I often wondered whether I had the co-ordination to be able to play the drums. When songs came on the radio/my iPod etc. apart from singing along I would also tap along and pretend I was playing the drums...obviously not while I was driving (OK...maybe at red lights).
So, I thought I would test myself and give myself a target...an exam!
I decided to have a few lessons last year but had to stop due to being unwell. However, before I stopped I did find that I actually do have enough co-ordination to play the drums. In January this year I decided to take the lessons up again. I started sight-reading. I found that reading drum music was much easier than piano.
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| Sheet music for Chain of Fools |
After starting lessons, my drum teacher, Gareth, suggested that I was good enough to take the Grade 3 exam - YES! My favourite number! Gareth got a set of pink coloured sticks from the US and he gave them to me. What a guy!
I've now had about 6 or 7 lessons this year and below is a video of where I'm up to skill wise now.
I've now started learning my favourite song by The Kinks - All Day and All of the Night.
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| Sheet music for All Day and All of the Night |
I also have to learn a free choice piece. Gareth has said he could notate one of my songs - it would be so amazing to play one of my own songs in an exam.
Gareth gave me the option to do the exam in July or in December. I opted for December to give myself enough time and confidence to perform in an exam environment.
Gareth is a fantastic teacher and luckily for me he's local. I would thoroughly recommend him. However, he currently has no space for any more students. He could always put you on a waiting list if you're interested in learning.
I bought my Dad a lesson for his birthday and he really enjoyed it.
Check out www.proplaymusic.co.uk. You can find his contact details there.
