I can remember having instructors throughout my life that taught strictly by the book and some that dared to break the rules so that I could understand the material. Those teachers were creative in their delivery of the information. Not sure if anyone had taught them how to do that or if it was instinctively done out of necessity. The important part is that they wanted the student to be able to understand the material regardless of how it made them look even if they weren’t speaking the proper terms or following the guidelines.

At my teaching academy I have students ranging from 5 years of age on up to 72, students with handicaps, personality disorder, etc.. I have to be able to fit the needs of each individual regardless of what I was taught. I have to figure out ways to maneuver around the obstacle and deliver the information in a way that makes sense to the youngest student at hand.

This is something we usually aren’t taught but something we gain with time and experience. Over the past 19 years I have experimented so many times with breaking down patterns, rudiments, etc.. and have seen what works and what doesn’t.

Ways to simplify the material you are teaching

As an example I will break down the standard rock groove as if I am teaching it to a beginning student. This would be assuming that the student already has an understanding of

Here is the Rock Groove in it’s entirety…

Step one

Start off with explaining the eighth note pattern on the hi hat and have the student play that pattern in time while counting either out loud or in their head.

Step two

Have the student add the foot on the bass drum on numbers “1” and “3”.

Step three

Add the snare on top of “2” and “4”. I would have them first try making it to just beat “2” to get acquainted with the snare then get them to play it out all the way.

Everything can be done in small steps. Again… How do you eat an elephant? That’s right… One bite at a time.

Remember to have patience with each student and most importantly with yourself. The most important element is keeping your cool and troubleshooting through obstacles.