How To Motivate Your Drum Students???

I just don't get it these days. There's so many things to learn. You know, I teach drums and I gig a lot, but I'm still a student of the instrument and the history. I guess some students just don't have the passion for it.

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Originally posted by Drum Counselor:
I just don't get it these days. There's so many things to learn. You know, I teach drums and I gig a lot, but I'm still a student of the instrument and the history. I guess some students just don't have the passion for it.

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<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">It's the culture of "instant gratification." Just look at the "what should I buy questions" you get on most boards these days. I'm sure you, like me (and probably everyone else on this board) actually enjoys doing the research, no matter what the purchase - get out and try those double pedals, hit some cymbals, roll some sticks on the counter and play them on a pad, buy one of a new head you haven't tried before, and go and hit some drums. But from kids you just get - "Iron Cobra or DW5000, which should I buy?" or "tell me what cymbals to buy for heavy rock" or "recommend a DVD that'll teach me everything I need in one weekend." It drives me crazy. No-one wants to think any more.

Bah. Getting old and turning into my father... [img]rolleyes.gif[/img] [img]frown.gif[/img]

Hey moosetication!!!

Well said!!!

<font color="#a62a2a"><font size="1">[ April 24, 2005 08:40 AM: Message edited by: Drum Counselor ]</font></font>

<font color="#a62a2a" size="1">[ April 24, 2005 08:43 AM: Message edited by: Drum Counselor ]</font>

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"what should I buy questions"

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<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Well, as one who just asked a similar question (trying to find a good relatively inexpensive set) -- I have to say that (to me) it isn't at all about instant gratification -- nor about not getting out there doing research -- but in trying to pick the brains of people who are very knowledgeable and actually have the experience with the product. It seems to me that that is part of research.

[img]eek.gif[/img]

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Originally posted by MRhet:
Well, as one who just asked a similar question (trying to find a good relatively inexpensive set)...

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<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">I consider yours to be of a different type. You were asking questions as part of your research, because you don't have stores nearby, and wanted as much advice as possible before making the trip. There's a world of difference between that and what I was talking about. Moreover, you take part in conversations and offer your own experience where you can (like Suspiria's e-drum thread).

Cool. [img]cool.gif[/img]

Cause I really like and appreciate getting schooled by people with good experience and knowledge.

This board has many such folks!

I generally teach adults, or folks who have gone as far as they can on their own.

I recently I received an e-mail from someone wanting a "crash course" in drumming. Follow up revealed that they wanted an "intensive" course. I told them that this took time and attention, and that while I could be as intense as they could stand, they probably would not be Dennis Chambers in 3 easy lessons.

They didn't follow up.

Darn.

Ha ha

But seriously folks, all seriousness aside...

I find a pistola to the forehead works quite nicely...that is until they show back up with their gangsta-thug-rap posse armed to the teeth with Machs, Glocks, & AKs... [j/k - I jest]

Just put a picture of the Drew Carey Show's female office co-worker/Drew's arch-nemesis in front of them, & politely inform them that if they don't practice their rudiments & rhythms hard to become a drummer in a band, their GF will end up looking something like this... [I jest yet again, no off intended to Drew's office co-worker]...

[Total Smack-talk Social Breakdown & disregard for tact & diplomacy]...

<font color="#a62a2a" size="1">[ April 25, 2005 06:37 PM: Message edited by: got_a_matchgrip? ]</font>

Just when I think the artist formerly known as Fuse can't get any wackier, he comes up with something like this...I love it! Don't ever leave man, you make this place go round [img]cool.gif[/img]

G.A.M.G

I prefer the old, "do this or I'll kill you" approach. Toss a few tattered bodies about the practice room, wear a "Silence of the Lambs" mask, and call all your students "clarice" They won't swat a fly from their noses while performing rudiments on the snare [img]wink.gif[/img]

But seriously.....

"The Vegitables and Dessert" aproach thing I think is the way to go. Plus.... I'm sure you have some "star" students young and older. Take a video of them and show it to your "lesser" students as to what they could achieve. Then you can get into the "talk" about the importance of fundamentals.