This masterclass covers it all – from how and what to practice to playing some of the most progressive grooves and fills imaginable. I’ve designed this masterclass to specifically answer the questions I am asked most frequently by my students, such as:
- How do I improve my limb independence?
- How do I write more interesting grooves?
- How do I learn to make my playing ‘groove’?
- How do I come up with more interesting drum fills?
- How do I use polyrhythms in my writing?
- How do I improve my consistency and dynamics?
- How to I improve my feet behind the kit?
If you have any of these questions about your own playing, you will find answers here.
The Masterclass is split into 5 modules, each covering a specific topic so that you can choose which areas to focus on. I highly recommend running through the course in sequential order though to get the most out of it and see the biggest improvements in your drumming and composition.
Module 1 – Practicing
This module covers some of the overlooked essentials to design your life around becoming a better drummer. So many drummers refer to ‘drum practice’ without actually having a practice routine in place. In this module, I’ll show you how to set up a practice routine that, when followed, guarantees to improve your abilities.
Module 2 – Rudimentary Fundamentals
We need to walk before we can run – this section of the masterclass covers some of my essential rudimentary patterns. It also helps to correct issues you may currently have with grip and comfort behind the kit. Ultimately, we want to be able to move around the kit with ease and efficiency, and spending the time working through these exercises will put you on that path.
Module 3 – Groove
Most drummers you look up to will have one thing in common – they have ‘groove‘. In this module, I’ll help you to discover and develop your natural groove using patterns and exercises that have helped me immensely.
Module 4 – Repeating Patterns & Longer Phrases
If you’ve ever listened to a TesseracT song (or a song by any modern progressive band), you’ve definitely heard a selection of repeating patterns. It’s a super-effective tool we use when composing to produce intricate and interesting grooves that sound complex, but when broken down and realized, are surprisingly easy to understand. In this module, I will teach you concepts that you can apply to your own compositions and will do this using examples and exercises from my own music as well as brand new challenging exercises designed specifically for this Masterclass.
Module 5 – Drum Fills
So many of my drum students ask for help with their drum fills, and in this module, I’ll walk you through a selection of patterns and interesting concepts you can use to create your own unique drum fills. We’ll work with linear patterns, polyrhythms, stroke-rolls, and displacement to put together some of the most amazing drum-fill combos you’ve ever heard.
Who is this Masterclass for?
This Masterclass is designed to help drummers who perhaps feel stuck creatively, who feel as though they’ve run out of ideas behind the kit. It is designed to help drummers who are looking for help improving their dynamic control (ghost notes and accents), groove, limb independence, double-kick technique, single kick technique, and compositional skills, amongst many other things.
Ultimately, this Masterclass presents a curated selection of drum lessons that my own students have found to be the most helpful in helping them overcome a multitude of creative and physical hurdles behind the kit.
How long is the Masterclass?
At the time of publishing, the masterclass consists of 30 detailed drum lessons – this is only the beginning. As I work with more and more drum students and Identify the most helpful material, I will continue to add and update the Masterclass with new lessons and modules.
Can I get additional support if I’m stuck?
If you find yourself stuck on an exercise, unable to realize a new ‘feel’ or count a new repeating pattern or drum fill – you can reach out to me for support via the JPDL Masterclass Group. Just post a comment in there, ideally with a video link to you performing the exercise, and I will respond. The community of like-minded drummers in there may also have tips for you that can help. It’s also a fantastic place to help with accountability – sticking to your practice regime.
This is an exclusive group only for Masterclass students.
Ok – this sounds amazing! How do I join?
To make absolutely sure that this Masterclass is going to help you in the areas you wish to improve, I like to set up an informal call with new students before they sign up. This is completely free and has zero obligation – it’s simply a chance for me to get an understanding of your current skill level and areas you wish to improve so that I can recommend specific sections of the Masterclass you should focus on.
I’ll also be honest – if I don’t think this Masterclass is for you – the last thing I want is for you to part with your money and to see no benefit.
If we’re both happy at the end of the call, I’ll send you a link to join the Masterclass.