CV or Resume: Which one do you use?

What is the difference between a CV (curriculum vitae) and a resume? In this post I want to discuss the major differences between a CV and Resume and show you an example of each. As a student, I think it is very important to have an updated resume. You will need to use a resume for grad school auditions and job interviews. It also comes in handy when you apply for scholarships at your university or to PASIC. Keep all of your programs and try and update your resume at least twice a year (Summer and Winter Break). The main difference between a CV and a Resume is the length...

“Do I really need to learn Snare D...

Originally posted on DrumChattr.com on March 29, 2011. The short answer is YES!! The 40 Standard American Drum Rudiments are a set of short patterns that are essential in building technique. Rudiments on snare drum are like scales on marimba. Over the past couple of months, I have been thinking a lot about how to incorporate rudiments into the college curriculum. It is almost assumed that by the time a percussionist gets to college, they already know their rudiments, but I have been finding that most students don’t know their rudiments as well as they should. I...

Open your Mouth

“Music to me is like breathing—I don’t get tired of breathing, I don’t get tired of music.”- Ray Charles At the end of last semester, I had an “ah ha” moment during the final lessons with a couple of my students. You never know when you are going to have one of these moments and I want to share it with you and get your thoughts. Have you ever sat in an audience in a recital and started to feel uncomfortable about the performance on stage? Other than the occasional memory slip or stick drop, I think we have all experienced this moment (some more than others). We all know,...

How Do You FInd New Music?

For most college students, it is the beginning of the Spring semester. (Only 4 months until summer!!!) It is also time for a lot of recitals. One question I get a lot during this time is “where do I find a solo/chamber piece for my recital?” I have a lot of suggestions that I give my students, but I would like to also find out where the DrumChattr community finds new music or repertoire. Check out my resources below and then add a comment in the Chattr Section and let me know if I missed anything. 1) Colleagues and Teachers – When ever I am looking for new repertoire, I...

Ensemble Rehearsal Considerations

Ten Things I Wish I Knew Going into my First Ensemble Rehearsal (better known as “Ten Things All My Students Better Know At Their First Ensemble Rehearsal”) During the past couple of weeks, school ensembles have been performing their first concerts of the academic year. As percussionists, we are required to know how to play a vast array of instruments as well as the techniques that are associated with them. Young percussion students who are studying with a private instructor usually study marimba, snare drum, drum set or timpani. Ensemble playing techniques...

Metronome Strategies for Improving your ...

By now, I am sure you know the importance of practicing with a metronome. As drummers/percussionists we are supposed to have good time. But, do you just practice with your metronome or do you interact with your metronome during your practice session? It is my belief that most people use their metronome as a listening devise and I want to advocate the use of a metronome as an accompaniment partner. In this article, I will describe the two ways we use a metronome and offer exercises to help improve your timing while using a metronome. There are many different metronomes and...

Tick Tock – iPhone Metronome Revie...

Everyone knows how important it is to use a metronome as part of your daily practice routine. There are many sizes, shapes and models of metronomes available on the market ranging from $15-$170. I am sure everyone is familiar with the Roland’s Dr. Beat and Tama’s Rhythm Watch. Today, I am going to review 3 metronome applications for the iPhone/iPod Touch. Make sure you leave your recommendations, thoughts and comments in the Chattr Section. The three metronome applications I chose to review are: 1) Metronome – Free 2) Metronome iTick – Free 3)...