My Approach To Exams
I am excited to share my approach to graded drum kit exams with you. My main objective is to make the learning experience enjoyable and fulfilling. In this article, I will discuss my thoughts on graded drumming exams, my system, and how I integrate exams into my lessons.
Setting the Rhythm: Understanding the Purpose of Grades
Before diving into the details of graded exams, let's explore their purpose. Graded exams serve as structured milestones, offering a roadmap for your musical journey. They provide a tangible way to measure and celebrate your progress, ensuring a well-rounded development of technical prowess and musical expression.
Consider taking graded exams if you're a drummer seeking a guided path to improvement, a tangible benchmark for your skills, and a means to explore diverse musical genres systematically. It's an ideal avenue for those who thrive on challenges and crave a sense of accomplishment in their rhythmic pursuits.
Trinity College London Grading System: A Trusted Framework
My drumming curriculum is based on the Trinity College London grading system. This system offers a structured and comprehensive framework for drummers to progress through different proficiency levels. This system's flexibility and diversity align perfectly with my commitment to tailoring lessons to each student's musical preferences and aspirations.
Here is a link to Trinity’s website to learn more information.
Two Paths, One Beat: Classical/Jazz and Rock and Pop
Trinity offers drummers two paths: Classical/Jazz and Rock and Pop. The Classical/Jazz course is more challenging and packed with content, while the Rock and Pop course is slightly easier but still as rewarding. It's worth noting that the name "Classical/Jazz" can be misleading since the curriculum includes music from all genres, ranging from Funk to Reggae and everything in between. It's named as such to fit the syllabus structure of other instruments. At the end of the day, it's all about finding the rhythm that resonates with you!
Here are two links to Trinity’s website, where you can find more information about exams:
Nine Grades, Endless Possibilities
The Trinity system for drumming has nine grades that act as milestones from the Initial grade to Grade 8. The best part is that you don't have to follow a fixed path! If you feel that you have already honed your drumming skills and are proficient enough, you can skip grades and jump to a higher one.
One Grade at a Time: The Path to Mastery
While it's tempting to race through the grades, I recommend taking it steady – one grade per year. Each grade's curriculum and skill sets are meticulously crafted to be mastered over a year, ensuring a solid foundation and long-term success. Rushing through might harm your drumming evolution and lead to unsatisfactory results.
Grades as Milestones: A Pedagogical Perspective
In my teaching philosophy, grades represent the final test in a specific musical study area. When I recommend a particular grade for a student, it's because they've mastered the technical aspects and possess a deep understanding of the musical nuances embedded in the exam repertoire.
Timely Progress: Completing Grades in 10-12 Weeks
To keep the process engaging and enjoyable, I aim to complete each grade within 10-12 weeks. This ensures that the student progresses steadily without feeling overwhelmed. It's a balance between efficiency and musical enjoyment!
Trust the Expertise: My Role in Your Drumming Journey
As your guide in this rhythmic adventure, I reserve the right to recommend a grade that aligns with the student’s skill level. Trust my judgment – it's founded on years of expertise in drumming pedagogy. Together, we'll create a harmonious learning experience tailored to your unique musical goals.
March to the beat of your own drum: The Optional Nature of Grades
It's crucial to emphasise that graded exams are not a mandatory checkpoint for your success as a drummer. They are entirely optional in my teaching approach. Reflecting on my youth as a drumming student, major grading companies didn't even include the drum kit as a designated study area. Surprising, isn't it? And here's the kicker – not completing graded exams hasn't had any adverse effects on my career or skill development.
Your drumming journey is as unique as your rhythm, and the absence of graded exams does not diminish the value of your musical skills. The focus is on nurturing your passion, honing your skills, and enjoying the adventure of learning drums. Whether you choose to pursue graded exams or not, rest assured that your path to drumming excellence is a personalised, flexible, and ultimately fulfilling one. Let's drum to the beat of your aspirations!