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Lesson time: (4min 8sec)
How to read and interpret full-kit notation across styles, eighth-note rock, sixteenth-note funk, triplet shuffle, jazz and odd-time grooves, so you play the right feel from the page.
This lesson is part of the course Rockschool Drums Grade 6
Watch a preview of the full course below.
Lesson transcript:
In what I would like to call a composite reading situation, we're looking at different parts of the drum kit. Here are some key concepts to keep in mind:
These styles can be represented on the staff.
The best way to practice this is to:
Make sure you're interpreting the information correctly.
You'll generally see notation as a representation of the grooves or styles you're playing:
When moving into funk, you'll encounter:
These are representative of a funk groove.
In some hip hop grooves or funk shuffle grooves, expect:
In some fusion tunes, particularly at higher grades, you might even be playing 30-second note fills around the kit.
In Latin tunes, anticipate:
Everything has a stylistic interpretation.
Grab some melodic lines from various instruments, such as:
Look at those single-line rhythms and see how they differ from drum notation.
In melodic parts, you'll often see many ties because those notes are held, making phrases look different. Sourcing material from non-drum charts, such as melodic charts and lead sheets, will really help with your interpretation and improvisation of chart reading.
Consider looking at pieces you're not performing in your examination to check out:
This exploration can assist in your overall reading perspective.
Finally, at grades 6, 7, and 8, you'll encounter quick study pieces:
With enough practice on the other grades and pieces, you'll have no problem with the quick-study pieces, combining single-line phrases, fills, improvisation, and development in specific styles.
I hope that helps with your sight reading. Best of luck!
