Any drummers or instructors out there?

[LauraC]

Where can I purchase background accompaniment tracks (the kind where one version includes the drums and the other doesn't?).

My son and daughter have both started playing the drumset and this could really help them.

Any info would be much appreciated!

 

[Loubon]

If you go to Google and search for Music Minus One you should find some. This has traditionally been the most popular series for musicians although I think it is mostly classical and jazz not pop. But even still, by searching for that phrase you may find others that are more contemporary.

 

[LauraC]

Thanks, Loubon! I'll check that out!

 

[skuttle]

I'll pass this on to my DH....he's a percussionist....finishing up his music ed degree and also teaches private lessons and a highschool drumline.

 

[LauraC]

Thanks, Skuttle! My kids are in 6th and 7th grade right now, but looking forward to being on their high school's drumline in the future!. It looks like you have a future percussionist in your family as well!

 

[Pinnie]

And when they get older, have them check out Drum Corp.

www.dci.org

pin

 

[LSURyan]

HI, i'm skuttle's hubby.

Check out http://www.steveweissmusic.com/catalog/
type music minus one in the search box.

Do your children understand how to read music? If so there are great drumset methid books i can recommend as well.

If there is anything else I can help you with, just ask.

Ryan

 

[mom2boys]

Ryan,
I would love some suggestions for my 1st yr 4th grader. I am especially interested in music he can play during the summer so he doesn't forget everything he has learned.

Thanks.

 

[LSURyan]

mom2boys,

I'd love to help. Are they in band class? Percussion I assume. What method book or materials do they use/have now? Are you near a college or university?

I know it's a lot of questions, I just want to point you in the right direction. Maybe you can PM me so we don't hijack this thread.

Ryan

 

[LauraC]

Hijack away, Ryan! If someone else can get use out of this thread, that's great!

My kids do read sheet music. They play the snare drum in their junior high band at school. They are currently playing Americana Overture and Marine's Hymn for a patriotic concert. My 7th grader just played the Texas Challenge at the Illinois Elementary School Association's Solo Band Contest over the weekend. The kids got a Pearl Rhythm Traveler drumset for Christmas and a former co-worker is currently giving them drumset lessons once a week, but he is not a professional. The kids' band director at school gave them some drum set sheet music from the high school pep band to practice with (Crocodile Rock - Elton John version & Go, Go, Go Joseph from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat), but it would be nice to have something with music to practice with as well. The sheet music we have for Crocodile Rock doesn't seem to match up with the version on Elton's Great Hits!

You've been a great help, Ryan... I'm checking out the web-site now!

 

[LSURyan]

LauraC

Try these from Steve Weiss.
Weckl-Ult Play-Along Lev 1 v. 1 (CD)
Houghton/Warr.-Bk 1 (CD) Essential Styles

These books come with an accomp. CD that you can here a professional play it to get an idea of the style and you can tune out the drummer to play along with the band if you will. The haughton book goes through the many different srumming styles (rock, jazz, afro-cuban, fusion etc.) the Weckl book is similar, but not as many styles.

Another thing I tell people is to play along with their favorite music or CDs that they have now. I would recomment some type of ear protection though. these are great http://www.vicfirth.com/products/headphones.html
there are less expensive alternatives though. I use ear muffs that you get from a sporting good store ($10) and little bud style head phones to plug into my walkman ($5) to cet the same effect as the $50 isolation headphones.

ryan