When I sit down to practice, I warm up with rolls and basic rudements for 20-30 min.(I do this to loosen up). At this point I select the songs I need to practice and want to learn. I choose my selections keeping in mind the techniques, fills, and time signatures that I need work with to stay sharp and in time. I'm currently in between bands so I use my Zune Mp3 and a set of good headphones to play along with the music. I play the same 'practice set list' every day. I started out small with two songs by the same artist and I'm now playing 10-12 songs by several different artists. My practice time ranges from 2-3 hours a day. I won't add new songs to my list until I've mastered the ones I'm learning. For fun, when
I hust want to jam, I have a multitude of songs and artists that I've already learned and know how to play. This type of 'jam practice' keeps me in tune with the songs I've been playing for years. Not to mention, it also gives me an opportunity to create my own fills or elaborate on existing fills to freshen up an oldie but goodie. Any comments or questions? Drop me a line.
It sounds like you are looking for suggestions on how to pracice. How about working on new rhythyms and independence exercizes? This could be different stlyes of playing as well, ie latin, jazz, fussion.Some of what you learn doing other styles can also be incorperated into your rock playing as well. You might some of this material in drumset method books. I find that if you play new rhythyms and develop more independence you can express yourself in more creative and interesting ways. These kinds of things tend to be difficult and many drummers don't want to practice them. Well, what do you think? Ciao Joe
I have worked more on sticking exercises that sometimes also include rudiments and they often have accents in different places. I also work on mohler and I guess yes some rudiments and other technical exercises. With students, I work the double stroke a lot. They are all begginers. There are some sticking patterns like (RLRLRRLL) that I use in swing, brazillian, funk or whatever and its not really a rudiment. I do the single stroke some as I want to improve on that. Oh well, just some more ideas! Hope something is usefull to someone, Joe
Drum Practice
Linear Mode
