As a developing drummer, it’s important to practice regularly. To build and then maintain your skills. But coming up with a drumming practice schedule can be a challenge. There are only so many hours in the day, and it can be tough to find time for drumming practice. especially when you have other commitments.
However, with that in mind, you should still have a clear set of drumming goals you want to achieve. Ans well as a good understanding of time management specific to your needs.
Goals and time management aside. There are some things you can do to make it easier to create a practice schedule that works for you. In this post, we’ll give you some tips on how to create a drumming practice schedule that fits your needs. And helps you improve your skills through persistent, scheduled practice routines.
5 Steps To Create A Drumming Practice Schedule
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How Much Time Do You Have Available?
The first step is to figure out how much time you have for practice. So take a look at your current daily routine and/or schedule. Then figure out how much time you realistically have for drumming practice. If you’re working or attending school full-time, you may only have a few hours each week for practice. On the other hand, if you’re retired or have a more flexible schedule, you may have more time available.
Ask yourself these questions:
- How far do I want to go as a drummer?
- How long would that really take?
- How many hours a day would I need to practice to get there?
Do you have an hour or more first thing in the morning to spend practicing rudiments? Do you have an hour or more in the evening that you can dedicate to your drum practice routine?
Bear in mind your drumming environment and the quiet needs of others around you. As well as the need to practice rudiments using a practice pad. In the beginning, you should devote at least 25% of your practice time to rudiment practice. 50% is better as you develop.
Once you know how much time you have, you can start planning your practice sessions.
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Decide What Goals Do You Want To Achieve With Your Practice.
It’s important to have some goals in mind before you build a schedule and before you start practicing. That way, you can better focus your practice sessions. And make sure they’re helping you achieve your goals.
For example, if you’re preparing for an upcoming gig. Your goal might be to perfect certain songs or brush up on your improvisational skills. If you’re just starting out, your goal might be to learn the basics of rock drumming or jazz drumming. But you may want to improve your general coordination.
Whatever your goals, you should get yourself a good notepad and write your goals down. It’s always a good idea to track your progress.
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Choose The Exercises That Help You Achieve Your Goals.
Once you know what goals you want to achieve. It’s time to choose the appropriate exercises that will help you reach those goals. If your goal is to perfect certain songs, then you’ll want to focus on practicing those songs as much as possible. If your goal is to brush up on your improvisational skills. Then you’ll want to choose exercises that help improve those skills.
There are many different resources available online and in drumming books. A library of books can help you find exercises that are appropriate for your skill level and goals. So it’s a good idea to build a personal library over time.
The Drum Coach has a selection of drumming books in the form of drum lessons. They take the beginner through the entire learning process. The first step is to create a rock drumming foundation. The next step is to build a jazz drumming foundation. Followed by building coordinated independence within each of that areas.
When you have selected the books and exercises you are going to make use of. And of course, made notes and records of those exercises. You can move on to the next step.
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Set Aside Time For Practice Every Day Or Week.
Once you’ve figured out how much time you have and what exercises will help you reach your goals. It’s time to set aside some regular time for practice. If possible, try to set aside at least 30 minutes per day for your main practice session. And at least 15 minutes per day for rudimentary practice.
If that’s not possible, then try Practicing for at least an hour per week.
It’s important to be consistent with your practice sessions. So if you can only practice three times per week, try to practice at the same time on those days each week. This will help in getting into a regular habit of practicing drums.
Furthermore, make sure you have everything you need beforehand. Such as water and towels nearby so you won’t get distracted by having to get up during your practice session.
Finishing touch-ups like drum tuning and putting tape or practice pads on the drums can also help. And anything else that ensures your practice session goes smoothly without interruption.
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Create A Drum Chart If Needed
Creating a visual representation of your goals can also hype you up. And keep you focused during longer practice sessions.
This doesn’t have to be an elaborate production. A simple representation image or text-based is fine. A simple reminder of where you are heading will suffice.
And if you are learning a particular song. You could use the Learn Songs Fast book method to create drum charts for each song you are learning.
Well, that about covers it. You can also use a drumming notepad, journal, or practice tracker to record and track your progress.
Make Time To Study Drumming Theory
As well as your main practice time and an allotted percentage of time for rudiment practice. You should also make time to study basic theory and vocabulary. When you are communicating with other musicians. As well as enabling you to read drum music and learn songs faster.
Conclusion
By taking the time to plan ahead and create a drumming practice schedule that works for you. You can ensure that you’ll be able to better utilize your time and hone your skills more efficiently. So you begin to reach your desired goals. Whether it’s to play perfectly in an upcoming gig. Or only for leisure with family and friends. Or your local band.
Don’t Let making a regular practice schedule overwhelm you. Because once you get into the swing of it. It will become second nature. Especially if your passion for playing the drums is really strong!
Do you have any practice schedule tips for others? Do you have a specific routine you like for any particular reason? Let us know in the comments below. Teres no need to schedule it (pun intended). Just write a quick comment below.
Thanks for listening.
The Drum Coach
