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Ethan's teaching techniques

For several years I’ve taught students who span a wide range of skill levels. It excites me to see my student’s face light up when he nails that tricky drum fill in a Skillet song or finally masters the eight-stroke roll. I look forward to seeing a student get her first acoustic drum kit or play on her youth-group worship team. These accomplishments can only happen with mastery of the basics and a commitment to practice. I can help with that.
 
I don’t rely on a predetermined teaching regimen, but, rather, develop flexible plans for students as they learn the instrument and I get to know their learning styles. I know students can quickly burn out if material is introduced too quickly, and they can become bored if they are not challenged. Therefore, I commit to listening closely to not only what my students play, but also what they say. I try to make sessions fun while ensuring my students are making progress toward their goals.

Ethan's 13 rudiments

Inspired by Vic Virth’s 40 Rudiments

Basic Rudiments

You can’t ride a bike before you can sit on the seat. Similarly, you can’t play 400-bpm blast beats before you can play these fundamental exercises.

  1. Single-Stroke Roll
  2. Paradiddle

Intermediate Rudiments

Okay, now you’re on the bike. Let’s be sure you can ride around the block with the training wheels before we take ‘em off.

  1. Double-Stroke Roll
  2. Buzz Stroke
  3. Buzz Roll
  4. Flam

Advanced Rudiments

See ya later, training wheels! Now, let’s ride up that polyrhythmic mountain.

  1. Five-Stroke Roll
  2. Six-Stroke Roll
  3. Eight-Stroke Roll
  4. Swiss-Army Triplet
  5. Herta
  6. 2:3 Polyrhythm
  7. 3:4 Polyrhythm
LEARN TO PLAY A WIDE VARIETY OF GENRES
  • Blues
  • Funk
  • Jazz
  • Jazz fusion
  • Latin
  • Reggae
  • Experimental
  • Hardcore
  • Metal
  • Rock
  • Progressive
  • Punk
  • Pop
  • Alternative rock
  • Country
  • Contemporary worship
  • Hymns
PERCUSSION INSTRUMENTS ETHAN CAN TEACH YOU
  • Drum kit
  • Electronic kit
  • Cajon
  • Djembe
  • Bongos
  • Concert snare