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what is gottaDRUM:
gottaDRUM.com was developed for gottaDRUM students or those seeking drum lessons in the Chesterfield, Virginia area; however, the site may be beneficial to anybody. If you do find this site useful or have any comments, feel free to contact gottaDRUM at info@gottaDRUM.com.
Barry Stewart offers private lessons on select week nights and currently has a few openings. He has been playing drums for about 16 years and has been teaching drums for more than 8 years. If you are interested in becoming a student, feel free to contact him at barry@gottadrum.com. gottaDRUM also provides drum tuning services at an hourly rate - See Technical Page to learn more.
Barry currently plays drums for an exciting Richmond based classic rock band called Uncharted Waters, was the praise band drummer for Iron Bridge Baptist Church for seven years, occasionally plays drums for a Richmond-based Christian band called Offering, and played drums on Offering's Christmas CD Comfort and Joy.
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NEW!! gottaDRUM has sucessfully launched a new practice incentive tool called the gottaDRUM Reward and Recognition Program. This program is a great way to help students remember to practice and come to their lessons prepared. Also, it is a convenient tool for parents to stay involved and to track their child’s progress and accomplishments. The program awards total points based on weekly practice time and lesson performance of assigned material summarized on the gottaDRUM Lesson Plan. Progress is tracked in the gottaDRUM Practice Log. As points accumulate, the student can “cash” them in for some really cool prizes.
Getting Started!
Drums are one of the least expensive instruments to try out. All you really need is a pair of sticks, mouse pad, and a desire to learn - $8.00 maximum assuming the mouse pad is free. Of course if you "stick" it out, you will want to upgrade to a practice pad, snare stand, music stand, and beginner books - $74.00 to $108.00. Learn more about getting started by clicking on "more" below. Also, visit the Resources and Equipment pages for more details on the start-up cost.
Drum Stick Anatomy
Getting started may be simple, but those little hickory slivers of wood are quite complex. Learn about the differert parts of a drum stick as well as the basic types available.
Internet Features!
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Drums in Slow Motion - WOW:
See how much drum heads and cymbals bend in this extremely wild video.
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Drum Tuning:
It is not nearly as hard as you think. Lean the basics at these really useful sites.
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Practice:
Beginners should practice at least 5 times a week for 25 minutes minimum. More advanced playing will need to increse the minimum practice time to 45 minues. Anything less and you are cheating yourself.
Special Notice to Current Students:
There are four (4) lesson Mondays and five (5) lesson Tuesdays in October. NO LESSONS on Monday October 15. Payment is due the first lesson day.
There are four (4) lesson Mondays and four (4) lesson Tuesdays in November. Payment is due the first lesson day.
Lesson Focus: Grip
Having proper grip technique and wrist control is one of the most fundamental elements in drumming. Click on the photo for gottaDRUM advice. Also, go to the Basics Page or select "more" below for additional details:
Lesson Focus: Counting
If you want to get and keep a job as a drummer, you need a good clock. Counting will help you build it! Click on the photo for a gottaDRUM exercise. Also go to the Technical Page or select "more" below:
Lesson Focus: Rudiments
Knowing basic drum rudiments is essential if you want to execute those really tough parts. Click on the photo for a printable list of the 40 International Rudiments. Also, go to the Basics Page or select "more" below:
Lesson Focus: Practice Log
Forgetting what you practiced the other day or need an accountability tool? How about using a practice log? Click on the image for the gottaDRUM log sheet or select more below to learn what others say about the subject:
Lesson Focus: Parts of the Drum Set
Knowing the name of the basic components of the drum set is essential if you want to communicate with others. Click on the photo for a printable diagram or select more below for additional information.
Lesson Focus: Overplaying with Rita Moreno and Animal
What is over playing? Watch Animal demonstrate the classic mistake drummers have been known to commit.
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