Brian’s Music Career – Vol 4 – the challenge of the drums

Welcome to Volume 4, the final article in our ‘Yamaha Music Teacher Interview Relay’ series. While the guitar and piano often come to mind as lead instruments, we must not forget the rhythm section which is no less important! In this edition, we interview Brian about his passion for creating a good beat.

– About how long has it been since you started work in the Yamaha Music Classroom?

It’s been about one year.

-You’re in charge of the drum course there now – when was the first time you played the drums?

Well, at first I actually learned trumpet, but before I knew it I was charmed by the sound of the drums – and right on cue, my cousin came at me with ‘Hey, let’s try drumming’, so I guess that was the first time.

-What do you think your students find most interesting about learning the drums?
Well, drums are inevitably a highly physical instrument – you have to use your whole body. Everyone who likes drums seems to find this very natural aspectof the artform irresistible. And, of course, they become an indispensable part of modern rock music.

-Do you teach drums at every year level?

Yes.The Yamaha system welcomes students of varied ages- from kids as young as nine, right up to adults.

-Is there anything important to look out for when you teach somebody for the first time?

Well firstly, when I’m teaching drum performance I have to start from the absolutebasics, and progress from there. How to hold the sticks, how to actually beat the drum, how to use the wrists, posture, etc. A teacher needs to think carefully about the student’s level in order to work out the best starting point.

-With the drums, you use your left hand, right hand and both feet at the same time, but independently of one-another, right? How do you teach students how to do this?

Well, there are a whole host of techniques and exercises to help with that. To be precise – we have exercises to improve the independent use of the right and left hand, and of the hands and the feet. The particular approach I take depends very much on the situation.

-Do you have a message for anybody who’s thinking about learning the drums?

If you have ever considered getting into drum performance, you really should give it a try. Drums really aren’t a simple instrument, so you can expect a real challenge – but at the same time, you can look forward to a really enjoyable experience. We provide group lessons, if you'd prefer to learn alongside others who are at your level. Unlike an individual class, the fact that it’s a group session really takes the edge off. You get to share the learning experience with your classmates, as well as learn from each other in a relaxed environment.

Editor’s Note
This has been our Yamaha Music Teacher Interview Relay.
We spoke to four music teachers, and it wasn’t surprising to find they were all music-lovers, consummate teachers, and of course fans of the Yamaha method of learning music!
It was a real pleasure to hear them speak so passionately about their teaching experiences, and there’s no doubt that if you have a chance to learn from teachers like these, you won’t just learn about music, but will get more out of life overall.
If you’ve got some time after school, or after work, why not drop by and try something new?

YAMAHA Music Education Centre
Address: Level 2, Carnegie Central, Corner Koornang Road and Princes Highway, Carnegie VIC 3163
TEL: 1300 139 506
URL: http://www.yamahamusicschool.com.au/