Time Keeping Mode (Jazz, Pop/Rock)

Course Description:

This course is divided into four parts. Part I will focus on the development of the hands and feet within the time keeping context. It provides an in-depth exploration of various foot strokes and techniques such as: unisons, singles, doubles, sliding technique, bursts, heel-down, heel-up, leg-stroke, hybrid-strokes, feathering the bass drum and more. Students will have a chance to start practicing new concepts with the hi-hat as well and learn techniques such as: splashing, swishing, heel-toe, heel-up, heel down, step-hit, and other techniques.

This course shows the students how to understand, develop and apply the different techniques of hands and feet as they change functions according to the Pop/Rock and Jazz style of music they want to play. Interplay between snare drum and bass will be introduced, then interplay between the hi-hat and snare drum as well as other possibilities. This course takes the students through various time-keeping exercises designed to develop and strength and improve foot speed, power, and control while at the same time offering the flexibility for the use of fluidity and control with softer volumes.

The course explores various uses of hands and feet with a wide range of drumming styles, providing demonstrations and detailed explanations of some of the most basic and important hand & foot skills every drummer must have.

Learning Outcome: Upon completion of this course, students will have improved their hands & feet technical and coordination ability, speed and dexterity as well as a greater understanding of the musical function of hands & feet in relation to contrasting drumming styles. This course will also provide a significant increase in coordination, a skill that is of the most importance in chart reading and drum set reading.

Students will also have an increased awareness of feet position on the bass drum and hi hat footboards. Students will have a clear path to development of several pedaling techniques. These new musical, conceptual and technical skills combined with the understanding of how and when to use them, will translate into the student having a specific hand & foot skillset to overcome any musical challenges such as playing louder, faster tempos, as well as softer volumes, executing accents and playing in a more relaxed and creative manner.