ISSUE #36 \__\__\___THE____/__/__/ Dec 5, 1999 _____________TEMPO DISPATCH _____________ Newsletter For Drummers and Drumming Enthusiasts Copyright Bill Powelson 1999 all rights reserved. ____________'IT'S ALL ABOUT DRUMS'__________ Tips * Tricks * Hints * Ads * Freebies * Lessons * _________NOW 2,400+ SUBSCRIBERS!___________ THIS NEWSLETTER IS TOTALLY FREE From: Bill Powelson's HOMESTUDY INSTITUTE OF DRUMS On The Web * Where Beginners Learn FREE http://www.studydrums.com/drummers/bphome01.html E-MAIL drums01@att.net _____________________________________________ Removal Instructions For instant REMOVAL, simply hit reply and type REMOVE on the subject line. _____________________________________________ * SPECIAL HOLIDAY ANNOUNCEMENT * FREE E-BOOK * SPECIAL CHRISTMAS GIFT AVAILABLE * VIA E-MAIL: Ask for this Free E-book, in a note to: 'OUT OF THE BOX AND UNDER THE TREE' FREE: Complete instructions, explaining how to assemble that brand new drumset that came via UPS. (Santa may need this on Christmas eve . . .) _______________________________________ TABLE OF CONTENTS: What is in this issue? 1. Feature Article: Questions from Students: Coordination, Stick Clicking and Improving the weak hand? 2. Advertisements 3. Drum Instructors Wanted! 4. Hidden Website News (For paid members) 5. Humor ______________________________________ |__________FEATURE ARTICLE___________| Coordination and Stick Clicking Problems The following is typical of the many questions I receive via e-mail at the site . . . STUDENT QUESTION: I have noticed that I get my sticks crossed as I hit a tom and turn to the other. Also as I move from tom to tom, sometimes I hit the rim instead of the head. Is there a way to overcome this? MY SUGGESTIONS: #1. First, make sure all of the rims of your kit are relatively 'flush'. This will help avoid a few of the train-wrecks. #2. Are you jamming with recorded music routinely? The music will help you 'feel' the timing. What I'm saying is . . . keep playing the same ideas . . . but, find enjoyment in the music as you attempt those ideas with various songs. You will gradually smooth out as you continue to practice and play for fun. The more fun you are having . . . the longer you are likely to play . . . the LONGER you play . . . the better you'll get. One day, you'll look up and see that the coordination problems have all gone away . . . The human mind and muscles are amazing in their ability to solve these problems automatically if we just continue to play and have fun. I've noticed over the years with many, many live students in my private classes that coordination develops slowly but it is directly proportional to the number of repetitions we might perform of a given fill, roll or exercise. Many students simply do not realize that playing along with recordings accomplishes the same end, in a better way and it's more fun. This is especially true of stick-clicking. Eventually your own motor coordination will solve those problems in an automatic way, as you continue to play, play, play. Enough collisions (and avoidance of collisions) and it soon becomes a natural thing . . . Like when you burn your finger by touching the stove . . . the brain automatically knows from then on . . . to avoid the stove. MORE HELP WITH STICK CLICKING: Most stick-collisions occur as we cross our hands while playing the hi-hat with our right hand and the snare with our left. SUGGESTION #1: Try shifting your body so that your right shoulder points generally towards the bass drum. You'll be facing the hi-hat . . . this (believe it or not) will help allow for more clearance between the sticks as you play beats on the hat and snare. Also, play with the point of your left (snare) stick at about the 7 o'clock position near the rim. Likewise . . . get accustomed to playing with the right stick on the far right side of the top hi-hat cymbal. This will provide up to 3 or 4 inches of clearance between the sticks as they are in movement. This is a very helpful playing habit you may want to develop. SUGGESTION #2 Practice your rolls (without music) in sloooooooow motion. Notice which hand you are beginning with . . . Notice when and where the collisions are occurring. SUGGESTION #3 Some roll variations around the toms lend themselves to smoother transitions while others do not. For example, it may be smoother to go to the high tom first . . . rather than going to the floor tom first. Or is it? You decide . . . Use ideas that are 'naturally' easier and smoother for you individually. Discard ideas that consistently end up as mid-air stick-collisions. STUDENT QUESTION: I can't get my left hand to the same speed as my right hand (I'm right handed). How can I improve my left hand? ANS: This is a VERY common problem with all of us. About all we can do is . . . 