[TonyIce]

Hello all, I used to post on this forum under the name Davenhurst, but have since left the band from which I took the name. Long story. Anyway, hello again to those I know already, and hello for the first time to folks who joined since I posted last. Now, to business....

I'm about to take on a student, and have never taught before. This student is 5 years old, I'm really excited by the idea of developing a creative instinct in someone so young and seeing the way they grow into their own style and expression (plus I bet there's a load of stuff I can learn, I've never had a lesson myself and I'm hoping it'll be just as exciting for both of us). I'm great with kids so I'm confident about the communication aspect, but I'm a little baffled about how to begin. I'm sure things will take shape naturally, but I want to make sure that the priority is always the enjoyment and creativity of playing, I don't want to churn out a coldly technical player.

I'm wondering if any of you can share any stories or tips - things you were taught, or the way they were taught to you that really captured your imagination and stoked your creative fire. Also if any of you teach youngsters (or any age, I suppose) and can offer tips, I'd be very grateful.

Will let you know how I get on....

[CJDG]

Kids want structure. At 5 I'd do the best you can to push the student oustide of that comfort zone when he/she seems ready. Get lesson plans ready in advance and stick to them. Expect the student to advance and ask when there is something that isn't clear. Kids love to explore and some really love to see how things tick. Maybe one lesson could be tearing down a drum and putting it back together. Show him/her why things do what they do.

Tailor it to the student... but I'd start with playing to metronome or to you clicking sticks if that helps. Work with how to properly hold sticks and switching from right to left.

I'd say start simple and keep adding. Give them one or two tasks to complete but remember that they have school and other activities as well. Give it the old college philosophy of however long the practice session is the student must spend twice that time at home working on the material.

If you don't have any material set up I'd go cruise the Library for some lesson plans. It would give you somewhere to start.

[TonyIce]

Thanks, some good ideas there. Tearing a drum down and putting it back together is a top idea.

[skinslapper]

Yeah that is good one. I'd help foster a love of music in him. Ask him what his fav songs/ groups are and examine their stuff. My teacher started with basic rudiments and beats. If he has the passion, he'll run with it.

Good to have you back btw. Shame about the band. Perhaps you'll enlighten us with that story soon,

[TonyIce]

Thanks, it's good to be back. One day I'll tell the story - it involves driving dumb routes across Europe and hardly sleeping, among other things. Everyone's still friends though, so unfortunately there are no tales of tantrums or fights. I'll make some up...

I think you're right, I'll start this kid off simply with basic beats and work rudiments in subtly. At the same time I'll try to keep it fun and let him make some noise and tear drums apart.

[CJDG]

Whew... I remember one gal I was teaching.
She was tapping the drums to the point where it was making it hard for her to keep a beat.
I keep telling her to HIT the drums.

It took about an half hour for me to drive it in that you can't be afraid to HIT the drums.

TonyIce, another way I can think of helping a student is to start with one drum. Have them see how many sounds they can make with just one drum. Once they have exhausted the possible sounds they know show them others. Stick hits, rim knocks, tapping the hardware, using hands, scracthing the head, drop your shoe on top, cover the head with some paper or cloth... whatever they didn't think of. On the next session have them use that same drum and show you what they have come up with. When they are finished add another drum. I really think this can be added to any drummer at any level. So many think that playing the drums is all about the up down of a stick with the bead hitting the center of the drum. If you have a creative person thinking in these terms it opens a whole new world of excitement to drums.

[TonyIce]

Another good one, thanks. I'm definitely keen to keep it creative, I have some more crazy ideas so I think the next step is to compile a lesson and just get started.

Keep 'em coming.