"Your sound is what you practice." So, if you practice well, you’ll sound great and vice versa. Always play with conviction! Practice because you enjoy it, not because it’s a chore. Make your practice sessions diverse and interesting by dividing them into parts: techniques, independence, play-alongs, and listening.

There are two main and easy ways to practice techniques that will also help your dynamics:

Wrist Technique

Play straight accented notes with power using just your wrists.

Exercise: On a practice pad, play 8th notes as R R R R, L L L L, R L R L, and both hands together. For 8th note triplets, play R R R, L L L, R L R / L R L, and both hands together.

Application: Rim shots.

Finger Technique

Play using only your fingers, lightly, just to let the sticks bounce off the surface.

Exercise: Practice single or double stroke rolls at a challenging tempo, increasing the speed as you become comfortable.

Application: Fast fills/rolls on the kit

How to Discover New Music for Drummers

Explore different genres and listen to new songs at least once a week. Understand your taste, broaden your musical domain, and try to grasp the rhythm of new music.

How to Practice with Play-Along Tracks

Listen to a track 2-3 times without your sticks. Understand the intent, pattern, and rhythm. Then, either follow the sheet music or write down the notes you understand. Start on the drums at a slower tempo and gradually increase it.

How to Practice Drumming with Familiar Songs

With songs you are completely familiar with, play single/double strokes or various paradiddles on the practice pad, matching the time signature of the song. This enhances your practice and listening in a fun way.

Relax your muscles before you start practicing. It is essential to practice with relaxed muscles to avoid developing bad habits or causing injuries. Take short breaks in between to rest your muscles.

Remember: “Slow it, Break it, so you’re Done with it!”

Slow Down: Practice at a much lower tempo. Start with 60bpm.
Break It: Practice one bar at a time until you’re comfortable with it. Then move to the next bar.
Combine and Speed Up: Gradually increase your tempo and combine the broken pieces until you’re done with it.

Practice with a metronome and record your sessions. Reviewing your recordings will help you introspect your technique, rhythm, and timekeeping. Counting out loud is essential as well; it improves your reading of notes and understanding of time.

Try to keep your practice as consistent as possible. Even if it is once a week for 30 minutes, stick to it and gradually increase that time. Buddy Rich said, “You only get better by playing!”

By incorporating these tips and techniques into your practice routine, you'll enhance your drumming skills and enjoy the process.