1. Practice alternating rolls. Focus on beginning your rolls with the left . . . as you sit watching tv . . . repeat the alternating rolls endlessly as you absorb yourself in a great movie. Repeat, repeat, repeat until the rolls reach maximum perfection. (Practice on a pillow . . .) Practicing on a pillow builds strength in the hands . . . there's no bounce . . . each stroke will require physical effort and increased muscle development. Heavier sticks will also help build strength. The increased strength will result in improved coordination and greater speeds. 8th triplets and Paradiddles both need this type of (very boring) repetitious practice. But, it won't hurt a thing to practice ALL the rolls (Singles, Doubles, etc.) the same way. 2. As you begin to master syncopations with 8th rock and other beat patterns . . . the left will also be gathering improved strength and increased coordination. This bleeds over into better rolling techniques too. In short . . . remain patient . . . and play, play, play for fun. Try to enjoy 3 and 4 hour sessions while jamming with recorded music. This may do more for your coordination than all the rudiment studies in the World. _____________________________________________________ ORDER MY COMPLETE, 70+ LESSON, ONLINE DRUMMING COURSE, FOR ONLY $49 (In US funds) To order now, with your credit card, from anywhere in the World . . . go here: https://secure.catalog.com/drummers/ccard.html ................................................. MESSAGE FOR FOREIGN STUDENTS . . . The credit card companies will perform any necessary currency conversions automatically. BUT . . . IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW THE CURRENCY DIFFERENCES BETWEEN US DOLLARS AND ANY OTHER COUNTRY . . . Check the currency exchange rates, by visiting Xenon Labs The Universal Currency Converter(tm) TO USE IT . . . Enter $49 and USD at the top of the form, then find your own currency in the 'INTO' box below that, and click on 'Perform Conversion'. A few seconds later, you'll see how much the course will cost in your own currency if you live outside the U.S. .................................................. If you aren't a paid LIFETIME MEMBER yet . . . What's the hangup? _______ENROLL HERE AND NOW!__________ *** Become a LIFETIME member *** COMPUTERIZED DRUMSET LESSONS ** $49.00 (US) (Lifetime Membership) STUDY DRUMS AT YOUR COMPUTER ANYTIME! * It's like having a pro helping you at home. * Study at home anytime via password authorization (hidden site.) * E-MAIL HELP Questions ENCOURAGED & WELCOME 24 hrs a day, ALWAYS! * DRUMSET TECHNIQUES, Beginner thru ULTRA-ADVANCED. * For ALL ages 10 to 90 . . .(almost) * Student sets the pace & the schedule. * Optional downloadable zip file of COMPLETE web site drum course lessons (for offline study). * BONUS!!!! 35+ additional lessons (TD Archive.) * THESE PROVEN METHODS REALLY WORK! * This course in drumset techniques also includes FREE additional MONTHLY LESSONS via this E-mail newsletter. * No scheduling hassles and no rush hour traffic. Getting to your drum lesson is easy. Just turn on the computer! * UNLIMITED PRIVATE E-MAIL HELP TOO, with your instructor, Bill Powelson. * Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back. No hassles. * Don't you owe it to yourself to learn all you can? TO SEE THE COMPLETE LIST OF LESSONS GO TO http://www.catalog.com/drummers/contents.html All for one SPECIAL price. * * * * * * $49.00 (IN US FUNDS) WILL BUY IT ALL!!! LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP . . . * Complete Homestudy Course (65+ total lessons) * BONUS #1 Old Drums Into New Money (E-Book) * BONUS #2 Tempo Dispatch Archive (32+ lessons) * Complete 65+ lesson download. * Unlimited E-mail help and assistance. I become your personal online drum instructor! EVERYTHING ABOVE INCLUDED, ($49.00 US) https://secure.catalog.com/drummers/ccard.html ($75 is the NEXT PROJECTED PRICE INCREASE and it could occur at anytime.) I am currently and always adding new lessons. Buy now and get everything (all electronic updates) at this limited one-time low price . . . or wait and pay more. ___________________________________________________ OTHER WAYS TO PURCHASE . . . HOW TO PURCHASE (Method #2) US RESIDENTS May pay instantly with an . . . ******************** ELECTRONIC CHECK ********************** US residents! Now you can pay by check via E-mail. Any of the drum school products or services will be on their way to you in NO TIME! Send an E-mail enquiry to: . . . Mention 'E-Checks' to get details on how to pay instantly, electronically with an E-mail check. _______________________________________ HOW TO PURCHASE (Method #3) REGULAR MAIL $49.00 IN US FUNDS WILL BUY IT ALL!!! SEND CHECK, CASH or MONEY ORDER in US FUNDS to Bill Powelson 107 Douglas Dr. Holly Hill, Fl. 32117 NOTE Please include your E-mail address. FOREIGN STUDENTS: Visit your local bank and have them prepare a check or money order for $49 in US funds to Bill Powelson, then mail it to the above address. _____________________________________ Ad #2_________BEATBUG______________ DISCOUNTED SPECIAL!!! ($199.00 value) $139.00 (US FUNDS) If you purchase a BEATBUG through the school, I will include the entire $49.00 HOMESTUDY PACKAGE (above) for FREE. TRIVIA QUESTION What is a BeatBug?? DON'T KNOW? Find out here . . . Http://www.catalog.com/drummers/z.html