frozen octopus

Month two of the focus on one drum rudiment plan is here. Last month I moved From Random Linear to to Monthly Pattern. I'd been generating a random linear drum pattern but decided I was practicing often but probably wasn't getting very deep into a pattern.

The focus on the six stroke roll was good. I am definitely a lot faster at that pattern. I never played it at a show but my hands feel noticeably stronger. All those RR LL is a good workout for sure.

June is the Seven Stroke Roll. Let's go!

I like this rudiment already because it sounds like the intro of Janie Jones by The Clash.

( ^ _ − )b

I went to the practice space last night for a couple of hours to practice two things. The first is the drum pattern I am working on, and the second is the art of messing up.

The way I rehearse a drum pattern is to play the drum pattern. The way I rehearse messing up is to not stop playing. You keep your hands moving and your drum your way back to what you want to play. Practicing recovery is a crucial skill. If you can get back on track, it comes off as “wow” instead of “I can’t believe they messed up”.

So I don’t stop and start over at rehearsal. If a stick flies out of my hand, practice grabbing a new stick. If a drum fill is borked, then you practice getting back to the beat.