Entry Level
Grip and Basic Strokes
When the sticks are held the same in both hands, this is called matched grip (German or French).
When the left hand cradles the stick, this is called traditional grip.
Rebound Strokes
Full, Down, Tap, Up
A full stroke is a loud note followed by another loud note - Start high, end high.
A down stroke is a loud note followed by a soft note - Start high, end low.
A tap is a soft note followed by another soft note - Start low, end low.
An up stroke is a soft note followed by a loud note - Start low, end high.
Double Strokes (open/close)
Start with the wrist bent upwards and the stick pointing up (position 1).
Play the first stroke by bending the wrist downwards, allowing the stick to bounce up as the fingers open (position 2).
Play the second stroke by snapping the fingers closed as you pull the wrist upwards (position 1).
Keep both strokes at the same height.
Moeller Technique
Finger Control
Play the exercises in Stick Control (pg. 5, 6, 7) R = RRR, L = LLL using the fingers.
Exercise 1 on page 5 would look like this:
Foot Technique
Goals
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Demonstrate the matched grip and traditional grip in German and French positions.
Demonstrate heel up and heel down bass drum technique.
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Demonstrate full strokes, down strokes, taps and up strokes.
Demonstrate burying the beater and releasing the beater on the bass drum.
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Demonstrate double strokes using open/close technique.
Demonstrate bass drum doubles using the slide technique or heel/toe.
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Demonstrate Moeller strokes in 8th notes, triplets and 16th notes on both hands.
Demonstrate hi hat chick and splash sounds.
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Demonstrate finger control technique.
Demonstrate ankle strokes on the bass drum.