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What to expect
A standard lesson includes focusing on specific goals that would be identified by both the teacher and the student. Lessons would include developing a student's skills in reading rhythms that satisfy the current goals, developing the technique for executing those rhythms properly, and demonstration of each of these skills by the teacher.
An assessment of a new student's ability to grasp what is being taught will be performed by the teacher during the first few lessons. Frequency of lessons may depend on the amount of time a student can practice. For youngsters, it's recommended that a student's parents get involved to ensure the student stays focused, and receives encouragement and support.
It should be understood that it is entirely up to the student as to how he or she will progress or advance. If, for example, a beginning student is not putting forth much effort or not devoting much time to practice, that student will continue learning and working on the same material until it's apparant that the student is developing and able to advance.
The standard lesson, depending on the student's commitment can occur as often as the student is prepared to schedule a lesson. It's recommended that a student in the moderate to advance stages consider a lesson every week, if possible. For the more advanced, serious student, bi-weekly lessons are recommended to allow a student sufficient time to study and practice complex rhythms and required technique.
For example, if a student is learning various swing grooves that require different sticking continuity when playing the drum set, different styles of swing will be the focus. Analyzing different ways swing is played by various bands even for the advanced students could require several hours as well as equally committed practice time. This same approach would be applied to learning other styles of music.
Note John is always available to his students should they need some help by phone.
Recommendations
Every student should practice with the metronome so that a good solid concept of tempo is established. This is critical for younger or beginning students. Professionals practice with metronomes and without (an off and on process) metronomes as a regular part of their practice routine. Practicing with a metronome is something that a student must apply with common sense. As a drummer and time keeper, it's important that the student's awareness of strengths and weaknesses be fully understood and adjusted through diligent use of a metronome. However, becoming totally dependent on the metronome is not wanted. The metronome is to be used to discover weaknesses in maintaining steady, and solid tempo's when playing various grooves or rhythms.
Students will always be provided with lesson material that is either written out lesson by lesson by the teacher, or will be a print out that will most likely contain additional notes made by the teacher for a student in particular. Also, if necessary, a tape of the lesson can be provided. In this case, the student should provide the cassette tape. This is a good idea for many students who may have a busy schedule, or just have difficulty remember things that were discussed or demonstrated.
Scheduling of a lesson on a particular day and time must be determined by both the teacher and student. However, weekday evenings or afternoons are presently available as are Saturday mornings and afternoons. Lessons by mail can be provided to students who wish to study with John Di. The cost of the lesson does not change. However, the additional cost of postage must be paid by the student. Lessons by mail would include a tape recording in which the teacher explains the lesson as described above, and a walk through in which demonstration of the lesson material is provided. Written material covering the topic(s) of focus will also be provided as part of the lesson packet.
Scheduling of a lesson on a particular day and time must be determined by both the teacher and student. However, weekday evenings or afternoons are presently available as are Saturday mornings and afternoons. Lessons by mail can be provided to students who wish to study with John Di. The cost of the lesson does not change. However, the additional cost of postage must be paid by the student.
Lessons by mail would include a tape recording in which the teacher explains the lesson as described above, and a walk through in which demonstration of the lesson material is provided. Written material covering the topic(s) of focus will also be provided as part of the lesson packet.