7.2 Tips for A
Radiant Drum Practice

Find JOY in your practice

Sometimes, it can be frustrating, especially if you are learning a new rhythm, or technique. It is important to remind ourselves, especially when we feel these frustrations, to take a moment, breathe, and find JOY in what you are practicing, even it if brings up those feelings of frustration. Drumming is a fun and nourishing ARTFORM that has been used for thousands of years in cultures all over the world, drumming is NOT a stressful activity

YOU are the best drummer; Do not compare your playing to ANYONE

I remember when I was a little girl playing flute in band, I would always say to myself “oh, that girl is better then me because she is a grade ahead of me and has had more time to practice”. These kinds of silly comments we tell ourselves lead us no-where! You are the most perfect drummer, right where you are. Please do NOT compare yourself to anyone, just know that you are on the path to grow, and enjoy the moments as they unfold in rhythm….

Start where you are, every stroke counts

We are all born with natural talents, but we all must start where we are. Give yourself realistic weekly and monthly goals with your drumming practice. I also like to keep a drumming journal, where I log my metronome markings and rhythms that I have been playing. And if your very adventurous, you can also keep an audio log, where you record yourself playing. The joy with doing an audio log is that you can go back and listen, and really hear how you have improved through having a committed practice routine.

Give yourself something to work towards

Human beings are funny creatures. Most of us need a goal for us to get something accomplished. For me, I find that I work best when I have a deadline. If I do not have a deadline, it could take me forever to compose a piece I have been hearing in my head, or figure out a new technique combination. Set yourself a realistic goal, something that will make you feel good. For example, set up a small performance for your loved one or family.

Set aside focused, practice timeHow can you improve in your playing if you do not practice? I realize that we all do not have the luxury of practicing 4-6 hours a day, but I do believe we can find 30 min, at least every other day to practice. If you want to grow as a percussionist, you MUST practice, its pretty simple and clear. The time you spend looking at your friends Facebook friends status’s, you could be practicing. And, if while your practicing, your thinking about something else, you are not really practicing, focus, focus, focus!

 Have a music ONLY designated area in your house

If you create a music only room, you will find that you will have much more creativity flow and focus in your drumming practice. Try not to practice in your bedroom, the coolest thing about drumming is that it can be very portable, so if you do not have an extra room to practice in, go outside and sit under a tree to practice. Keep it simple and focused!

Listen. Listen. Listen.

Open up your ears and listen. What does it mean to listen? Do you hear the birds sing? The dogs bark? The wind howl? Spend a few minutes each day listening and see what you can hear. Enhancing your listening skills will help you become a better drummer. Especially in hand drumming, we are connected to every single note that we play through our fingers, and the more you focus on hearing the subtle sounds, the better player you will be. Keep it simple, focused and LISTEN.

Wish to Drum?

I’d LOVE to help you!

Marla offers drumming lessons worldwide via SKYPE. She currently has a network of students in Europe, Canada, Japan and the USA. Please contact Marla for more information, discounted lesson packages available. MORE INFO: marla@marlaleigh.com, https://marlaleigh.com