open or guests) can be arranged or a dry run of the material at the rehearsal venue. This will give you hands on experience of playing with a band and open up your percussion world to even more inspiration and understanding.

“The music was excellent. It was REALLY useful to see the scores, and the recordings were really useful. Really nice percussion arrangements, and lovely to hear it on the specific instruments you’d chosen” - Global Grooves course participant summer 2009

Fee’s:

Course:
Initial consultation, instrument development and percussion arrangements with distance support from tutors. (Based on 16 hours tuition and distance learning materials)

£450 one to one
£900 groups of up to 4 percussionists.

Performance opportunity:
Based on one performance with 2-4 additional musicians (depending on your chosen style),
tutor support and performance arrangements.

£350 one to one
£700 groups of up to 4 percussionists.

Instrument hire and rehearsal venues:
Please note all fee’s are quoted without room / instrument hire fee’s and options will be suggested or arranged during the initial consultation.

Study Bursaries:
We are committed to providing high quality training opportunities to the UK’s percussion community. Limited study bursaries are available at less busy times. There is a simple application process and a decision is normally made within one week.

Contact:
For further information please call: 07771923185 or click here to email us!