Or order your new BeatBug here https://secure.catalog.com/drummers/ccard.html *** SPECIAL OFFER *** BUY A BEATBUG ($139) AND GET MY ENTIRE $49 COURSE (Including Lifetime Membership) FREE! ________________________________________ AD #3 "OLD DRUMS INTO NEW MONEY" E-MAIL BOOK & BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY This new book is a motherload of buying and selling tips! The music dealers hate me for writing this! Turn old drumsets into fast cash and big profits! Discover how to gain a strangle hold and squeeze BIG discounts from your neighborhood music stores. This book contains too many secrets to mention here. LEARN MORE BY visiting this quick-loading page http://www.catalog.com/drummers/oldrums.html IT'S FREE with purchase of the HOMESTUDY COURSE OR A BEATBUG! BUY IT SEPARATELY FOR. . . $18.00 (US) Via Secure Credit Card https://secure.catalog.com/drummers/ccard.html "Old Drums Into New Money" __________________________________________ AD #4 *** ANOTHER UNIQUE BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY *** (Unrelated to drumming) The Information Freeway $14.00 (US) $14.00 could put you into a very lucrative Internet business! Take it from me, this one works! It is not a MLM! I will provide you with your own information product! You will be in business for yourself almost instantly. Learn how to do it at http://www.catalog.com/drummers/ifreeway.html TO PURCHASE WITH AMEX, MASTER CARD OR VISA NOW, GO TO . . . https://secure.catalog.com/drummers/ccard.html ________________________________________ AD #5 NEW!__DISCOUNT DRUMS ONLINE__NEW! at *** VERMONT DRUMS *** E-MAIL: VermontDrums@Bigfoot.com DISCOUNT BRAND-NAMES & ENTRY LEVEL DRUMS SETS* ACCESSORIES OR SUPPLIES. Tama, Mapex, Ayotte, DW, Dixon, Trick, Grover, Dunnett (high end snares), Brady (Autralian Exotic woods), Sunlite, CB, Adam, Enforcer. Atom, Sound Source, Royce, Zildjian, Paiste, Sabian, UFIP, Istanbul, Meinl, Tosco, Camber, CB and most of the economy off brands. DRUM SET REFURBISHING & RELATED SUPPLIES (Shells * Rims * Hoops * Covering Materials, etc., etc.) Just drop Jim Casey an e-note and tell him what you need E-MAIL: VermontDrums@Bigfoot.com www.angelfire.com/biz3/vermontdrums/BP.sunlite.discounts.html MY PROMISE: If you make a purchase of $300 or more through Jim Casey at VERMONT DRUMS . . . I'll let you select 15 FREE LESSONS from the Homestudy Package (online drum course)! ******************************************************* AD #6 Join Over 11,000 Drummers and Percussionists World Wide. DrumNetwork.com - A Place for Rhythm Nuts. Send email request to... drummers-request@list.to Leave Subject line BLANK and enter the word SUBSCRIBE in the body of the email message. or Visit Us: http://DrumNetwork.com ************************************************** ________________________ |____Train yourself to___| TEACH DRUMS *** THE DRUM INSTRUCTORS GUIDE *** If you have some stage experience,why not TEACH DRUMS? Teach my methods in your locality. I WILL SHOW YOU HOW! Great income potential in most areas. TO ENQUIRE: Mention The Instructors Guide in a note to Bill Powelson ______________________________________ YES!!! YOU CAN *** MAKE MONEY *** on the Internet http://www.a2zmoney.com/drummers/money/a2zmon01.html *********** HUMOR??? ************* WAYS TO COPE WITH STRESS ------------------------ 1. Put miniature marshmallows in your ears, hum off-key loudly 2. Use your Mastercard to pay your Visa and vice-versa. 3. When someone says "have a nice day", tell them you have other plans. 4. Make a list of things to do that you have already done. 5. Fill out your tax form using Roman Numerals. 6. Tape pictures of your boss on watermelons and launch them from high places. 7. Leaf through "National Geographic" and draw underwear on the natives. 8. Stick a post-it that says, "Out to Lunch" on your forehead. 9. Go shopping. Buy everything. Sweat in it. Return it the next day 10. Buy a subscription to "Sleazoid Weekly" and send it to your boss's wife. 11. Pay your electric bill in pennies. 12. Drive to work in reverse. 13. Read the dictionary upside down and look for secret messages. 14. Start a nasty rumor and see if you recognize it when it comes back to you. 15. Braid the hairs in each nostril. 16. Write a short story using alphabet soup. 17. Stare at people through the tines of a fork and pretend they're in jail. 18. Make up a language and ask people for directions in it. 19. Bill your doctor for time spent in his waiting room. 20. Call up everyone in your rolodex; when they answer, say, "I must have the wrong number!" Thanks to JR & Christine Davis for the above. ________________________________________ If you enjoy this little 'e-zine' please show your support by reading the ads and buying the products. TO PURCHASE ANY OF THE DRUM SCHOOL PRODUCTS WITH YOUR CREDIT CARD, CLICK HERE https://secure.catalog.com/drummers/ccard.html _______________________________________ *****NOTICE!!!!! ***** Your e-mail drumming questions are ALWAYS WELCOME at I LOVE E-MAIL!!!! END OF TEMPO DISPATCH #36 Dec 5, 1999