N E I L   G R A Y   M U S I C

L E S S O N S

As a teacher my main focus is functionality behind the drum kit and the thought process needed to find that functionality

I believe that each person is innately rhythmic and a few simple tests in class always prove that to be true. However, not everyone is functionally able to execute and sustain rhythms that they hear and that’s where my philosophy comes in. Typically, half of my class time with a student is dedicated to discovering that functionality through different exercises which build core strength, nurture independence of their limbs as well as help them to recognize musical symbols and how they relate to the different exercise and eventually to musical pieces. Along with these exercises we play to songs that highlight and utilize elements that we’ve practiced so that the student can relate the information to actual musical situations. This further opens them up to learning new exercises because they quickly make the connection between practicing and how that translates into better musical performances (ie; fun). As well, I place a strong emphasis on memory and the act of memorization because I believe that the stronger your memory is the better your overall health and well being. This translates into being more comfortable at the kit and more easily able to recall beats, fills and arrangements which leads to more successful musical situations.

Finally, another central tenet of my musical philosophy is practicing “detachment” in order to practice drums in a healthy and sustained way. We look to mitigate feelings of anger, anxiety, depression or fear of failure so that the student isn’t “roadblocked” by these emotions and gives up before they attain their goals. When our focus in the teacher-student dynamic is based on becoming detached from our “failures” and seeing them as the logical stepping stones towards success we begin to think of the many instances of failure as a way to teach us to become successful. Once a student understands this process they tend to find even more fun in the lessons and are typically more light hearted about what can be the difficult and tedious task of becoming a better musician.