Sight-reading
Sight-reading is a skill that can be developed through regular practice. It isn’t an essential skill in order to be able to play an instrument, and many musicians can’t read …
The Shed
Seven Days – Sting
Approaches to Vinnie’s alternating hi-hat accents I recently had a conversation about the hi-hat accents in Sting’s Seven Days, in particular how to execute them smoothly and consistently. They provide …
Double Stroke Roll
The double stroke roll. RRLLRRLL etc. Again, try to lock in with the metronome. You can extend this by subdividing the metronome pulse differently. Quavers, triplets, semiquavers, one bar of …
Single Stroke Roll
The single stroke roll. Hand to hand, RLRL etc. Fairly simple really. Try to lock in with the metronome. You can extend this by subdividing the metronome pulse differently. Quavers, …
Brave New World
A short clip of Toyah’s Brave New World, taken from the audience while performing with her in Newcastle last year. If you are interested, the basic drum pattern is notated …
Warm Up Exercise
A short but useful warm up exercise. 8 notes per hand, then 4 per hand, 3 per hand and finally just two notes, meaning that the next time you begin …