Lessons – School of Percussive Arts

Symphonic Snare Drum Focus
Students can focus on symphonic style technique, which is also called closed style. This style is most often used in symphonic band, orchestral, and chamber ensemble music settings. Students will develop and master a smooth, clean closed (buzz) roll. This style utilizes a lighter touch than marching band and drum corps styles. Students will learn to interpret notation and master this style through exercises, etudes, and solo literature. This style is used for all regional, district, county, all state, scholarship, military band, and collegiate auditions.

Rudimental Snare Drum Focus
Students can focus on rudimental style technique, which is also called open style. This style includes all drum rudiments. This style is most often used in marching band, drum line, and drum corps settings. Rudimental drumming has a rich history with roots dating back to the 15th century, in Basil, Switzerland. Rudimental drumming is also the foundation on which all other styles are based. Students will develop and master a smooth, clean open (double-stroke) roll. This style utilizes a stronger touch than symphonic style. This style often includes “visuals”, which include stick and drum-on-drum visuals. Students will learn to interpret notation and master this style through exercises, etudes, and solo literature.

General Snare Drum Focus
Most students begin with a focus on the fundamentals of drumming, which will apply to anything that can be played with sticks or mallets. This is the best place to start for all drum set players as well as snare drummers. Students learn to produce a good sound on a snare drum using smooth, controlled and consistent strokes. The General Snare Drum Focus includes the fundamentals of open and closed styles.