subject: Looking For The Right Drum Music School [print this page] If you are serious about getting a productive career as a drummer, choose the right drum school now. Sometimes, the best place to study is not the one nearest your house. If your goal is to make a living out of your musical skills, look for a vocational music school that can provide you both the artistic and occupational training.
Likewise, look into what kind of music lessons and special classes music schools offer so that you can match them to your level of proficiency. Here are the other factors to consider:
1. Age and accomplishments of the drum music school
A drumming school could be considered reputable if it is at least 5 years old. Look for awards or notable accomplishments of the school like number of successful alumni, accreditation from music societies and grants from private or public sponsors.
2. Teaching methods
If a drum music school offers free classes, try to attend one of them to see how effective its teaching methods are. You will find that schools which offer trial lessons are generally those that are proud of their teaching stable.
3. Faculty skills
Being a great musician does not necessarily mean being a good teacher. You will find many good drummers in the teaching profession, sadly some of their musical talents do not translate well as teaching talents.
While sitting in on a music class, pay attention to the critiquing skills of the instructor. An effective music teacher should be able to tell your weak and strong points. Also check if the instructor knows different types of drum music and technical aspects like tuning and setup.
4. Price
Although price is a good indicator of the quality of teaching, there are some drum music schools that impose unreasonably high fees based on the popularity of the trainers alone. Keep in mind that the teaching methods and faculty's skills are the most important.
5. Class size
How many students are there in a class? What is the teacher-to-student ratio? Know that a smaller class will develop a closer relationship between the teachers and students and will promote more personal coaching.
6. Connection with event organizers and the music industry
It is better to enroll in a drum music school that is affiliated with the music industry. These schools can provide more chances for the students to perform live outside of the school.
Location will also play a major role in choosing your music school. Schools that are located in the music hubs are more likely to offer venues in which their students can perform. The drawback is that the night scenes can distract your from studying.
7. Curriculum
A good drum music school should have the right mix of lectures, performances and hands-on experience. Lectures and drills should emphasize rudiments, motion, balance, rhythm and reading notations. There should also be a variety of genres which students can work on. Concentrating only in one genre like jazz or rock would prevent you from appreciating drum music as a whole.
8. Size of school
Larger schools open up more possibilities to meet like-minded students, instructors and professional or thriving musicians. You will also get a lot of help if you associate with people of the same interests and skills as you do. You will gain support, motivation and friends that could improve your career prospects.
