Peter has been a teacher and drummer for over 30 years.

He has been teaching with Imagine Music Inc for over 10 years.

I decided to interview Peter about drums lessons to inform anyone new to drumming what to expect.

Here is what I found out in my interview with Peter:

Jennifer: What can a beginner expect in their first lesson? And during their first month of lessons?

Peter: Fun! Learning to keep a basic beat, being able to play around the drum kit and learning the parts. The best thing is when the student learns the four basic beats to play in a band and ultimately can play to recordings.

Jennifer: Do you need to practice and How much time should you spend practicing?

Peter: Practice is necessary to improve. When you get better it becomes more fun as you can do so much more! Depending on your age, practice should be 20 – 30 min. a day for 4 days a week. As I said, the more you practice, the better you get, and the more fun it is!

Jennifer: I am often asked “Should we buy or rent?”

Peter: Renting has become very popular. Electronic kits and acoustic kits can be rented monthly. Electronic kits are much easier on parents and the neighbour’s ears. 😊 To rent first is a great option especially for the young student who might start on a small drum set and move into a bigger drum set. It’s also a great option if you aren’t sure if the student will really like the instrument.

Jennifer: Are there different sizes? What do you need in a drum set?

Peter: Acoustic kits can be of various sizes. Electric kits are usually a standard set up: three tom pads, a snare drum pad, a kick pedal pad, ride cymbal, crash cymbal and hi hat.

Jennifer: What is the most challenging part of learning the drums?

Peter: Anyone can learn to play the drums. However, everyone’s skill level can be different. It really depends on the student. The more a student practices or plays, the better the student becomes. It’s like a sport, the more you put in, the more you get out.

I started playing the drums as I thought it looked interesting to do. I still think so

Quote from Peter
– Imagine Music Drum Teacher

In more than 30 years as a piano teacher, I have taught students with different physical and mental abilities, learning styles, and musical tastes.

In my opinion, music can be learned, played and enjoyed by anyone; all that is required is hard-work, perseverance and dedication!

Here are 3 GREAT TIPS as you learn to play music:

Use a
Metronome

No matter what level you are at, using a metronome can be a useful tool. Playing in time and understanding the feel of rhythm is satisfying. Most students using a metronome for the first time get frustrated by it; often it is because they are out of time. The constant ticking can be irritating and confusing, but believe me, nothing is more satisfying when you master playing with a metronome. As a teacher, I’ve heard a lot of incorrect rhythms, but it amazes me how students can instinctively know when they are in or out of time. Tricks like writing in the counting, counting out loud, and clapping will help you play the rhythms in time. Eventually, you may hear and feel the rhythms instead of having to mechanically count it out.

Playing scales, triads and arpeggio exercises may seem boring to some but these exercises have so many benefits for the fingers and body in general. Focusing on how your body and your fingers move correctly can teach you how to play with accuracy and minimal stress to the body. Using the metronome and playing technical exercises can elevate your musicianship with the ability to play faster and with better control.

Read Notes and

Get to Know Chords

Some students read a little music, some read quite well, and some play-by-ear who don’t read at all. I believe that learning how to read notes is a great asset. It opens your world to music that maybe too hard to learn by ear. I personally love learning arrangements by other musicians, taking their ideas and incorporating them into my own playing. A good piece of sheet music outlines notes, harmony and chord structure and shows you how these ideas were formed!

Learning music is exciting and never gets boring. To kick your playing up a notch, give one, or all three tips a try. If you are struggling, ask your music teacher to help.

Think Music,

Jennifer Aumentado

Owner & Director

I love spring. It is always a time for new ideas and fresh starts.

Imagine Music Inc. is celebrating its 25^th year in business. It’s time for a refresh. It’s time for new growth.

As I think of what makes us successful, I remember all the Imagine Music families over the years. Many of our students continue to play and enjoy music well past university. We call this success! We even have generations of families take lessons from us. We’re proud of these outcomes in the last 25 years.

I reflect on where we are now, and the community of musicians we are now coaching toward musical growth and maturity. 2019 will continue to bring many influences on our youth. However, my hope for our students is to use music as a healthy outlet, just as I see our adult students playing music for relaxation and mind strengthening.

The refresh towards growth always starts with some small idea that, under the right conditions, blossoms into potential. We are excited to reveal both our new website and our blog “Think Music”. Our solid commitment remains the same.

Our business continues to positively coach and influence our students to

“Think Music” as a part of their life.

I love this the most about our business,
Jennifer Aumentado