Drum Studio
Through an inspired, supportive, and encouraging setting, all students will receive an educational perspective based on the history of the instrument, its development through various traditions and a clear understanding of its place and role of the musician in the art form of creating making. Synchronous musical and technical approaches to performance will be at play throughout lessons with a clear focus on creating music as an informed, contributing, and collaborative member of any given musical situation.
With musicality at the forefront, development of repertoire, historical knowledge, technical proficiency, compositional soloing approaches, and all related levels of artistry will be at play in the learning experience. An unbiased exploration and understanding of various styles will be a part of study. Varied concepts, techniques and approaches to the drum set tradition will inform a clear trajectory in individual development based on the students’ needs and desires.
Honest, respectful, and direct learning exchanges can be regularly expected. Curiosity, commitment, and humility in the learning environment are highly recommended. Ego will be checked at the door and not tolerated in the creative, vibrant, and healthy learning space.
Regular assessment will be made based on workflow, commitment, and progress over the course of the year. Consistent professionalism, respect and preparedness are all of the greatest importance for successful results.
Outcomes to be expected include proficiency on the instrument; technical and musical proficiency; knowledge of history and traditions; independent thinking and approaches to performance; development of personal expression and identity through the instrument; understanding of supportive and lead role dynamics in a group; development of feel and groove; professionalism; successful planning, self-regulation, self-driven learning; achievement of goal-based outcomes; inspired artistic, creative approaches to music; etc.
Audition for Drums
In a comfortable and relaxed environment, students will be encouraged to demonstrate their understanding of the following concepts, which may include but are not limited to:
- Traditional Swing Feel in 4 (slow, mid & up tempos over a 12-bar Blues form)
- Traditional Swing Feel in 3
- Wire Brush - Keeping Time (ballad, medium tempo, up-tempo)
- Straight 8th Feel - in 4 and in 3
- Odd Time Signatures (choice of student)
- Groove Playing - Funk, R&B, Fusion, Rock, Pop, Metal, etc.
- World Grooves - African, Brazilian, Cuban, Caribbean, etc.
- Basic Site Reading - (Rhythmic lines for drum set)
- Basic Chart Reading - (Drum set chart)
- Snare Drum Study - (Military or Classical study reading)
- Rhythmic Recognition and Repetition - (performed in a call and response manner)
- Demonstration of Basic Rudiments - (using both sticks and brushes)
Discussion/Interview – Students can expect to briefly discuss their familiarity or competency with other instruments played as well as their knowledge of theory. In order to understand the overall perspective of the student, questions about historical knowledge of the instrument and any figureheads of the instrument may be asked.
All auditions are held in person. A hard copy or digital copy of all prepared materials such as snare drum studies, grooves, charts, excerpts, and such, must be provided at the time of the audition.
Online or remote auditions can be held over Zoom or by arranging in advance in certain exceptional circumstances with the advance permission from the instructor. A suitable technical setup is expected for the audition process to be effectively carried out. This also applies to any pre-recorded Video Submissions, which must be pre-arranged and discussed with the instructor. Performances with groups may also be included however the prospective student must be in clear view and clearly heard on the video and audio submission.
If you have questions or wish to set up an audition, please contact us at music@StFX.ca.
