One of the biggest challenges for me as a drummer is holding myself accountable during practice time. I live in a house with five other people so I don’t get a lot of opportunities to sit down behind the kit and play. Therefore I have to maximize the time I do have and get the most out of it. I’ve been keeping what I call a practice diary next to my drums. I got the idea from JP Bouvet. In it I outline what I did over the course of a practice session. I record what works, what didn’t work, and what I need to work on the next time I sit down. This serves two purposes. First, it provides me with a syllabus for my next practice session. Second it allows me to look back and see my growth. There is a saying that goes if you sound good during practice you’re not learning anything. This is true. By maintaining a journal I keep myself focused. Here are some steps I consistently perform each time I practice:
Note: I practice with a metronome
- Spend 25% on the pad going through rudiments
- Spend 25% playing new beats on the kit
- Spend 25% playing familiar beats faster
- Spend 25% playing along to music
- Work out of books periodically
