How much experience do I need?

[George]

Hi, I just wanted to ask a question about experience.
As a late starter I've been playing for just seven years now and have managed to reach what might be termed an intermediate level in Rock, Funk, Jazz and Latin; and I would like to consider teaching at some point in the future.
In reading some of the biographies of new and existing tutors though it seems that many of you have been playing for twenty years or more and have professional experiences to go with that.
This puts me off slightly in obviously questioning my 'qualifications'. I play in a local band, unsigned and non-professional, and I cannot hope to match these experiences I'm reading about.
Should I forget about becoming a tutor? I'm committed to developing, but at thirty-seven years of age I wonder if I've missed the boat.

Cheers,
George

[simon m]

Hi

here's some advice on becoming a tutor - hope it helps.

1) If you are going to embark on a career as a drum tutor the most important thing is to ensure you have a sincere attitude towards giving information, too many drummers dabble in teaching because they don't gig enough and the student suffers - if you teach with the student as your first priority it wont matter how long or how good a drummer you have or are. (Obviously you need to have a certain level of playing, technique etc)

2) Ensure you have a top quality curriculum ie the Drumsense program.
Beginner students need some structure.

3) Be enthusiastic - it rubs off on students!

hope this helps, I've been teaching foer 15 years and i've been a Drumsense tutor for 10 and I love each minute of it !

Best

Simon M

[George]

Hi Simon,

Thanks for your reply, I appreciate the advice.

Since my earlier post I've spoken to Drumsense and received further encouraging advice, in addition to yours, to get me off the ground. The Drumsense programme sounds perfect.

Cheers,
George

[JTBrander]

thanks for the info, I was wondering the same. I have been playing for over 20 years and currently do about 140 days a year on the road. I've never tutored so I think it's time to learn how and pass on some experience. I already have the info pack so the next step is to sign up which I plan on doing soon. cheers!

[rhythmtiger]

Fellow Drumsenser's,

Marco here

I truly think what Simon says here is the best advice I've read IMO.
And he's right, playing in a band and teaching students
is a different "animal" all together.
A live or studio gig, your job their is to make the MUSIC
happen for you and your band, or producer in the studio.

He is soooooo right about some drummers who "dabble"
in being an instructor. As he points out, if the band isn't
gigging a lot, then comes the "bright" idea; "Hey,
I'll make some money teaching". Sorry, but if your
teaching to just pad your bank account, the student suffers.

Here's my advice, and it blends with Simon's

#1. You MUST have a great and sincere attitude about
actually TEACHING the Art of Drumming to students.

#2. Take a genuine interest in your students.
Ask them "how are you doing in school" ?
Especially between the ages of 8 & 18.
How they answer that ? is a barometer
of how they may behave during a lesson!

#3. Have a plan for beginners, intermediates and more
advanced players. I have all my drum set ed books
neatly arranged in that order.

#4. Make sure the parents get involved.
I like to tape my lessons, then the parents
can hear if progress is being made?!

#5. Remember, the Art of playing the drums well
is only part of the equation. To learn how to play
requires focus, relaxation, ergonomics, respect,
persistence, overcoming challenges etc etc etc.
When your student improves, that in turn gives
you the confidence to repeat the process.

And as one of my drumming associates says:
"Enjoy the process of getting there" -Steve Smith / Master Drummer
Journey / Vital Information / Clinician