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Essential Advice on Practising

(continued)

One of Jacob's students meeet's Kenny Aronoff (acclaimed recording-studio drummer)

•  ESSENTIAL-HABIT - Once you have encountered a "challenge" (Ex. Dynamics, executing a phrase at the suggested tempo, articulation of a particular rhythm, phrasing etc.) Simply divide this "challenging" section of the music into smaller musical phrases and improve these "challenging" sections separately. Slow down the tempo and repeat theses sections until you can play them both relaxed & "naturally". Then, follow this habit by putting these "extracted phrases" back into context, in order to facilitate "musical-continuity". Ultimately everything you perform will be relaxed and "natural" both to you and your audience.

•  "PAT & PER" - (Patience & Perseverance) developmentally, progress may appear to be slow. However, working on both patience (that's patience with yourself) and perseverance, you stand to gain skills and develop the tools that will stay with you for your entire life. Look for the results of your progress weekly, rather than one second or one minute to the next.

...at Dom Famularo's (Drumming's Gobal Ambassador) home in Long Island

•  TEACHER'S ADVICE - As your music instructor, I have your best interests in mind. I will give you the advice to assist you in developing the skills, (tools), you will require for well-rounded musical development. I understand what you will need to be successful. Unfortunately, at times, some students become preoccupied with learning "Impressive Patterns or Solos" to the point that they neglect to practice the actual lesson. Remember, these "Impressive Patterns/ Solos" that are here today and gone tomorrow, will do you absolutely no good, unless you have taken the time and effort to develop the tools essential to excellent drumming technique. When "this" is our focus, then and only then, you will realize that you and I will have the necessary time to examine both a more varied and more in-depth approach to musical styles that are challenging and hence, rewarding and fulfilling to you. You will definitely be pleasantly surprised to find that you are enjoying musical styles that before, you may not have enjoyed or for that matter, were unaware existed, previously. Spending the appropriate time improving these tools are the essentials that will enable you to exceed your perceived-potential.

•  THE FUN PART - Playing repetitive "hand" or "foot-technique" exercises or reading-skills exercises are enjoyable when you understand they are guaranteed, when practised correctly, to improve you performance. First of all, make a sort of game out of the whole idea, by making everything you play, including "hand-technique" and reading exercises, sound as musical as possible by utilizing dynamics, articulation, and musicality to its highest level. For example, approach your entire lesson each and every time as if you are preparing a performance, on a weekly basis, in front of a live audience. (Your instructor) If done correctly, you'll find this to be absolutely one of the most exhilarating and fulfilling experiences.

•  ADVICE, ADVICE, ADVICE - When you have questions, ask me, email me or call me. See Contact. It's that simple!!! Following the above advice will definitely help you succeed, and after all, that's what it's all about.

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