Independence 1

This course will prepare you to easily play your first beat and apply simple 2-way coordination to both your hands and feet. These fundamental independence exercises will also enhance your time function and coordination.

Chad Smith

is the legendary rock drummer for the Red Hot Chili Peppers and other artists. Chad is renowned for his powerful grooves, dynamic fills, and strong funk influence, which define his signature drumming style. Known for his ability to lock in with the bass and create tight rhythm sections, Smith incorporates syncopation, ghost notes, and heavy hi-hat use, often employing open-handed techniques for greater fluidity.

Chad was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012. He also represented the National Association of Music Merchants in Washington DC as a lobbyist in support of music education in US Public Schools, and is a member of Bystander Revolution, which speaks out against bullying in schools. Chad is known amongst colleagues as one of the greatest rock drummers of all time.

Val Sepulveda is an LA based drummer, respected as a private teacher and instructor at Musicians Institute. Her style combines rock, pop, funk, and Latin. She’s was the winner of the Hit Like a Girl contest in 2013. Her first instrument was piano. She started playing drums at the age of 14, at which point she knew she wanted to play drums for the rest of her life

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This fundamental semester starts very simply, even if you have played for years, do not overestimate the importance of revisiting these basics. Just playing a simple beat, and playing it with a great feel, is the difference that often defines a drummer’s success. Many of these lessons will show you how to lead with the right or left hand. Beginning students can focus only on their lead hand, then revisits the lessons with their reverse lead hand.